Lightyear 0 (solar car)

2022: Start of mass production

On December 6, 2022, the Dutch company Lightyear announced the start of mass production of the world's first car capable of fully receiving energy from solar panels.

The Lightyear 0 (formerly called Lightyear One) took approximately six years to develop. Each part of the machine is carefully designed to minimize energy consumption and maximize range. The car has a record aerodynamic drag coefficient for production vehicles - 0.175. The design uses aluminum and carbon fiber. The total dimensions are 5083×1972×1445 mm, weight - 1575 kg.

Lightyear 0 (solar car)

The upper surface of the Lightyear 0 body is covered with solar panels with a total area of ​ ​ approximately five square meters. It is claimed that on a sunny day they are able to generate such an amount of energy that will be enough for 70 km of the path. Thus, theoretically, when moving in urban conditions, the machine will not need traditional charging at all, although this possibility is also provided - there is a battery pack weighing 350 kg and a capacity of 60 kVt·ch. The total range, as noted, reaches 625 km.

The sunmobile is equipped with four independently controlled motor wheels. The total power is 170 horsepower, the peak torque is 1720 N·m. Acceleration from a place to 100 km/h takes about 10 s, the maximum speed reaches 160 km/h. The on-board infotainment system is equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display.

The car is designed for 4-5 passengers. The Lightyear 0 assembly is organized at the Valmet Automotive plant in Finland, where it is planned to produce one car per week. The price is about $255 thousand, acceptance of orders has already begun^[1]

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