A Tiny Car with a Bright Idea
Nissan has unveiled a clever new upgrade for its popular Sakura EV: the Ao-Solar Extender, a bolt-on solar roof panel. While it might look like a sunshade on steroids, it packs serious functionality. In sunny conditions, it can generate up to 500 watts, giving drivers up to 36 miles of free range per week.
That’s over 1,800 miles per year—all from sunlight.
How It Works
The Ao-Solar Extender features a two-tier panel design. The top panel extends outward, exposing additional solar cells. When fully deployed and under ideal sunlight, the system outputs 500 watts. When retracted or during cloudy weather, it still produces 80–300 watts.
The panel only charges when the vehicle is parked. You can’t drive with it extended, but you don’t need full sun all the time to benefit.
Why It Matters
With a small 20 kWh battery, the Sakura is built for city life—errands, school runs, and short commutes. Nissan says many owners already drive fewer than 36 miles per week, meaning this solar setup could cover most or all of their needs without ever plugging in.
It’s a quiet revolution: charging without chargers.
Bonus Power in Emergencies
The solar roof isn’t just for mobility. In the event of a blackout or natural disaster, the panel could provide emergency power—making it a smart add-on in earthquake-prone Japan.
Nissan will show the Ao-Solar Extender at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, alongside the debut of China’s first kei car, the BYD Racco.
The Bottom Line
Nissan’s solar roof might not win awards for style, but it could redefine convenience for city EV owners. Free miles, less grid dependence, and backup power? Sometimes simple ideas shine the brightest.
