Solar Cars: Koenigsegg Impresses with Lightyear’s Project

Will we see solar Koenigseggs soon?

Things are accelerating for Lightyear, the Dutch startup specializing in solar cars. A few weeks after unveiling the final version of their Lightyear 0 sedan, the company announces they’ve found a new partner. And not just any partner—it’s Koenigsegg. The Swedish manufacturer, known for its extreme hypercars, has indeed invested money into Lightyear’s project. The amount of the investment has not been disclosed.

“This investment is part of a broader collaboration in which the partners will share exclusive and patented technologies,” explains Lightyear in its statement. “This exchange of knowledge will promote the development of highly efficient vehicles, as well as the commitment to jointly develop new automotive technologies.”

A Lightyear 2 with Koenigsegg technologies

After exclusively using internal combustion engines, Koenigsegg has begun to explore hybrid solutions, first with the Regera in 2015, and more recently with the Gemera, their first plug-in hybrid model. This vehicle, shaped like a large 4-seater coupe, combines a 3-cylinder gasoline engine with three internally developed electric motors, for a total power of 1700 horsepower.

For its part, Lightyear has always focused on electric cars, choosing to combine this technology with solar charging. Thanks to photovoltaic panels mounted on the bodywork, the Lightyear 0 could theoretically travel for 7 months without recharging under optimal sunlight conditions. This vehicle is to be produced, albeit on a small scale (946 units planned). Its price of €250,000 nevertheless limits its diffusion. A more affordable Lightyear 2 is already planned for late 2024 or 2025. It will be the first model from the brand to benefit from Koenigsegg’s expertise.

Read also: Sono Sion, the affordable solar electric car