The manufacturer claims that the Lightyear One solar-powered electric car will achieve impressive range without the need for a large battery pack.
In a recent video showing One’s . high-speed testing Custom Bridgestone tiresLightyear says the car has achieved energy consumption “as low as” 141 watt-hours per kilometer at 130 kph (86 mph). That equates to more than 4.4 miles per kilowatt-hour.
With the One’s 60 kWh battery pack, the range is 264 miles. That’s a respectable number given the battery pack isn’t much larger than current EVs. At less speed, Lightyear claims range about 440 miles based on previous track tests.
Lightyear One Authenticity Prototype
When designing its first production vehicle, Lightyear emphasized efficiency over battery size. Specially developed Bridgestone tires are part of it, as claimed drag coefficient less than 0.20. The Lightyear One also uses built-in solar panels to increase operating range. The aim is that with less emphasis on charging speed and more focus on solar power and efficiency, Lightyear electric vehicles will be efficient.”jump over the net. “
Lightyear in December announced Hai, a second model it hopes to offer under subscription. While production of the One is expected to begin this summer at Valmet Automotive in Finland, the more affordable Two is expected to arrive in 2024 or early 2025.
Recently, Mercedes has shown that it is thinking about some similar ideas when developing mid-size and compact models for the end of the decade. The EQXX vision concept announced earlier this year using an aerodynamic bodywork, taller tires and a solar roof to achieve a claimed range of 621 miles with a battery pack under 100 kWh.
