A Dutch Startup Created 'The World's First Long-Range Solar Car'

Dutch startup Light Year recently unveiled a prototype for what they say is the first car capable of taking us long distances while powered only by the Sun.

The company's CEO, Lex Hoeflsloot, said their new prototype, the Light Year One, "represents a new era of driving," at the car's unveiling.

In a press release, Light Year - a Dutch startup attempting to disrupt the relatively new electric car industry - detailed their Light Year One concept, which was unveiled in June.

The roof and hood of Light Year One are made up of five square meters of integrated solar cells. They are encased in safety glass, "so strong that a fully-grown adult can [safely] walk on them," the company says.

This, the company says, will enable the car a range of 725 km (WLTP). According to Light Year, their car uses 83 Wh/km (WLTP) and accelerates from 0-100 in ten seconds. 

Aside from its solar power recharging, the car can also be charged at charging stations and on regular outlets.

Only with sunlight, Light Year One can charge at 12 km/h. With 60 kW fast charging, the car's efficient charging allows it to charge up to 570 km/h.

Light Year also assures that the car still meets stringent safety regulations despite its light weight.

At the car's unveiling, Hoefsloot said: 

“This moment represents a new era of driving. This is a giant leap towards achieving our mission of making clean mobility available to everyone.”

Light Year also assures that the car still meets stringent safety regulations despite its light weight.

At the car's unveiling, Hoefsloot said: 

“This moment represents a new era of driving. This is a giant leap towards achieving our mission of making clean mobility available to everyone.”

By building an electric car that doesn't need to rely on vast charging networks, he may just be onto something. 

Lightyear will be releasing the Lightyear One in 2021. The first 100 cars have already been reserved.