Solar energy
Solar energy may be about to change one of the main headaches for electric car drivers: Constant dependence on recharges.
Nissan has unveiled an innovative concept for the Ariya SUV, equipped with solar panels integrated into the vehicle, in a clear attempt to reduce downtime at charging points and extend daily range.
The project is the result of a strategic partnership with Lightyear and focuses on the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity to power the car’s battery.
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The proposal is noteworthy because it addresses a structural problem with electric vehicles, especially in countries where charging infrastructure is still inadequate.
Unlike other point solutions already seen on the market, the concept presented by Nissan distributes three solar panels across the car: hood, roof, and trunk lid. This way, the vehicle can capture solar energy even when parked or in motion.
According to the manufacturer, the system can generate up to 23 km of extra range, a number that, although modest at first glance, becomes relevant in urban use. For short trips and daily routines, this gain can mean entire days without needing to plug the car in.
However, the efficiency of solar energy applied to electric cars depends directly on the geographical location. In regions with high solar incidence, such as Dubai, the system can recover up to 21 km of range per day. In cities with less sun, such as London, the average gain drops to about 10 km per day.
Even so, Nissan emphasizes that the benefit is not limited to the car being parked. On sunny days, a two-hour trip can yield up to 3 km of additional charge, reinforcing the idea of continuously harnessing solar energy.
According to Shunsuke Shigemoto, director at Nissan, the technology was designed to offer drivers more freedom and reduce anxiety related to autonomy.
The automaker estimates that the use of solar energy can reduce the need for recharging at charging stations by between 35% and 65%.
This data is noteworthy because it exposes a sensitive point in the energy transition: the charging infrastructure is still not keeping pace with the growth of the electric vehicle fleet.
By generating some of its own energy, the car reduces pressure on the grid and increases the viability of EVs in less prepared regions.
Although still a concept, Nissan’s initiative reignites the debate about the role of solar energy in electric mobility.
For some, this represents a real step towards energy independence. For others, the gains are still limited and insufficient to eliminate the recharging problem.
Nevertheless, the automaker’s move indicates a shift in mindset: the electric car is no longer just a consumer of energy, but is becoming, albeit partially, a generator.
Do you believe Nissan’s promise can lead more people to invest in electric cars? What’s preventing the model from becoming popular in Brazil?
He holds a degree in Advertising from UERN; a master’s degree in Social Communication from UFMG; and is pursuing a PhD in Language Studies at CEFET-MG. He has worked as a freelance writer since 2019, with texts published on websites such as Baixaki, MinhaSérie, and Letras.mus.br. Academically, his work has been published in books and presented at industry events. Among his research topics, he is particularly interested in the publishing market from a perspective that considers different social markers.
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