The Netherlands – Electric vehicle (EV) start-up Lightyear is driving sustainable innovation with the launch of its first solar-powered car. The production-ready vehicle, Lightyear 0, features five square metres of solar arrays that allow it to charge itself when being driven or parked in the sun. It has a range of 388 miles from traditional charging methods, but solar power can increase that by 44 miles a day.
While different climates will result in varying charge results, Lightyear claims that the vehicle could conceivably run for months without needing to be recharged. ‘In climates such as The Netherlands, it would be two months and, in Spain or Portugal, as much as seven months,’ says the brand. Although this model will initially only be made into 946 units, the innovation represents great leaps in climate-friendly automotive design.
The Lightyear 0 points to a future when more vehicles will be powered by natural or renewable energy sources. For more new directions in this space, discover our Mobility series.
Strategic opportunity
Technology brands can take inspiration from this innovation and similarly work towards solar-powered products that reduce reliance on harmful or finite energy sources