Dutch Startup Lightyear Unveils First Long-Range Solar-Powered EV
Lightyear reveals a prototype electric car that harvests energy directly from the sun to achieve a 450-mile range. The vehicle aims to reduce reliance on the power grid despite its hefty price tag.
Dutch startup Lightyear unveils the Lightyear One, a prototype electric vehicle that collects power directly from the sun rather than relying solely on the grid. The car features 16 square feet of solar cells embedded in safety glass across its roof and hood, allowing it to continuously charge while driving or parked. This ground-up design results in a sleek, consumer-ready vehicle that boasts an impressive 450-mile range on a single charge.
The company reports that it already sells over a hundred vehicles, with reservations open for 500 additional units ahead of a planned 2021 production start. Securing one of these initial cars requires a hefty upfront payment of around $136,000 USD. Despite the premium cost, the vehicle appeals to drivers who experience range anxiety, as its highly efficient, lightweight build allows it to gain roughly 250 miles of range from just one night of charging via a standard 230V outlet.
While the Lightyear One still accepts power from regular outlets and charging stations for quick top-ups, its primary innovation lies in maximizing solar energy to supplement traditional electric driving. The startup faces the challenge of actually bringing this expensive, small-batch product to market. However, the technological achievement represents a significant potential new direction for the future of electric vehicles.