Lightyear 2: A More Affordable Solar Car for 2025?
This page is translated from the original post "Lightyear 2 : une voiture solaire moins chère pour 2025 ?" in French.
- 08/01/2023 16:00
After an impressive but expensive and limited Zero, the Lightyear 2 will bring a solar car at the price of an electric Megane.
In 2022, the Dutch company finally launched its solar electric sedan, the Lightyear 0 (or Zero). But this car was more of a technological demo, produced in a limited series of 946 units. Its first real production model is arriving nevertheless, with the Lightyear 2, announced at the CES 2023 in Las Vegas.
One of the best ranges on the auto market
This electric car shares the same architecture as its big sister measuring 5.08 meters. The 2 remains a sedan, but with dimensions that seem more compact. It should thus be closer to a Tesla Model 3 (4.69 m). It still guarantees a cabin for 5 people, as well as ample trunk space. Very streamlined, it is expected to benefit from an aerodynamic coefficient among the best in the world. However, it is unlikely to beat the Zero, the benchmark in this area, with a 0.175 coefficient, but its Cx will rival a GAC Aion Hyper GT or the Mercedes EQS.
Its notable feature is the integration of solar panels, on the front hood and the roof extending to the rear. The Lightyear 2 remains sparse on details, but a full battery and solar energy would provide it with about 800 kilometers of range. Thanks to a smaller battery and the help of solar energy, the brand claims this car would have “the lowest environmental footprint on the market.” Perhaps they forgot about the Sono Sion.
The Lightyear 2 already in pre-order
Far from the €150,000 to €250,000 of the “Zero,” plus the price of a limousine or a sports coupe, the Lightyear 2 announces a base price of €40,000. This makes it comparable to a compact Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric or a small SUV like the Opel Mokka Electric.
An attractive price that has appealed to professionals, as companies like Arval and LeasePlan have ordered a total of 21,000 units of the solar car. However, these companies and the first customers will have to wait at least two years.
Indeed, Lightyear will only start production at the end of 2025. Besides Europe, the car will also venture into the American market.
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