The Dutch company Lightyear promised to revolutionize the electric car. The company wanted to release a car powered by solar batteries. After the very exclusive first model, announced for 250,000 euros and christened Lightyear 0, it was planned to release a much more affordable and popular car. And the promise was enticing: the Lightyear 2 promised 800 kilometers of autonomy for an entry ticket of around €40,000. To achieve this, the car, like the 0, received the aerodynamic appearance of a fastback. And above all, everything was covered with photovoltaic elements, which were supposed to provide several tens of kilometers of autonomy without the need to charge the battery in an outlet.

Bankruptcy

But that’s all the story ended in early 2023. While in January the manufacturer announced the Lightyear 2 and its 800 kilometers of autonomy for less than 40,000 euros, the brand was finally declared bankrupt a few weeks later, weakening the beautiful promises as well as the hopes of future buyers. – reserved your copy on the manufacturer’s special website. The company has since been liquidated, and a few days ago all of its assets were auctioned off, including several Lightyear 0 prototypes, at more or less advanced stages of development. But none can be registered.

The future is in the Emirates

It doesn’t seem very cool Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. This is a research, technological and innovation center named after Sharjah aimed at the development and management of the innovation ecosystem. The center should promote research and support entrepreneurial activity.

In an interview on a Dutch podcast, the man always claimed believe in the Lightyear project and expressed interest in resuming the company’s activities. “It represents the history of entrepreneurship. Every business goes through a certain cycle, and so does Lighter today,” said Mr. Al Mahmoudi.

A replica of the Lightyear solar car is also prominently displayed in front of Mr Al Mahmoudi’s company. He is proud of this car and believes in the return of the company that created it. ” That’s why Lightyear cars will appear on the market someday “, he concluded, without naming dates and without clarifying anything about the specific future of the company.

In any case, we hope these are not empty words, as the initial project seemed attractive.