Nissan’s Ariya Goes Solar with Panels That Generate Power On the Go

Nissan engineers thought it would be a good idea to explore a concept that combined electric mobility with renewable energy. They chose the Ariya, an all-electric crossover noted for its silky smooth performance and ample interior capacity, and added some solar panels to it. This concept vehicle stands out because it has solar cells all over the hood, top, and rear, and you can’t tell they’re there because they don’t interfere with the elegant lines that make the Ariya so sleek.

The designers collaborated closely with IM Efficiency, a Dutch company, to perfect the solar cells. These cells span around 41 square feet of the vehicle’s exterior; they weren’t crowded in there, but they blended in well with the rest of the bodywork. The panels are simply affixed to glass, allowing the cells to catch sunlight while remaining aesthetically pleasing. The team worked hard to ensure that the solar panels did not interfere with the Ariya’s aerodynamics, causing it to become draggy or anything. They wanted it to be as quick and responsive as the normal model.

Inside, the driver has the same Ariya experience as before, but with solar power. The dual screens are still present, handling all of the standard functions and navigation. There’s still plenty of legroom for passengers and just enough cargo space for a weekend away (or a load of groceries). The lighting is still ambient and serene, and driver aids like as adaptive cruise control are still available to keep you safe and seem professional.

It performs similarly like any other Ariya, with the exception that it now generates some extra electricity on the move thanks to the solar panels. The conventional front-wheel drive vehicle still produces roughly 214 horsepower, but the all-wheel drive option increases it to 389. The battery options range from 63 to 87 kilowatt-hours, so you can still go up to 300 miles on a single charge, but you’ll have more power to play with.

The solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC), and on a clear day, they can generate enough energy to increase your range by 14 miles. Real-world testing demonstrated that they can gather approximately 0.5 kilowatt-hours in just two hours, which is equivalent to an additional 3 kilometers. Of course, it won’t revolutionize your life, but it’s comforting to know you won’t have to stop at charging stations as frequently.

Engineers chose polymer and glass for the panels because they are durable and can survive harsh weather conditions. The nicest part is that they operate well even when there isn’t much sunlight around. Nissan opted to launch the solar AIry on Clean Energy Day, which is ideal timing, and believes it is a positive start toward making future electric vehicles that use renewable energy more seamless. This solar Ariya thing is only a concept, but it demonstrates that it is possible to do so without making the car seem completely bizarre. Who wouldn’t want to convert sunlight into miles on the fly without having to do anything else?