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2023 Lightyear 0 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Small SUV
Infotainment: Apple CarPlay icon Apple CarPlay   Android Auto icon Android Auto  
Production years: 2022, 2023, 2024

LIGHTYEAR Lightyear 0 2022-Present 24 Photos
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Lightyear introduced its first production vehicle, the 0 (Zero), in 2022 as a 2023 model-year as a stunning mobility solution based on solar power and electricity.

While most automakers tried to create better or more energy-efficient battery packs, Lightyear came up with a different idea: to make a solar-powered EV. The concept wasn't new but previously was used only by specific races held in Australia or other parts of the world. But the automaker admitted that even if it was charged by the sun, its car still needed a battery pack and some motors to move the vehicle.

This incredibly slippery vehicle featured a 0.19 drag resistance coefficient, which was stunning. At the front, it featured a slim grille needed to cool the electronic parts underneath the hood. But, to keep the streamlined vehicle energy efficient, it also sported active shutters in the lower bumper. The 0 also was fitted exclusively with LEDs for headlights, fog lamps, and blinkers. Since the car needed solar panels to charge the batteries, it sported 782 of them on the hood, roof, and rear deck.

Inside, Lightyear used only vegan and naturally-sourced materials such as microfiber suede for seats and rattan palm trims. Since the 0 didn't have any door mirrors but cameras, it featured displays mounted inside the vehicle on the door panels. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed a 10.1" infotainment touchscreen while the driver fronted a second display that showed speed and other essential information from the onboard computer. There were five seats inside the vehicle, with two at the front and a bench profiled for three adults in the back.

Underneath the car's skin, Lightyear installed a 66 kWh battery pack that powered the four motors installed in the wheel. While it wasn't the fastest or the quickest electric vehicle, it offered excellent efficiency.

press release
LIGHTYEAR Lightyear 0 2022, 2023, 2024
  1 electric
  • 60 kWh AWD (172 HP)

LIGHTYEAR Lightyear 0
60 kWh AWD (172 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 60 kWh AWD (172 HP)
Total maximum power:126.5 kw (172 hp)
Total maximum torque:1268.6 lb-ft (1720 Nm)
Fuel System:Electric
Fuel:Electric
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top speed (electrical):99 mph (159 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated discs
DIMENSIONS
Length:200.1 in (5083 mm)
Width:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Height:56.9 in (1445 mm)
Ground Clearance:7.2 in (183 mm)
Cargo Volume:22.6 cuFT (640 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1268 lbs (575 kg)
POWER SYSTEM SPECS
Power pack:Lithium-Ion
Nominal Capacity:60 kWh
Range:388.4 miles (625.1 km)
Notes
Range:
Practical range: 1.000 km driving range between two charging moments
Battery range: 625 km (WLTP) excl. 70 km max. solar range per day
Highway range (at 110 km/h): 560 km, without additional solar range

Solar charging:
Solar yield up to 11,000 km/year
Drive up to 7 months without plug-charging
Max. solar charging speed (1.05 kW)-10 km/h

Plug charging:
Charging method Typically found at Max charging speed
3.7 kW Home 32 km/h (20 mph)
22 kW Work 200 km/h (124 mph)
50 kW Public locations 520 km/h (323 mph)

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