Production of the Lightyear 0 has just started at Valmet’s plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland. A production of 1,000 copies is planned. It therefore becomes the first production solar car in the world, slightly ahead of the American Aptera and the German Sono Sion.
A few months ago, we had the chance to take control of one of the most interesting electric cars on the market: the Lightyear 0. A sedan that also prides itself on having the best Cx on the market with a value of only 0.175. Only the Mercedes EQXX concept car and its Cd of 0.17 does better, but it is not a serial model.
And, good news, the Lightyear 0 will soon arrive on our roads. The Dutch manufacturer has just formalized the production of its sedan. The car is assembled at Valmet’s plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
It is therefore the first production solar car, just before the arrival of a second model, German this time, Sono Motors, whose Sion will also be produced by Valmet. We can also mention the Aptera, an amazing solar car because it is very affordable but with only three wheels!
1,000 copies, and not one more
The entry into production of this model is a first step for Lightyear, which obviously does not intend to stop there. The manufacturer will manufacture 1,000 copies of its Lightyear 0, exactly the regulatory number for the approval of small series models.
Each car is charged the trifle of 300,000 euros. It is a sum, of course, but Lightyear assures it, the 0 will not remain without descendants, since a more compact and more affordable model (we are talking about around 30,000 euros in base price) would be in the boxes, the Lightyear 2.
The approach will be the same, with efficiency as the cornerstone. It remains to be seen whether Lightyear will keep its solar technology within this model announced as less expensive.
The Lightyear 0 in a few figures
Remember that the Lightyear 0 is equipped with several panels on its roof, capable of generating approximately 1 kWh of electricity, which equates to 70 kilometers of range per day when sunshine conditions are good.
The car has a battery of 60 kWh and can travel 625 kilometers in one go according to the WLTP cycle, while consumption is displayed at 10.5 kWh on average at a speed of 110 km/h. The brand explains that it is possible to recover up to 520 kilometers in one hour on a 50 kW fast terminal.
As we pointed out in our hands-on, the Lightyear 0, it’s a little more than an electric car to which solar panels have been added. There is also real work in terms of weight, since Lightyear announces only 1.5 tonnes on the scale for its large sedan, which is practically the same weight as a Renault Zoé.
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