Thanks to solar panels, the $ 263,000 Lightyear can run for up to seven months between 0 charges.

The Dutch startup Lightyear hopes to move the electric car market into the future with its new Lightyear 0. The EV is equipped not only with wheel engines and aerodynamic design, but also with solar panels that help it go far. if possible.

Far from being a celestial concept, Lightyear 0 promises to begin production this fall. According to him, the first deliveries may begin in early November.

“Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for since the five founders described their dream of creating the most sustainable car on the planet, sitting in the kitchen,” said Lex Hofslut, founder and CEO of Lightyear. “In 2016, we only had an idea; Three years later we had a prototype. Now, after six years of testing, iteration, (re-design) and countless obstacles, Lightyear 0 proves that the impossible is possible.

Also read: Lightyear Two has been announced, coming in 2024/2025 with a price tag of € 30,000

For starters, Lightyear tried to make the EV as efficient as possible. The shape of the car gives it an impedance factor of 0.19, which is well comparable to the Mercedes EQXX concept and should make it the most aerodynamic family car on sale when it comes out.

It is slippery but very light. Weighing only 3472 pounds (1575 kg), it is slightly heavier than the Toyota Supra. This is slightly smaller than the BMW 7 Series, despite the fact that its length exceeds 16.4 feet (5000 mm).

This size allows it to have 54 square feet (5 square meters) of patented double curved solar arrays, allowing Lightyear to charge at any time under 0 days. The carmaker claims that the car has a solar output of up to 6,835 miles (11,000 km) per year. Under optimal conditions, it can cover a distance of 43 miles (70 km) per day.

This, according to Lightyear, is that people use their car for an average daily journey (which is 22 miles). [35 km] long) can last up to seven months between charges in daytime countries. While this is the best-case scenario, even Dutch consumers believe that if Lightyear 0 is parked on the street, payments could rise for up to two months.

Ignoring solar charging, the automaker estimates that the car will have a WLTP range of 388 miles (625 km) on a single charge. At a highway speed of 68 miles (110 km / h), he estimates that the vehicle will be able to travel 348 miles (560 km) before it runs out of juice. This is due to the aerodynamics and highly efficient engines placed on the wheels. The car manufacturer claims that its drive is currently the most efficient in the EV at trunk speeds, using only 10.5 kW / h for 62 miles (100 km).

It’s not even some Spartan prototype inside. Lightyear 0 promises to have a 10.1-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded over the air. At this time, the materials are completely vegetarian and it uses natural textiles such as microfiber suede chairs and rattan palm parts.

It all comes at a price. The carmaker said today that Lightyear will start at € 250,000 (US $ 263,243 at current exchange rates). It also produces only 946 of them a year. It plans to create a similar model aimed at a mass market audience with a starting price of 30,000 euros ($ 31,589). Production of this car will begin in late 2024 / early 2025.