World’s first production-ready solar car unveiled

Lightyear has unveiled the , a new electric auto that harnesses the sun’s power.

Sharing no relationship with Pixar or Buzz Lightyear, the solar-run Lightyear (zero) can be recharged with the solar.

The vehicle is an evolution of the Lightyear 1 prototype discovered in 2021, with modifications to the lights and facet profile.

10

With 5 sq. metres of solar panels throughout its bonnet, roof and wherever the rear windscreen would typically sit, the Lightyear can generate energy though stationary and driving.

The Dutch-primarily based organization promises this can add up to 70 kilometres of driving range for each working day or 11,000km per yr, in exceptional weather problems where by the sky is crystal clear.

Cloudier areas, this kind of as the Netherlands, see this fall to about 20 kilometres of more driving assortment for every day.

10

Tipping the scales at 1575 kilograms, the Lightyear utilises recycled carbon fibre system panels and a relatively little 60kWh battery pack.

It has a WLTP-rated driving selection of 625 kilometres ahead of making use of solar electricity.

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

10

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.

10

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.”

10

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.