Dutch startup Lightyear on Tuesday introduced a roughly $80 million funding the agency mentioned will assist spur improvement of a mass-market solar-assisted electrical automobile.
Lightyear in June revealed that in manufacturing kind its Lightyear One will likely be as a substitute known as Lightyear 0. That model already incorporates game-changing aero and specifically developed Bridgestone tires to maximise effectivity, and built-in photo voltaic panels to minimize the necessity for charging.
Elaphe in-wheel motor for Lightyear 0
The Lightyear 0 will likely be made by Finland’s Valmet Automotive, and continues to be on observe to start out manufacturing this fall, the startup mentioned in a press launch. However Lightyear is barely planning a restricted manufacturing run of 150 automobiles, every with a roughly $260,000 price ticket.
The deliberate second model, dubbed Lightyear 2, can have a beginning value equal to about $30,000, in accordance with the discharge. Manufacturing is not scheduled to start out till 2025, however Lightyear already claims to have 10,000 reservations from leasing and car-sharing corporations LeasePlan and MyWheels, which have reserved 5,000 automobiles every.
Lightyear and Koenigsegg partnership
The newest funding, led by Make investments-NL, the nationwide promotional establishment (NPI) of the Netherlands, and different authorities entities, will fund continued improvement of the two, Lightyear mentioned. Funds can even be used for a deliberate worldwide enlargement, in accordance with the startup. Lightyear hasn’t confirmed plans to enter america market, nonetheless.
An funding from Swedish supercar builder Koenigsegg can even reportedly assist present an effectivity increase and tech for the Lightyear 2, which can additionally get subscription choices to extend affordability. Lightyear hasn’t mentioned the place the follow-up model will likely be constructed nonetheless. It does not have a manufacturing unit, so it can doubtless have to both develop its partnership with Valmet or search one other contract producer.