Solar represents one of the best options for the energy future of humanity, and this, in all areas, even that of the automobile. In fact, the Dutch company Lightyear has announced the production and commercialization of what it describes as the world’s first production-ready solar car.
A solar vehicle with a range of 625 kilometers
Hybrid or electric cars still depend on charging stations to be recharged. And if car manufacturers have long refrained from using solar energy to power electric vehicles, it is because technically, a solar car remains difficult to achieve. A Dutch company has however taken the plunge, and unveiled the Lightyear One, an electric vehicle that should be powered by 100% solar energy.
The concept of this solar car was announced in 2018 and a prototype was officially unveiled the following year. And after nearly 6 years of research and development, the start-up Lightyear has finally announced that the vehicle is ready for sale. Renamed Lightyear 0 – in reference to zero carbon emissions – the vehicle has undergone numerous modifications compared to its initial concept. Either way, the promise remains the same: the solar car will be able to drive for several months over short distances without needing to be connected to an electricity grid.
Indeed, since the vehicle is equipped with curved solar panels on its roof and bonnet, exposure to the sun will recharge its 60 kWh battery, thus considerably reducing the need for recharging by mains connection. She could ride for up to 7 months without needing to be recharged. Specifically, the car is expected to have a range of 625 kilometers, of which 70 kilometers are directly derived from solar energy. However, the actual charging capacity of the solar panels will depend on the exposure of the vehicle to the sun.
A resolutely ecological vehicle
Regarding the other characteristics of the vehicle, few details have been revealed on its technical specificities. All that is known is that although the car was not really designed to break speed records, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 10 seconds. In terms of design, the five-seater vehicle sports a modern and refined style with plenty of space. Lightyear has also added an eco-friendly touch inside the vehicle, as most of its cabin has been designed with vegan and eco-friendly materials.
The seats, for example, are designed with plant-based leather, recycled plastic and rattan palm. If the Lightyear 0 seems to be a very interesting vehicle in its various characteristics, its price could be a brake on its acquisition. Indeed, if the price of the car was initially announced at 149,000 euros, it will eventually cost 250,000 euros. The first deliveries are scheduled for November, the company announced in a statement. In addition, the company also specified that it will produce only 946 copies of the vehicle available in 10 colors.
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