After six years of research and development, design, engineering, prototyping and testing, the Lightyear 0, the world's first solar-powered car, is set to go into production this fall.

It will allow drivers to travel freely for seven months without having to plug into a household outlet or charging station.

7 months of “solar” autonomy

The Lightyear 0 is obviously an electric car, equipped with 5 m² of solar panels, which allows it to recharge while driving or simply being parked outside.

In optimal conditions, the Lightyear 0 can have 70 kilometers of autonomy per day, in addition to the WLTP autonomy estimated at 625 kilometers provided by its batteries.

If we consider that the average daily journey does not exceed 35 km, this means that the Lightyear 0 should be able to drive up to 7 months in summer in southern Europe before having to connect to a terminal. public or household outlet.

In less sunny latitudes such as the Netherlands, where the Lightyear 0 originated, this represents a battery life of two months without charging.

Equipped with 4 motors integrated into the wheels, the Lightyear 0 promises to be very economical.

It would only claim 10.5 kWh/100 km at 110 km/h.

A very good result due to a record drag coefficient (Cx of less than 0.19) but also to a contained mass.

Despite its 5 meters long, the car weighs only 1,575 kg.

Thus, at 110 km/h on the highway, the Lightyear 0 should be able to drive for 560 kilometers in a row. 

A second model at €30,000

Production of the Lightyear 0 is expected to begin this fall.

946 copies will be assembled.

The first car will be delivered in November against a check for… €250,000!

By the end of 2024, beginning of 2025, the brand is planning a second mass-produced model, the price of which should be around €30,000.

To learn more about the world's first solar car, visit lightyear.one.

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  • Automotive

  • Electric car

  • Solar

  • Solar energy

  • renewable energy

  • Solar panels

  • ecology

  • Energetic transition