Nissan Launches Ao-Solar Extend For Sakura EV, Increases Travel Distance To 3,000 Km Per Year

Ao-Solar Extend for Sakura EV. (Photo: Nissan)

JAKARTA Today, Wednesday, October 22, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, announced a prototype of a vehicle equipped with an innovative onboard solar power generation system. Named the Ao-Solar Extender, solar panel system that can be extended and installed on this roof is claimed to be able to increase the annual distance of up to 3,000 kilometers in Nissan's best-selling electric car in Japan, Nissan Sakura.

Citing the manufacturer's website, called the built-in system, aims to reduce the dependence of electric car owners (EVs) on the power grid and simplify the daily charging process. Nissan will showcase this prototype at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 this month.

How To Work

The Ao-Solar Extender is designed to charge the vehicle both while the car is moving and when it is parked. The fixed panel installed on the roof captures solar energy as the vehicle advances. As the stationary, the additional panel can be extended from storage, increasing the surface area of the solar panels and the potential for power generation by about 500 Watts.

The development of this system is part of the second pillar of the Re:Nissan strategy, which emphasizes a new commitment to present innovative products and mobility solutions that improve customer experience.

In addition to the charging function, the expanded panel also functions to create shade. This feature helps prevent sunlight from entering through the windshield, which in turn can reduce cabin temperature and reduce power consumption needs from air conditioning.

Supporting Short Distance And Emergency Use

Installation of this system in Nissan Sakura, which is Japan's best-selling EV for three consecutive years, aims to further reduce user dependence on charging infrastructure. Data analysis shows that many Sakura owners drive for short distances, such as daily affairs or dropping off schoolchildren, meaning the power generated from the sun has the potential to eliminate electricity grid-based charging needs for most owners.

The development team also noted that this solar system could serve as an emergency power source during natural disasters.

The concept of Ao-Solar Expender itself comes from Nissan's internal idea contest in 2021. The company confirmed that the plan to launch a commercial system will be announced on a date to be set in the future.