LATEST NEWS Driving on Sunshine: Nissan Celebrates Clean Energy Day With A Solar-Powered Ariya Concept
29 January 2026
<ul> <li>Equipped with 3.8m2 custom solar-panel system using high efficiencyphotovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into DC power</li> <li>Real-world testing shows up to 23 km additional range on a bright sunnyday </li> <li>Concept demonstrates Nissan’s innovation towards a carbon-neutralfuture through next-generation clean-energy technology</li> </ul>
Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai andPowertrain Planning team in Barcelona, the concept features 3.8m2 of high-efficiencyphotovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof, and tailgate. These polymer andglass-based solar panels convert sunlight into DC power, managed through an advancedcontroller designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charginginfrastructure.
Technology that unlocks new EV freedom
Real-world testing reveals the transformative potential of the system:
- In ideal conditions, the system can deliver up to 23 km of additional rangeper day
- In cities with high solar exposure—such as Barcelona—the vehicle cangenerate an average of 17.6 km of daily solar driving range
- Year-round averages show significant gains globally: 10.2 km/day in London,18.9 km/day in New Delhi, and 21.2 km/day in Dubai
- Drivers can reduce their charging frequency by 35–65%, depending on usage
- A two-hour, 80 km journey can produce 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding upto 3 km of free, zero-emission range
Such performance has powerful implications for regions with limited charginginfrastructure. Drivers could enjoy longer intervals between charges, greater
A collaboration that turned a bold idea into reality
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 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 building a cleaner, more connected world. By exploring solar charging as an integrated EV solution, Nissan continues to innovate toward its global ambition of achieving carbon neutrality across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global car manufacturer that sells a full line of vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in four regions: Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas, and AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania).
For more information about our products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit Nissan AMI.You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
For more information, please contact:
Bassam Saifi
Deputy General Manager – Corporate Communications
Nissan Middle East FZE
E-mail: bassam.saifi@nissan-me.ae
Phone: +971 (0) 58 941 0090
Zaran Tarapore
Senior Account Manager
Edelman Middle East
E-mail: zaran.tarapore@edelman.com
Phone: +971 (0) 56 422 3536
