Driving on Sunshine: Nissan Celebrates Clean Energy Day with Solar-Powered ARIYA Concept

As part of Clean Energy Day, Nissan has unveiled a solar-powered ARIYA concept, showcasing how future electric vehicles could harness the sun, the world’s most abundant renewable energy source.

Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and the Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, the concept features a 3.8m² system of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof, and tailgate. These polymer- and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight directly into DC power, managed by an advanced controller to optimise energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.

Technology That Unlocks New EV Freedom

Real-world testing demonstrates the potential of the solar system:

• In ideal conditions, it can provide up to 14.3 miles of additional range per day.
• In sunny cities like Barcelona, the vehicle can generate an average of 10.9 miles of daily solar range.
• Year-round averages show significant gains globally: 6.3 miles/day in London, 11.7 miles/day in New Delhi, and 13.2 km/day in Dubai.
• Drivers could reduce charging frequency by up to 65%, depending on usage.
• A two-hour, 50-mile journey can generate 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding up to 1.8 miles of zero-emission range.

This technology has clear benefits for regions with limited charging infrastructure, offering longer intervals between charges, greater autonomy, and reduced cost of ownership simply by parking or driving in the sun.

A Collaboration That Turned a Bold Idea into Reality

The project began with a simple question: What if EVs could charge themselves? This led to a partnership with Dutch solar-mobility innovator Lightyear, who supplied the next-generation panel technology, brought to life by Nissan’s engineering teams.

“The solar-powered ARIYA concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand‑in‑hand. 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.” said Shunsuke Shigemoto, Vice President ePowertrain & Internal Combustion Engine Powertrain (ICE), Technology Research & Advanced Engineering & Chief Powertrain Engineer, Nissan AMIEO.

A Step Toward Nissan’s 2050 Carbon-Neutrality Goal

The solar-powered ARIYA concept reflects Nissan’s long-term commitment to a cleaner, more connected world. By integrating solar charging into EVs, Nissan continues to innovate toward its global ambition of achieving carbon neutrality across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050.

At Western & Barnetts Nissan, we are excited to showcase how innovations like the solar-powered ARIYA are shaping the future of electric mobility, giving drivers more freedom, lower emissions, and a cleaner, smarter driving experience.