Swedish sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg invests in Dutch company Lightyear. The investment is part of a broader partnership within which the parties share intellectual property. Through knowledge sharing, the manufacturers aim to enable the development of highly efficient vehicles. And develop new automotive technology together.
Lightyear is known for the Lightyear 0, a car equipped with five square metres of solar panels. The solar panels on the vehicle's roof allow the car to be charged while driving. Or while it is parked to recharge. This allows a range of 70 kilometres per day, without the need for a charging station. The amount of energy that can be generated strongly depends on the location where the vehicle is used and the amount of sunlight falling on the solar panels. Based on a daily journey of 35km per working day in southern Spain in spring and summer, Lightyear estimates that the car will offer a range of up to 11,000 kilometres on an annual basis through its solar panels.
Charging via charging station is also possible
However, the Lightyear 0 can also be charged via a charging station. This enables a WLTP range of 625 kilometres. The vehicle is equipped with a 60 kWh battery pack. At a speed of 110 km/h, this enables a range of 560 kilometres. The vehicle accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in ten seconds. The top speed is 160 km/h.
Dutch company, meanwhile, is also working on the successor to the Lightyear 0: the Lightyear 2. The launch of this vehicle is scheduled for 2024/2025. Details about this vehicle are still missing. However, like the Lightyear 0, this vehicle is also expected to feature solar panels.
Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg is a car manufacturer from Ängelholm, Sweden, specialising in sports cars. The company was founded in 1994 by Christian von Koenigsegg. The manufacturer launched its first sports car in 2002 under the name Koenigsegg CC8S. In 2006, construction started on the CCX, which was Koenigsegg's first model with a self-developed engine.
Parties are now joining forces. Lightyear plans to use technology from Koenigsegg to take the efficiency of its solar cars to the next level. "Koenigsegg is at the top of the food chain in terms of high-performance sports cars. I have always admired their blend of incredible performance, design and sustainable technology - this collaboration shows that we are clearly on the right track," said Lex Hoefsloot, co-founder and CEO of Lightyear. "I am very excited to draw on decades of experience in designing and building ambitious cars, and I look forward to working closely with Christian and his team to make real change in the industry together."
Transition to sustainable fuel and technology
"The automotive industry is going through a huge transition towards sustainable fuel and technology," said Christian Koenigsegg, CEO and founder of Koenigsegg. "Lex and his team have developed transformative technologies and this partnership with Lightyear will ensure that our products remain up-to-date, which is great news for our customers."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: Lightyear
