Dutch Firm Releases 'First Solar Car That Travels 450 Miles On Single Charge
Lightyear is one of the pioneers in clean mobility, this time, it releases the prototype of Lightyear One, the world’s first long-range solar car. After two years of dreaming, thinking, designing, and developing, finally, Lightyear has achieved its mission of making clean mobility available for everyone.
Presented to a selected audience of
investors, partners, press, and customers in the TheaterHangaar in
Katwijk, the Netherlands, Lightyear One Solar Car wants to represent a
new era of sustainable driving. Started from scratch,
Lightyear followed the laws of physics to purposely design a car that
has the ability to get the most out of every ray of sunshine. The
development team focused relentlessly to optimize efficiency as well as
safety. The main goal of this project is to fill in where electric cars
fall short because research has shown that range and the lack of
charging options are becoming the top concerns to most people when
considering electric cars. Lightyear
One offers an exceptional range of 725km using a relatively small
battery. Furthermore, it can charge directly from the sun because its
energy consumption is much lower. In this way, all charging options out
there become easier since you get a lot more range for the same amount
of energy charged. You can charge up to 400km per night just from
ordinary 230V sockets. The prototype of this car is constructed from
high-tech materials yet have the lowest weight possible without
sacrificing passenger safety. Lightyear One is propelled by four
independently driven wheels, no energy is lost in transit from the
engine to the wheel. The solar cells are built onto the roof and hood,
about five square meters, in safety glass so strong that even a fully
grown adult can walk on them without causing dents. Lightyear One
Long-Range Solar Car can also be charged at a fast charging station or a
regular outlet. At this moment, Lightyear One is still at the
prototype stage with staggering specifications, but the company promises
the next models would have a significantly lower purchase price.
Lightyear wants to combine the low operating costs of the vehicle while
providing premium mobility for low rice per kilometer. The company will
start the production of Lightyear One in 2021.