5 Cool Facts About Lightyear Zero: A Solar-powered EV With 1,000km Range

Europe-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Lightyear One has debuted its first-ever production vehicle, the Lightyear 0. It’s a zero-emissions vehicle powered by a conventional EV battery and solar panels on the roof and bonnet. Overall, the company claims that you can get up to 1,000km of range between two charges, and on its own, solar power can add 70km of range per day of sun exposure. 

Lightyear One EV can go a long time without plugging in

While the specs and solar range estimates might not sound exciting, Lightyear One claims that its EV can go a long time without charging – a few weeks, or even months! If your Zero EV will be used for a 35km work commute, for example, you’ll be able to go two to seven months without needing to plug in the EV. 

It can charge quickly even with a regular plug point

It’s fairly efficient at charging, too. Plugged into a home socket, the EV can recover 32km of range per hour. Similar to other EVs, it’s capable of fast charging as well, at which an  hour’s of charging adds 520km of range. 

Lightyear 0 Interiors

Inside, the Lightyear One gets vegan upholstery and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Android Automotive OS. It offers seating for up to five people, with a 640-litre boot and a compact SUV-like ground clearance of 183mm. 

It’s not a speed machine 

It’s sleek design aside, the Lightyear 0 isn’t lightning-quick – it makes 170PS power and takes a full 10 seconds to get to 100kmph. Its top speed of 160kmph is just adequate for European highways. 

Affordable Lightyear One EV in the future

The Lightyear 0 is the startup’s first vehicle, built to push the limits of energy efficiency with a light (kerb weight of 1,575kg), aerodynamic EV which doesn’t need to be charged as often as conventional EVs. However, its EUR 250,000 price tag (the equivalent of Rs 2 crore) makes it unaffordable for most EV buyers. However, the carmaker has already announced its plans for an affordable vehicle with a similar solar-electric powertrain, scheduled to arrive by 2024-2025. 

Also read: 

• First Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric Sedan Teaser Revealed; Unveil Expected In H2 2022

• Fisker Pear Entry-Level EV Interiors Teased; Debut In Second Half Of 2023

Lightyear’s current electric car offers a practical but expensive solution to a common problem faced by EVs – charging. But if you had to charge an EV only once every two months, would you switch to electric? Let us know in the comments.