Electric vehicle manufacturers are now focusing on capturing solar energy, with a Dutch company called Lightyear already working on this front and aiming to launch a solar-powered vehicle by the middle of 2022.
In recent tests, Lightyear’s ‘Lightyear One’ electric vehicle (EV) was able to go over 399 km (248 miles) at an average speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) on a single charge of its 60-kWh battery. These tests were carried out at a faster pace and at lower temperatures than the prior ones.
Megan Parfitt, the project’s test coordinator said, “Both of these things have an impact on the efficiency of the vehicle, so this lets us see how the vehicle performs in different real-world conditions.”
The Lightyear One was first put to the test by travelling over 708.1 kilometres (440 miles) on a single battery charge. The Lightyear One spent 141 Wh/km of solar energy during the latest testing, which were conducted on a Bridgestone tyre company-owned test track in Aprilia, Italy.
“What this means is that on one charge you would be able to drive over 400 km. For example, that’s from Amsterdam all the way to Luxembourg,” Parfitt said and added,
“Comparing that to other vehicles on the market right now, that’s about one and a half times further than a directly comparable vehicle, can do with the same battery size.”
Availability and Price
According to the website, Lightyear One bookings began months ago, and deliveries will begin this summer. However, only Norway and Switzerland are eligible for deliveries.
It costs €150,000 (Rs. 30 million/$171,000) to reserve a vehicle, and it is also feasible to reserve one by becoming a corporate stakeholder.
The Lightyear Two will be accessible in 2024/2025, according to Lightyear’s CEO, Lex Hoefsloot, and will cost roughly €30,000 (Rs. 60 million/$34,400), which is less expensive than the Lightyear One.
Lightyear’s second model has received a 5,000-unit order from LeasePlan, a well-known Dutch fleet management business.
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