Although electric vehicles (EVs) are undoubtedly the way of the future, charging facilities can be tough to come by in some locations. You may also forget to charge your electric vehicle at times. Lightyear recognizes the challenge and has developed the Lightyear 0, a solar-powered electric vehicle with five square meters of solar panels that allows for extremely extended charging times.
Lightyear claims that its Lightyear 0, formerly known as the Lightyear One, can operate for months without needing to be recharged.
In cloudy climates, the solar car may travel for up to two months without needing to charge, based on average commuting estimates of roughly 35 kilometers per day, or 21 miles.
Lightyear claims that its solar EV can last up to seven months without recharging in brighter climates.
The Lightyear 0 has a range of 625 kilometers (388 miles) with its 60kWh battery. There are some very final verification tests to be done.
It can use its solar panels while traveling or stationed outside to extend that range even further, providing an additional 70 kilometers (43 miles) of solar charge every day.
Lightyear claims to be able to generate 11,000 kilometers of solar output each year.
When you need to charge the Lightyear 0, you could use a standard household outlet, which will charge it at a rate of 32 kilometers per hour.
EVs may be charged at 200 kilometers per hour at public charging stations, and 520 kilometers per hour at fast-charging stations.
Solar charging is far more inactive and only provides 10 kilometers per hour of energy.
Because the real driving parameters are quite ordinary, it’s painfully evident that Lightyear concentrated on the range and charging features with the Lightyear 0.
The Lightyear 0 has a 10-second 0 to 100 km/h time and a top speed of 160 km/h.
The Lightyear 0 doesn’t seem to attract thrill-seekers, but you can’t disagree with the environmental advantage.
Only 946 Lightyear 0 models will be produced, each costing €250,000 (approximately $260,000).
Lightyear plans to begin offering test drives in June, begin production in the fall, and deliver the first Lightyear 0 in November, according to the company.
To read our blog on “World’s first production-ready solar car produced by Lightyear,” click here.