The retractable Nissan solar panel will provide up to 3000 km of range per year for electric vehicles
Nissan announced that it will present at the end of October at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 a prototype car equipped with an onboard solar power generation system.
What is known
The Ao-Solar Extender system is installed on the best-selling electric vehicle in Japan — the Nissan Sakura. It can charge the battery both while driving and parked. In a stationary state, the additional panel extends from the storage compartment, increasing the surface area of the solar panel and energy generation potential to about 500 watts.
The extended panel also creates shade and helps block sunlight from penetrating through the windshield, reducing cabin temperature and the need for air conditioning electricity. The system is designed to minimize airflow resistance while driving and harmoniously integrates into the overall look of the Sakura.
Power of Ao-Solar Extender, depending on weather conditions. Illustration: Nissan
The Nissan development team has calculated that the Ao-Solar Extender can generate enough electricity to provide a range of up to 3000 km per year. By the way, the name of the system comes from the Japanese words “aozora” (blue sky) and “solar”, symbolizing the use of solar energy and expressing harmony with nature.
The Ao-Solar Extender system concept was developed as part of an internal Nissan ideas competition in 2021 and is planned for commercial launch in the future. Exact timings will be announced later.
Source: Nissan
