Lightyear plans world’s first long range solar car this year

Lightyear and Bridgestone have formed a partnership to develop solar car Lightyear One due to become commercially available by the end of this year.

The partnership is a direct result of shared focus on sustainability and builds upon work together for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 3000km solar car race across Australia, cancelled this year because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and now scheduled for October 2023.

Lightyear One is due on test tracks in Q2 2021 and be commercially available by the end of Q4.

Bridgestone has engineered tyres specifically for Lightyear One, applying its lightweight and environmentally friendly Enliten technology on Turanza Eco tyres to help maintain battery life, maximise vehicle range, and reduce environmental impact.

Recent research from Bridgestone shows 50% of European drivers are considering acquiring a fully electric vehicle, and yet 37% are still sceptical about doing so due to concerns around efficiency and limited range.

Lightyear One addresses these by offering 725km range, while being up to three times more energy-efficient versus many alternative EVs on the market.

The vehicle is charged directly by the sun through a large solar roof, minimising CO2 emissions and charging needs while maximising efficiency.

Lightyear uses aerodynamics supported by a Bridgestone tyre offering very low rolling resistance and weight and which include the new Bridgestone EV Marking on the sidewalls.

Solar Team Eindhoven, the birth ground of Lightyear, won the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge’s Cruiser Cup four consecutive times, from 2016-2019.

“Lightyear has impressed with its approach to sustainable mobility ever since we saw the team take on the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, and so we’re excited to play a part in the Lightyear One project,” Bridgestone EMIA chief operating officer and chief technical officer Emilio Tiberio says.

“Bridgestone is committed to a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and 100% sustainable materials by 2050 and strategic partnerships are fundamental to achieving these goals.”