Australia is ideal for this radical tech: 2026 Nissan Ariya concept features solar charging that could change the electric vehicle charging landscape and leave rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Kia EV5 in the shade

A self-charging Nissan Ariya concept has just been unveiled in the United Kingdom, with the in-built solar system capable of delivering up to 23km of range per day in ideal conditions.

The car features a set of 3.8cm² solar photovoltaic panels on the bonnet, roof and tailgate, which converts sunlight into DC power. 

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Nissan said the technology can reduce charging frequency by up to 65 per cent.

Solar technology allows for the car to be charged as it drives along, unlike conventional infrastructure. 

According to Nissan, a two-hour, 80km drive can produce 0.5kWh of charge, which adds up to nearly three kilometres of driving range.  

Solar charging on cars poses practical challenges for manufacturers, needing to fit big enough panels to provide sufficient charge on a small surface area.

Nissan notes the effectiveness of this solar charging is impacted by sun exposure available where the car is being driven.

Dubai, for example, has high solar exposure, meaning the vehicle can generate an average of 21km of daily solar driving range, while in London that drops to 10km a day. 

Australia could benefit from solar charging, given its climate and the current electric vehicle charging infrastructure available. 

Australia has one of the highest solar exposure rates in the world, so it would offer some of the best conditions for this technology. 

It could ease the burden of EV charging infrastructure Down Under, with electric vehicles numbers ever-increasing, but chargers popping up at a slower rate. 

At this stage, Nissan’s new technology is only a concept, with just one example built so far. 

It also remains to be seen whether this type of charging can be offered at an affordable cost point and charge at a sufficiently effective rate. 

Other companies have been dabbling in solar charging cars in recent years.

The Lightyear One was unveiled as the first-ever solar-powered car six years ago in the Netherlands, with its set-up offering 12km of range each hour in optimum conditions. 

The current Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid sold in the United States is available with an optional solar panel, which can add several kilometres of range each day.