Lightyear One Is a Daring EV Prototype That Draws Power From Solar Panels

Lightyear One Is a Daring EV Prototype That Draws Power From Solar Panels

Published: July 9, 2019 | By: American Luxury Staff

If you’ve ever dreamed of an energy-independent car, your dream may soon be coming true. This summer, innovative Dutch company Lightyear made a leap into the future when it unveiled its long-range solar passenger car prototype.

The “One” concept enters to fill a need in the market: a car that can potentially drive for hundreds of miles before needing charging. So, yes, this is an electric car, albeit with solar-powered enhancements. But one step at a time.

Marketed as the first long-range version of its kind, Lightyear’s One cuts a semi-futurist figure that make its built-in solar cells on the hood and roof look perfectly natural. According to Lightyear, the solar cells are capable of generating an additional 31-43 miles of range daily in certain summer conditions…that is, blazing sun. So, residents of the Southwest take note: your daily commute could be accomplished with only sunlight.

On average, the car’s solar is expected to make around 700 kWh of electricity over the span of the year. For daily power production, One receives help from four in-wheel electric motors and a small battery in order to provide a 450-mile range. Drivers can expect a typical overnight charge of around 249 miles when utilizing a 230V socket.

Lightyear plans to launch its first 100 production vehicles sometime in 2021. Interested buyers can reserve one of 400 build slots now for $135,352.

3451 July 9, 2019 Cars July 9, 2019