Nissan presented the concept of the Ariya electric vehicle, which charges from the sun. The car is equipped with solar panels covering an area of 3.8 m², integrated into the hood, roof, and rear door, which can significantly increase range and reduce dependency on charging stations. Development was conducted by engineers from Dubai and Barcelona. The panels, made from polymers and glass, convert sunlight into direct current, which is managed by a controller optimizing energy consumption.
According to test results, under ideal conditions, the system can provide up to 23 km of additional range per day. In cities with high solar activity, such as Barcelona, the car can generate an average of 17.5 km per day. In London, this figure is 10 km/day, in New Delhi – 18.8 km/day, and in Dubai – 21.2 km/day.
Nissan estimates that drivers could reduce charging frequency by up to 65% depending on usage. For example, a two-hour drive covering 80 km could produce 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding up to 2.9 km of free travel with zero emissions. This technology is particularly relevant for regions with limited charging infrastructure. Nissan notes that the project began with the question of the possibility of self-charging electric vehicles. The Dutch company Lightyear partnered in the development, providing next-generation panels.
