Nissan has unveiled a solar-powered version of its Ariya electric SUV, showcasing how future electric vehicles could generate their own energy using integrated solar technology.
Revealed to mark Clean Energy Day, the solar-powered Ariya concept features a 3.8m2 solar-panel system integrated into the bonnet, roof and tailgate. Nissan says the high-efficiency photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into DC power, which is managed by an onboard controller designed to reduce reliance on external charging.
The concept was developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and its Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona.
Nissan says real-world testing has demonstrated the system’s potential to extend driving range, with up to 23km of additional range possible on a bright, sunny day. In cities with high solar exposure, such as Barcelona, the system generated an average of 17.6km of solar-powered driving per day.
Testing also showed average daily gains of 10.2km in London, 18.9km in New Delhi and 21.2km in Dubai, with Nissan estimating drivers could reduce charging frequency by between 35% and 65%, depending on usage patterns.
The concept vehicle was developed in collaboration with Dutch solar mobility company Lightyear, which supplied the next-generation solar panel technology. Long-distance testing, including a 1550km journey between the Netherlands and Barcelona, indicated that solar integration could significantly reduce the number of charging stops required for lower-mileage drivers.
“The solar-powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand-in-hand,” says Shunsuke Shigemoto, ePowertrain technology research and advanced engineering vice president.
“By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening the door to new opportunities for customers—greater freedom, reduced charging dependency, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility.”
Nissan says the project forms part of its broader research into next-generation clean energy technologies, particularly for regions with limited charging infrastructure.
The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality across the lifecycle of its products and operations by 2050, with the solar-powered Ariya concept positioned as an exploration of how renewable energy could be more deeply integrated into future electric vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJMYyVaOSw Mercedes-Benz is accelerating plans to develop a global robotaxi ecosystem, confirming it will use the new S-Class as the…
Geely’s all-electric EX2 was the best-selling vehicle in China in 2025, topping all passenger car segments with sales of 465,775…
Tesla will discontinue its Model S sedan and Model X SUV globally next quarter as the company pivots from car…
The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) has made its first transport sector investment, backing Melbourne-based autonomous electric vehicle manufacturer Applied…




 
2025 © EVs&BEYOND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2025 © EVs&BEYOND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

source