Nissan Introduces Solar Panel Concept for ARIYA SUV

Nissan are aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050, and the introduction of a solar-powered concept version of the Nissan ARIYA SUV is the latest in their strive for clean energy.

The solar-powered concept for the Nissan ARIYA has been developed by Nissan engineers in Dubai, alongside the planning team based in Barcelona. Aiming to make EVs more efficient, the solar-powered Nissan ARIYA concept is a bold exploration into the future of electric driving, using the sun as a renewable energy source.

The concept vehicle features 3.8m² of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels on the roof, bonnet and tailgate of the Nissan ARIYA. Panels are glass-based and have the potential to convert sunlight into rapid DC power. The generated power will be managed by an advanced control system within the vehicle, with the aim to reduce the need for drivers to stop and plug-in to charge their Nissan ARIYA. Nissan have claimed the solar panels would be able to provide up to 14.3 miles range across a day, provided the right weather conditions. Claims have also been made that suggest a two-hour or 50-mile drive could produce up to 0.5kWh of clean energy, adding a up to 1.8 miles further of free and zero-emission range.

The vice president for Nissan’s ePowertrain and internal combustion engines, Shunsuke Shigemoto, said “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.” Despite remaining as a concept for now, the solar-powered Nissan ARIYA design provides a great example for the future direction of clean energy technology from Nissan.

Currently at Greenhous Nissan, the standard all-electric ARIYA is available with a 63kWh or 87kWh battery, offering a combined (WLTP) range of up to 250 miles or 329 miles respectively.

Call Greenhous Nissan today on 01743 454020 to find out more about the current Nissan ARIYA, or arrange a test drive.