Nissan made a retractable solar panel for the Sakura electric car

According to the Toyota Prius Prime, installing a solar panel on the roof of the car —s an interesting idea, but in reality it only provides a few free kilometers of mileage per day due to limited space. Nissan, however, seems to have found a solution to this problem. The company has unveiled a new prototype of its popular Sakura electric car with the AO-Solar Extender system — an oversized retractable solar panel.

When fully deployed in the sun, the AO-Solar Extender can add up to 1,864 miles of mileage per year and power several on-board accessories. The panel works both while driving and while parked. When deployed, it generates up to 500 watts of power in sunny weather. The panel also protects the windshield from direct rays, lowering the cabin temperature and reducing the air conditioner’s power consumption.

When the system is retracted in drive mode, it continues to produce about 300 watts in the sun and about 80 watts in the rain — significantly more than the Prius Prime’s solar roof, which can produce a maximum of 185 watts. At the same time, Nissan says the roof design does not compromise aerodynamics and harmonizes with the Sakura’s design.

Nissan plans to put the AO-Solar Extender into commercial production; the company will announce details later. The new model will be a useful addition to the Sakura — Japan’s most popular electric car from 2022, known for its ample range, attractive looks and spacious interior. The AO-Solar Extender will make its public premiere at the Japan Mobility Show on October 30, 2025.