Lightyear unveils solar electric car priced under €40,000

With an autonomy of 800 kilometers and a price under 40,000 euros, the Lightyear 2 aims to democratize solar electric cars.

Last month, the Dutch startup Lightyear launched limited production of the Lightyear 0, at the Valmet Automotive plant in Finland. At the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company announced the opening of the waitlist for the Lightyear 2, a new solar electric vehicle. Individuals can register on the waitlist, making them the first to preorder the new solar EV on the website.

Already 21,000 orders

The Dutch brand claims to already have 21,000 orders from international rental partners and carpooling. Among them are LeasePlan, MyWheels, Arval, and Athlon. As shown in these initial images, the Lightyear 2 closely resembles the 0, which costs 250,000 euros. The Lightyear 2 will be nearly six times cheaper. The company estimates it will be under 40,000 euros in Europe.

It states that the first regions for launching the Lightyear 2 will be the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Production is expected to begin by the end of 2025. The vehicle would offer space for five passengers, a “ample” cargo area, and SUV-like ground clearance.

Lightyear wants to make solar electric cars affordable

The company claims that the Lightyear 2 will make solar electric driving accessible and practical “at a more affordable price than other long-range electric vehicles.” It describes the new model as “the vehicle that will democratize solar electric driving.” The startup estimates a real range of over 800 kilometers on a full charge, with solar energy potentially “doubling” the range, but no specific details have been provided.

Lightyear 2 would also require three times less charging than conventional electric vehicles. Additionally, Lightyear promises the lowest operating costs and a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions over the vehicle’s lifetime.

Read also: Stellantis will build electric flying taxis