Current and future electric cars surpass themselves with ever larger batteries and corresponding ranges. But for the latter, you would not need any giant batteries.
How environmentally friendly e-mobiles really are has been the subject of intense debate for years. Battery-electric SUVs with high battery power carry a large amount of CO2 ballast with them when they start because of the complex production of their memory. The Lightyear One should be more climate-friendly. It is an ambitious e-car project that was put on wheels by former students of the TU Eindhoven. The Stromer is not only characterized by a self-charging function thanks to the solar outer skin, but also by a very efficient drive. The concept was presented in 2018. Now there are the first meaningful pictures of the vehicle and some new details about the series version available in 2021.
The consumption value of 8,3 kWh per 100 kilometers is enough to attract attention. For example, a VW E-Up needs almost 50 percent, the Audi E-Tron 55 Quattro even 200 percent more electricity. But contrary to what one might assume in view of these figures, the Lightyear One is by no means an ultra-spartan micromobile. On the contrary, with a length of over five meters, the sedan even reaches the upper class level. The impressive length is mainly due to the particularly aerodynamic design with an extra-long rear. The silhouette of the Lightyear One is reminiscent of the Loremo low-energy concept presented at the IAA in 2001. But unlike this spartan miniature mobile, the Lightyear can accommodate five adult passengers and 780 liters of luggage. Thanks to the foldable back seat, the luggage compartment can even grow to 1.700 liters.
The drive, consisting of four wheel hub motors, should also ensure low energy losses, allowing a sprint time from standstill to 100 km / h in ten seconds. Further key data on performance and battery size are not mentioned for the time being, but the makers promise a WLTP range of 725 kilometers, which in combination with the stated consumption and the additional solar option suggests a battery size of 45 - 60 kWh. In addition to the ability to draw electricity from the grid, users of a Lightyear One can also use the electricity from the photovoltaic system integrated in the hood and roof. Depending on the season and the position of the sun, the daily energy yield in the Frankfurt area should be enough for 6 to 37 kilometers. In any case, the user of a Lightyear One can do without an expensive charging infrastructure, because apart from the self-catering technology, household sockets are enough to fill up with electricity for a range of 400 kilometers overnight.
2021 is the first customer vehicles to leave the newly-founded plant on the Automotive Campus in Helmond, the Netherlands. For the time being, it is unlikely that large numbers will be sold, because the price will be around 149.000 Euro, which is the reason why the makers of high unit costs of new technologies. After all, the expected low energy costs should allow annual savings to four digits.
