EVs are the next best thing, and the Lightyear One is at the top of the game for good reason – it’s solar-powered. Talk about environmentally-friendly!
One of the most amazing features EVs have is that they charge while they’re driving because of things like regenerative breaking, but with the Lightyear, its recharging abilities are next-level. The solar panels cover not only the roof but also the hood and trunk, carrying just about 54 square feet of cells producing an extra 12 km/hr of range.
In fact, the company claims that its battery and solar array give up to 800 km (over 450 miles) of range!
This is the max, of course, but even during the winter when you have your heat turned up and the defrosters going, the Lightyear will go at least 400 km at highway speed. Its aerodynamics and weight are the two main factors that make this speed possible.
In addition, the battery weighs much less than a typical plug-in since it doesn’t have to be as large, and the Lightyear’s curb weight has been kept down due to the high-tech materials it uses.
The Lightyear One
Owning such a car will cost you quite a bit as material costs are higher during its invention. The starting cost for the Lightyear One will be around $170,000. A top-end Tesla Model S is $40,000 less than that!
But remember, you’d never have to plug in or pay for power, although you could if you wanted to since it has a charging port, and the additional price of admission to an exclusive club is optional. Already, 100 people have decided it was worth the big bucks and pre-ordered the solar-powered speedster!
