EV startup Lightyear has been working on launching the world's first solar car for the past six years for a more sustainable environment. Formerly known as Lightyear One, the solar car is now called Lightyear 0 and is ready for production. Expected to be commercially available in November, the company promises up to seven months of travel without having to plug into a household outlet or charging station.
The world's first solar car — How does it feel to drive Lightyear 0?
According to the company, Lightyear 0 equips five square meters of patented double-curved solar panels. This allows the vehicle to charge itself when you are commuting or have parked the vehicle outdoors in sunlight. The company says the car can drive itself with a range of 70 kilometers per day in addition to its WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range of 625 kilometers.
“In 2016, we only had one idea; three years later we had a prototype. Now, after six years of testing, iteration, (re)design and countless obstacles, Lightyear 0 is proof that the impossible is actually possible,” says Lightyear co-founder and CEO Lex Hoefsloot.
Looking inside, the Lightyear 0's four in-wheel motors use 10.5 kWh per 100 kilometers at 110 km/h, making it one of the most efficient electric vehicles. At highway speeds of 110 km/h, the Lightyear 0 offers a range of 560 km on a single charge.
