Lightyear
Sustainable technology.
Overview
Lightyear 0 (no longer available) was the world's first long-range solar car. Lightyear 2 is expected as early as 2025 in the Netherlands.
Performance, cost, and options
Lightyear 0 is covered with 1,000 solar panels, capable of adding on average around 20 miles a day of range throughout most of its target market. The 60 kWh battery provides 625 km (388 miles) of range, approaching that of the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus. Four in-wheel motors (all-wheel drive) provide a total of 174 HP, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just under 10 seconds.
Priced at €250,000 plus taxes, standard features include a 10.1" infotainment display with Android Automotive OS, side and rear view camera system, and a vegan interior with naturally sourced materials.
With a target price of under €40,000 plus taxes, specifications for Lightyear 2 have yet to be released as of this writing. We'll know more in time.
This model may not be right for you if...
Lightyear is currently the only solar electric vehicle with seating for five that's capable of providing over half of the energy most drivers need directly from solar. However, it may not be right for you:
If you're not a resident of the EU, UK, or US. While Lightyear hopes to expand to other markets at some point in the future, their goal is for distribution in the Netherlands in 2025 and in the EU/UK/US from 2026 onwards.
If you're on a budget. Lightyear 2 will be priced much lower than Lightyear 0 but is still anticipated to be around €40,000, not including taxes.
If you really care about acceleration. The vehicle's expected 0-60 mph time is around 10 seconds, which isn't much slower than the average car, but for an electric vehicle is quite slow. Aptera goes 0-60 mph in as little as 4 seconds, but seats two.
How to purchase
Lightyear has opened a waitlist for production anticipated starting late 2025. Click Reserve Now to leave Solar EV World and open the Lightyear waitlist page.