Innovates a carbon‑neutral future next‑generation clean‑energy technology
Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, the concept features 3.8m² of high‑efficiency photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof, and tailgate.
These polymer and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight into DC power, managed through an advanced controller designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.
Solar-mobility innovator
The project began with a simple but ambitious question: What if EVs could charge themselves? This sparked a partnership with Dutch solar‑mobility innovator Lightyear, who supplied the next‑generation panel technology brought to life by Nissan’s engineering teams.
Initial long‑distance testing—including a 1,550 km journey between the Netherlands and Barcelona—demonstrated that solar integration could cut annual charging visits for a 6,000 km/year commuter from 23 to just 8.
“The solar‑powered Ariya concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility,” stated Shunsuke Shigemoto, Vice President ePowertrain & Internal Combustion Engine Powertrain (ICE), Technology Research & Advanced Engineering & Chief Powertrain Engineer, Nissan AMIEO.
