The Dutch company Lightyear is set to unveil the prototype of its first solar car on 25 June in Katwijk. The Lightyear One is fitted with solar panels, enabling it to be charged whilst driving without the need for a charging point.
An electric car needs energy to drive. This energy is usually collected by connecting the vehicle to a charging station, after which the built-in batteries are charged. Lightyear takes a different approach and has equipped the Lightyear One with solar panels. This allows the vehicle to be charged while driving using solar energy.
Charging 25 times for 20,000 kilometres
The amount of energy that can be collected using these solar panels depends on the location and season where the Lightyear One is used. Those who drive 20,000 kilometres a year in the Netherlands need to charge the Lightyear One 25 times in a year's time, according to the manufacturer. By comparison, a Tesla P100D needs to be charged 54 times a year for the same number of kilometres, according to the company. Lightyear claims that 40% of annual consumption can be generated using solar power.
The Lightyear One is powered by four motors incorporated directly into the vehicle's four wheels. These motors can be controlled independently. The electric car has a range of 600 to 800 kilometres, which depends on usage.
Charging via regular wall socket or charging station
Charging of built-in batteries is two to three times faster than other electric vehicles, according to the company. Among other things, the Lightyear One can be charged via a regular wall socket. In this case, the batteries can be charged in 12 hours to a range of about 400 kilometres, or in 8 hours to a range of 300 kilometres. Users can also charge at regular charging stations; the Lightyear One supports the common Type 2 plugs and Combo 2 plugs for fast charging.
Just like a regular vehicle, a Lightyear One needs maintenance. For example, the power steering fluid, air conditioning system, brake pads and all suspension components need to be inspected. This maintenance can be ordered from specialised garages. Lightyear points out that the Lightyear One has fewer moving parts than an average internal combustion engine car, adding to its reliability.
Remotely monitored
The Lightyear One's performance is remotely monitored by the company and monitored using an algorithm. If deviations from historical data are detected in this data, an alarm is automatically generated. Based on this alarm notification, targeted maintenance can be offered to customers.
Software updates can be distributed to vehicles remotely by Lightyear. The electric vehicles do not need to go to the garage for this.
Who is Lightyear?
Lightyear was founded by Lex Hoefsloot, Qurein Biewenga, Koen van Ham, Martijn Lammers and Arjo van der Ham, five former team members of Solar Team Eindhoven. This team from TU Eindhoven built the Stella and Stella Lux. These vehicles use solar panels to generate electrical energy to power their electric motors. Both vehicles participated in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class, where the team became world champions in both 2013 and 2015.
Lightyear reports that almost a hundred people have now reserved the Lightyear One. The Pioneer Edition of the Lightyear One - of which 100 will be produced - is expected to be available in Europe from 2020. Other customers can take delivery of the vehicle in 2021.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Lightyear
