Lightyear’s first car is not exactly affordable, but this Dutch firm has just announced a new model, which is also electric and is equipped with solar panels: the Lightyear 2.
The little brother of the Lightyear 0, which can already be configured since last summer, announces a price similar to other electric and solar cars that fight for light: like the Aptera or the Sono Sion.
This Lightyear 2 will be the second production model of this brand from the Netherlands and it will still take time to arrive, but it can already be reserved. Or rather those interested can join the waiting list.
It promises up to 800 km of autonomy helped by the sun’s rays
Less than 40,000 euros. Announced at CES 2023, the data for the Lightyear 2 is currently scarce. But the main one is its price: Lightyear indicates that it will start below 40,000 euros.
That is to say, more equal to that of the Aptera, which ranges between 24,100 and 47,200 euros to change (25,900 – 50,700 dollars) and that of the Sono Sion, which sets its price at 29,900 euros.
This Lightyear 2 will therefore be your access model, since the Lightyear 0 does the same for no less than 250,000 euros. The intention of the brand is ambitious to say the least: they want this new model to “democratize” electric cars equipped with solar panels.
But the truth is that its two direct rivals are already more affordable. Although the Aptera is closer to a spaceship than to a car in design and the Sono Sion could fail despite the orders already received.
To put these figures in context, the Tesla Model 3, which has once again been the best-selling electric car in Spain, starts at 51,990 euros in its most affordable single-motor variant.
Up to 800 km of autonomy and three times less charges per year. For now, the Dutch brand is limited to pointing out that its real range will be 800 km between charges. From which it can be deduced that helped by the sun’s rays: the firm indicates that, with solar energy, it will double the autonomy of the battery, it is understood reaching those 800 km.
It is understood that it will have a smaller battery than the Lightyear 0, which has a capacity of 60 kWh and gives it a maximum of 625 km without counting on the energy collected from the sun’s rays. That is to say that this Lightyear 2 should be around 400 km.
On the other hand, it is announced that it will need to be charged plugged into a pole about three times less per year than a conventional electric one. The Lightyear 0 promises up to 11,000 additional km of range annually thanks to its solar panels. Although these tests were carried out in the south of Spain, that is to say that a lot will depend on whether you live and circulate in a sunny area.
Like the Lightyear 0, this new Lightyear 2 will also have solar panels on the roof and on the hood, as can be seen in the first published photographs of this new model.
It will arrive in 2025, in theory. And it will be sold in Europe. Like his brother, this Lightyear 2 will be marketed in Europe, the United Kingdom and North America. Although its production will not begin until the end of 2025. That is, it will still take time to arrive and if Lightyear’s plans are fulfilled.
That orders are open for more than two years to come will help Lightyear determine whether or not it is viable to launch this Lightyear 2 that is far from Lightyear 0 in price.
Because from intention to reality, there is always a long way. Tell Sono Motors, which has recently asked customers who reserved their Sono Sion for higher signals, as the project could fail and already with orders placed.
