Nissan a has revealed a prototype vehicle equipped with an onboard solar power generation system that will be displayed at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show this year.
The vehicle in question is the Sakura, a kei-sized electric vehicle (EV) that was launched in Japan in May 2022 and has since become a hot seller there. Attached on the roof is what the company calls the ‘Ao-Solar Extender’, which is claimed to generate enough solar electricity for up to 3,000 km of driving range annually.
The company notes the solar panel system is designed to reduce reliance on the grid and enhance the convenience of EV ownership by simplifying charging. It adds that the car’s battery will be charged so long as there is sunlight hitting the panels, regardless of whether it is being driven or parked.
The solar panel can be extended to increase the surface area and generate approximately 500 watts. In this configuration, the panel also provides shade and reduces the amount of sunlight entering through the windshield, which lowers cabin temperature and reduces the need for air-conditioning power consumption.
When the panel is not extended, up 300 watts can be generated. This figure is based on windy weather conditions, with the energy generated dropping to 80 watts on rainy days. No prizes for guessing how much energy is generated at night.
Nissan says the system was designed to minimise drag and integrate with the Sakura’s overall appearance – to us, it looks like the Sakura is wearing a sun visor. The Ao-Solar Extender concept originated within Nissan’s 2021 internal idea contest and there are plans for it to be commercially available in the future.
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