World’s first production-ready solar car unveiled

Snapshot

  • Solar-run Lightyear disclosed
  • Production-prepared EV brings up to 70km of further range for each working day
  • Priced from €250,000 (AU$372,450) more-inexpensive model coming

Lightyear has unveiled the , a new electrical auto that harnesses the sun’s electricity.

Sharing no link with Pixar or Excitement Lightyear, the photo voltaic-powered Lightyear (zero) can be recharged with the sunlight.

The motor vehicle is an evolution of the Lightyear Just one prototype discovered in 2021, with alterations to the lights and aspect profile.

Lightyear 0 Solar Car 01

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With five sq. metres of solar panels throughout its bonnet, roof and where the rear windscreen would frequently sit, the Lightyear can produce energy when stationary and driving.

The Dutch-based organization promises this can insert up to 70 kilometres of driving vary for every working day or 11,000km for each calendar year, in ideal temperature ailments wherever the sky is very clear.

Cloudier regions, this sort of as the Netherlands, see this fall to close to 20 kilometres of added driving selection for every working day.

Lightyear 0 Solar Car 06

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Tipping the scales at 1575 kilograms, the Lightyear utilises recycled carbon fibre overall body panels and a somewhat tiny 60kWh battery pack.

It has a WLTP-rated driving range of 625 kilometres in advance of working with photo voltaic electrical power.

The automobile has a <0.19 drag coefficient (Cd) and aerodynamic covers over its 19-inch alloy wheels, along with partial rear-wheel spats.

Lightyear 0 Solar Car 05

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For reference, the most-economical Mercedes-Benz EQS has a 0.20 drag coefficient.

The Lightyear 0 can gain 300km of driving range overnight using a standard household outlet.

Meanwhile, a rapid fast charger brings 520km of driving range in one hour.

Despite featuring an independent electric motor on each wheel, the all-wheel-drive Lightyear 0 has a maximum power output of 130kW, allowing for a 10-second run to 100km/h. Its top speed is listed at 160km/h.

Lightyear 0 Solar Car 011

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Inside, the vehicle features vegan-friendly upholstery and a 10.1-inch infotainment system running the Android Automotive operating system.

There is room for five passengers with a 610-litre boot capacity. It is currently unknown if the Lightyear 0 includes a front boot.

Lightyear co-founder and CEO Lex Hoefsloot said the vehicle achieves the brand’s “dream of building the most sustainable car on the planet.”

Lightyear Research Vehicles Tesla M 3 VW Crafter Over The Bridge

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Above: a Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen Crafter, with prototype solar panels

Research and development commenced in 2016, with prototypes hitting the road three years later.

Production is set to commence in November, with a maximum of 946 units.

It is priced from €250,000 (AU$372,450), with the brand claiming a more-affordable, mass-produced version – around €30,000 ($45,000) – will be assembled by 2025.

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