Lightyear launches first vehicle with solar recharge
The company now stands as a clear competitor to Tesla, who has been insisting in this field for some time
Lightyear has presented on Tuesday the world’s first electric car with solar recharge and with a “long-range” autonomy, up to 725 kilometers of autonomy (in WLTP cycle), and which is seen as a clear Tesla competitor.
The model is called Lightyear One and can charge its battery directly with the sun without needing charging infrastructure. The company figures in 20,000 kilometers a year the energy that can be obtained through the solar panels of the vehicle.
As detailed by the Dutch firm, founded in 2016 by alumni of Eindhoven Solar Team, the car is manufactured with high-tech materials to have the least weight possible and, at the same time, maintain a strict safety for passengers.
The Lightyear One is powered by four independent drive wheels, so no energy is lost in the transit from the engine to the wheel. The roof and the hood are composed of five square meters of solar cells integrated in a safety glass.
In addition to solar energy, the model can be recharged in a fast charging station or even in a regular power outlet.
Lightyear will increase the production of Lightyear One in 2021. The first 100 cars have already been reserved. Through the website of the company, buyers can now reserve one of the 500 units for payment of 119,000 euros.
K. Tvoar
Source: Xakata
