MEET the Lightyear One – a revolutionary, long-range, solar electric car that is set to be on our roads by the end of the year.
With significant input from global tyre maker Bridgestone, this hugely aerodynamic machine can travel up to 450 miles on a single charge.
Not that you should need to plug it in very often. Netherlands-based Lightyear says the five square metres of solar panels mean you can drive for months without charging.
A 3.5kW domestic wallbox adds 22 miles of range in an hour, a 22kW public charger gives you 130 miles and a 60kW rapid charger some 354 miles more. Leave the car sitting outside and the panels will soak up the rays to add about 7.5 miles of range in the same time.
Cleverly, the 60kWh battery pack powers four independent in-wheel motors. So this EV has four-wheel-drive capability and sprints to 62mph in less than 10 seconds, with a top speed of 99mph – impressive for a large car that seats five adults and has a cavernous 780-litre boot.
The specially engineered Bridgestone Turanza Eco lightweight tyres play a key role in propelling the car efficiently, while requiring less raw materials, so making them more eco-friendly.
A unique tread, larger diameters, high inflation pressures and slim design drastically cuts rolling resistance, helping to significantly boost the One’s range.
The two outfits have been collaborating for several years after the Lightyear team enjoyed multiple successes in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge annual races.
Packed with the latest infotainment features, the One is likely to cost about £155,000 on the road in the UK but Lightyear says its adaptable technology will result in differently sized and cheaper vehicles in the future.
Bridgestone boss Emilio Tiberio said: “We’re excited to play a part in the Lightyear One project.” Lightyear chief Lex Hoefsloot added: “We’re particularly happy. The two companies share a vision for future sustainable mobility.”
