Miles of Sunshine

Nissan has found a new way to turn sunlight into free miles. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, the automaker will unveil the Sakura EV prototype fitted with what it calls the Ao-Solar Extender—a smart solar charging system that could give owners nearly 2,000 miles of extra range every year.

The Ao-Solar Extender comes as a sleek, roof-mounted box that integrates a 300-watt solar panel. When the car is parked, a secondary 200-watt panel slides out over the windshield, boosting total power generation to around 500 watts. Nissan says the setup can supply enough clean energy to drive up to 3,000 kilometers annually, depending on sunlight and location.

For context, the Sakura EV’s standard battery can cover about 180 kilometers on a full charge. With the Ao-Solar Extender, many short-distance drivers could drastically cut back on external charging—or skip it altogether. Nissan’s data suggests that most Sakura users drive only a few dozen kilometers daily, which means the system could provide enough solar power to meet most of their needs.

Aside from the range benefit, the extended solar panel also acts as a sunshade. By blocking sunlight through the windshield, it keeps the cabin cooler, reducing air-conditioning load and saving more battery power.

The system has been aerodynamically designed to blend into the Sakura’s silhouette, minimizing drag while maintaining efficiency even when the vehicle is moving. Nissan added that the Ao-Solar Extender can also function as an emergency power source, allowing owners to tap into stored solar energy during blackouts.

The Sakura EV with the Ao-Solar Extender will make its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29. The tech represents Nissan’s broader goal of helping EV owners rely less on grid charging and more on renewable energy—all while adding practicality and peace of mind to everyday electric driving.