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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you guys share news about nissan models that will NEVER be sold in malaysia, yet doesnt even share news or review the nissan serena C28 ePower that was released a year ago.
When it actually gets launched in Malaysia (it hasn’t) and Nissan lets us drive it, we will.
The major gaol should provide at least 1 hour Aircond,
And not generating rattling noise for the quiet EV drive.
This concept comes right before the comfortable BYD Kei with sliding doors launching with AEON JPN Collab…
adding more weight at the top of a tall car , raising the center of gravity. not the best idea.
u want to drift with this type of car izzit ?
what drift ? higher CoG will make the car tend to easily roll over during high speed maneouvere, as proven in numerous tests already .
Yes not a good thing but probably no worst than a roof box. Besides, BEV cars usually have very low CoM due to batteries under the floor.
Nice and interesting. But i don’t think tan chong have the depth to bring in this vehicle.
btw, P2 have been very quiet with it’s new BEV. it must have draw a lot of cash flow for the development of this new BEV. let’s see if they will suffer the same pitfalls like P1 in developing new vehicle from ground up. I do hope they survive and thrive… but i see great challenge ahead. will P2 have the volume ?
This design could easily topple by typhoon gust