Dutch startup Lightyear is one step closer to launching its first wave of solar-powered electric vehicles as it partners with NXP Semiconductors.
Lightyear One. Credit: Lightyear
A prototype for the Lightyear One has already begun testing into journey longevity. Credit: Lightyear
Both companies will be working together on the former's Lightyear One model, expected to hit production lines in 2022, with the development of mass-market models scheduled for 2024/2025 as they look to bring the world's first solar EVs to the roads.
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The four-door vehicles are able to perform journeys of around 69 km (43 miles) per day - by absorbing the sun's energy. Tests conducted back in July hint these vehicles may be able to travel as much as 708 km (440 miles) on a single battery charge of around 60kWh.
The company claims the model runs at around double the efficiency of traditional electric vehicles "with an energy consumption of only 137 Wh/Mile at 53 miles an hour".
NXP's technology is set to be integrated into the model's battery management system, the driver-vehicle interface, the vehicle control unit and the solar converters, among others.
This project marks the latest development in a long-standing collaboration between the two companies, which began back in 2013 during the World Solar Challenge.
Lightyear's CEO Lex Hoefsloot thanked "rapid prototyping" for the company's swift progress in the solar EV market, with hopes to push into autonomous vehicles with its next mass-market model.
"In order to realise [the company's goals], we need a strong and knowledgeable semiconductor chip partner with a far-reaching footprint in the autonomous driving industry. NXP’s leading technology enables us to significantly reduce our development time, and at the same time ensure top-level quality chip technology", he added.
The Lightyear One is expected to retail for around $175,000 (€151,328), with more than 160 having already been purchased. Several measures have been taken for the sake of energy efficiency, such as the use of four independent in-wheel motors, which the company claims deliver improved traction on all surfaces.
In addition to the collaboration on cars, NXP and Lightyear have joined forces in the European ITEA3 subsidy program with a project called COMPAS, which could develop digital twins representing Lightyear's models, which Lightyear hopes will help lessen overall development times and streamline the testing phase.
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“Lightyear is a perfect partner for us as they are developing the world’s first long-range solar car and we have been successfully working together with them for many years already”, said Maurice Geraets, Executive Director NXP Semiconductors.
“They are pushing the boundaries of sustainable mobility, and we are excited to join on their journey to realise clean mobility", he added.
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