Nissan believes in a good sunburn
- Published on 29/01/2026 16:25
With the solar Ariya concept, Nissan explores the use of photovoltaic energy to slightly increase range.
On the occasion of International Clean Energy Day, Nissan presents its solar Ariya concept, an electric vehicle equipped with 3.8 m² of high-performance photovoltaic panels on the hood, roof, and tailgate. These cells convert sunlight into direct current, managed by a control unit optimized to maximize energy efficiency and reduce dependence on charging stations.
Nissan moves step by step
Developed by the Advanced Product Planning teams in Dubai and the Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, this prototype illustrates Nissan’s research into sustainable electric mobility. Real-world testing shows a potential range gain of up to 23 km per day under ideal conditions, with daily averages ranging from 10 km in London to 21 km in Dubai. Therefore, while these figures are interesting, they remain marginal compared to the investment required to equip a vehicle with solar panels, and do not constitute a sustainable solution for current mobility needs.
The project was developed in collaboration with Lightyear, a Dutch specialist in solar panels for vehicles, and tested on long-distance trips, including a 1,550 km route between the Netherlands and Barcelona. These tests confirm that, despite the commendable initiative, solar charging remains a supplement today rather than a primary energy source for an electric vehicle.
You might be interestedin this article:
However, Nissan sees this technology as a step towards the future: by improving panel efficiency and energy integration, solar charging could become a more significant asset for tomorrow’s electric mobility, contributing to Nissan’s carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
READ ALSO: Aptera takes a decisive step with its solar car
This page is translated from the original post "Nissan croit au bon coup de soleil" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
