After 6 years of research and development, design, engineering, prototyping and testing, Dutch start up Lightyear launched the Lightyear 0 this June. It is the first production ready solar car on the market. The car is an AWD and charges on the go - up to 70 km per day from the sun alone and can theoretically drive for months without charging. While 70km might not sound like a lot, what is definitely 'a lot' is that this car changes in the EV race rules.
At a cost of €250,000, the first cars are set for delivery in November 2022 and Lightyear are taking orders now. Lightyear plans to produce 946 Lightyear 0s this year, but said that its next model, which is being designed for high volume production in late 2024 will come at a more affordable starting price point of €30,000.
The Lightyear 0 has 5 sqm of solar panels encased in safety glass in the roof, bonnet and boot. The panels charge up to 70 kilometres of range per day. The makers have managed to reduce its energy use to 10.5kWh/100km compared to the current (you know who) best selling EV at 16.1 kWh/100km. The significant difference enables it to reach a range of 625 km.
The car exterior is made from recycled carbon fibre body panels. The interior has microfibre suede seats, fabrics made from recycled PET bottles, detailing made out of rattan palm and thermal insulated particle foam.