One of the world's most popular car brands has unveiled revolutionary technology that could see drivers increase their battery range when driving in the sun.
Nissan has unveiled a concept version of its best-selling Ariya model with a solar panel system that can add range to the vehicle when it is travelling.
The concept, which has been unveiled as part of the Clean Energy Day, aims to demonstrate how future electric vehicles could benefit from the sun.
High-efficiency photovoltaic solar panels were added to the hood, roof and tailgate of the Ariya to harness the power of the sun.
The panels then convert sunlight into DC power through an advanced controller designed to optimise energy use and reduce reliance on public chargers.
Real-world testing showed that the Ariya added up to 14.3 miles of additional range to the EV powertrain on a bright, sunny day.
This could bring a suitable range for drivers across the world, with Nissan suggesting that motorists in London could add around 6.3 miles per day.
Other drivers could add 10.9 miles in Barcelona, 11.7 miles extra in New Dehli and 13.2 miles per day in Dubai.
Nissan's revolutionary solar-powered Ariya concept car added 14 miles of range in real-world testing
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Nissan highlighted that this could have a huge benefit for motorists in sunny countries, even when the charging infrastructure is more limited.
Shunsuke Shigemoto, Vice President ePowertrain & Internal Combustion Engine Powertrain (ICE), Technology Research & Advanced Engineering & Chief Powertrain Engineer, Nissan AMIEO, praised the promising new vehicle technology.
He added: "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.
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Even drivers in London could add an average of six miles per day
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"This concept is not just a technical milestone; it's a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility."
The project was developed by Nissan's Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and the Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona.
The non-solar-powered version of the Ariya offers drivers up to 330 miles of battery range and rapid charging capabilities, with prices starting from £37,500.
Nissan retains its goal of ensuring its products and operations are carbon neutral across their life cycle by 2050.