The company says it has raised enough capital to continue working on its second model, the much more affordable Lightyear 2, which is supposed to have a starting price of around $40,000 in the United States.
About 80% of all effort for the Lightyear cars is in efficiency.
You have the obvious, like weight and aerodynamics. But also things like in-wheel motors, which are much more efficient than normal electrical engines, since there are almost no mechanical losses. Or the rear-view camera’s, which save a lot of energy on air-resistance.
Interesting. I hope it works out but I’m a bit skeptical that the conventional car chassis is practical for solar power barring some big improvements in technology. It just doesn’t have enough surface area compared to its weight and drag profile. If they pull it off that would be great but I’m skeptical they can build such a car at that price point.
About 80% of all effort for the Lightyear cars is in efficiency.
You have the obvious, like weight and aerodynamics. But also things like in-wheel motors, which are much more efficient than normal electrical engines, since there are almost no mechanical losses. Or the rear-view camera’s, which save a lot of energy on air-resistance.
Interesting. I hope it works out but I’m a bit skeptical that the conventional car chassis is practical for solar power barring some big improvements in technology. It just doesn’t have enough surface area compared to its weight and drag profile. If they pull it off that would be great but I’m skeptical they can build such a car at that price point.