Here Comes the Sun

Let the sun shine: The Lightyear One has five square meters (six square yards) of solar surface on its body. It is expected to provide two extra kilometers (1.25 miles) per hour of sunlight. © Lightyear

This should enable the Sion to cover up to 34 kilometers (22 miles) a day exclusively on solar energy… naturally assuming that the sun is out and the car hasn’t been parked in the shade. The electric car achieves its total range of about 255 kilometers (158 miles) conventionally if charged at an outlet. This approach to an everyday vehicle is persuasive. Early in the year, the company’s founders raised 53 million euros through crowdfunding, which brings a series production launch within reach in 2021. The company foresees speeds of up to 140 kilometers an hour. The model’s price is expected to be in the 25,000-euro range.

Meeting High-End Standards

A Dutch manufacturer also has the goal of increasing the range of an electric car with the help of solar energy. Unlike Sono Motors, Lightyear has positioned itself in the premium segment. It wants to start selling its carbon and aluminum sedan, the Lightyear One, in 2021. Since the sport sedan is expected to cost more than 100,000 euros, it will likely appeal to a narrow segment of buyers. As with the Sion, solar cells cover large portions of the body, specifically the roof and the hood in Lightyear’s case. For every hour that the Lightyear One is exposed to sunlight, its range increases by 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). The battery-powered vehicle aims for an impressive range of 725 kilometers (450 miles) entirely without the additional boost. The Dutch firm wants to do even more and is setting its sights on solar-supported electric vans and buses.

Closing the circle

Unlike the Sion, which was conceived as a minivan, the Lightyear One seems far less conventional visually. With its streamlined form, its back-end pulled to the rear and its covered rear wheels, the car basically resembles the racers competing in the World Solar Challenge. And the impression is not mistaken. Former students and staff at the Eindhoven University of Technology are the people behind the company’s movers and shakers. They have already participated in the Challenge several times with vehicles in the cruiser class – and they have been winners. The cruiser class allows electric charging from an outlet and includes vehicles that can hold several passengers. This shows that the research into solar racers for the World Solar Challenge apparently can be applied to the car market even when the vehicle isn’t a straight solar car.