Rahul SomvanshiLightyear, the innovative Dutch firm behind the planet’s first solar-powered electric car, has begun accepting sign-ups for their latest creation, the Lightyear 2. Designed for adventure, the vehicle features seating for five and ample storage, making it ideal for extended journeys and spontaneous escapades. Boasting a more affordable price than other long-range EVs, Lightyear 2 is powered solely by the sun, making electric driving accessible and hassle-free. The vehicle is set to launch in the US, UK, and EU, with production starting in 2025 and an estimated cost below € / $ 40,000. Be among the first to experience the future of sustainable driving and join the waitlist to secure your Lightyear 2.
Lightyear 2 is poised to revolutionize the world of clean mobility, according to CEO and Co-Founder Lex Hoefsloot. This cutting-edge electric vehicle empowers consumers to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing practicality. By harnessing the sun’s energy, Lightyear 2 enhances the electric driving experience while reducing demand on overburdened electricity grids and even returning clean energy to the grid. Drivers can reduce their lifetime CO₂ emissions by half compared to a conventional EV and enjoy a real-life driving range of over 500 miles on a single charge. The company is inspiring a new way of thinking about vehicles and their power source, positioning solar EVs as the future of clean mobility. With 21,000 pre-orders from international leasing and ride-sharing partners, LeasePlan, MyWheels, Arval, and Athlon, solar electric driving is set to become accessible to even more drivers worldwide.
According to a report by EY’s mobility consumer index, while over half of car buyers have considered purchasing an electric vehicle, the low adoption rates can be attributed to common concerns such as driving range, cost, and access to charging. The current approach by the automotive industry has only added to these issues. Lightyear offers a solution to these barriers by introducing a highly efficient solar electric vehicle.
As CEO Lex Hoefsloot explains, “At Lightyear, we believe that efficiency starts with thoughtful design. That’s why our cars are engineered for maximum aerodynamics, reducing battery size and weight. The benefits of this approach are now available for many more drivers to enjoy.
Lightyear is on a crusade to bring sustainable mobility to all corners of the world. Through its energy-efficient design and built-in solar cells, Lightyear aims to eliminate the two major obstacles of electric cars – frequent charging and limited range. This enables drivers to travel up to 11,000 kilometers annually powered by the sun, based on the climate. Established in 2016, the rapidly growing company now employs over 600 people, including a talented and experienced team from the automotive and technology sectors. In 2019, Lightyear launched its first driving prototype, and in 2022, the company debuted its production-ready vehicle, the Lightyear 0, which began limited production in November 2022. The highly anticipated high-volume model, Lightyear 2, is expected to roll off the production line in 2025.
