World’s first production-ready solar car unveiled

Lightyear has unveiled the , a new electric vehicle that harnesses the sun’s electricity.

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

The motor vehicle is an evolution of the Lightyear One particular prototype uncovered in 2021, with improvements to the lights and aspect profile.

With 5 sq. metres of photo voltaic panels across its bonnet, roof and the place the rear windscreen would commonly sit, the Lightyear can make ability while stationary and driving.

The Dutch-based corporation promises this can insert up to 70 kilometres of driving variety for every day or 11,000km for every yr, in optimal weather ailments where the sky is obvious.

Cloudier locations, these types of as the Netherlands, see this drop to about 20 kilometres of further driving array for every day.

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

It has a WLTP-rated driving variety of 625 kilometres right before applying photo voltaic electric power.

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

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.

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.”

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.