The Dutch responsible for the project of the Lightyear One, a series-production solar car, continues with a new phase of tests. The firm has presented a video documenting the durability tests to which the prototypes have been subjected. One more chapter in the development that will culminate in 2022 with its manufacture.
Those responsible for Lightyear continue to be immersed in the development of what they intend to be the world’s first serial production solar car. An important, and very ambitious objective, which goes through a more demanding test program than that of conventional electrical ones, since it has additional special equipment that must work in any circumstance.
The Lightyear one It is burning stages, since the manufacturer has already assigned production to the Finns of Valmet Automotive and it is one of the new zero-emission models that will arrive in 2022. The latest tests have affected the durability and integrity of the structure, as it should be remembered that the roof and hood panels are covered with photovoltaic solar cells, so its operation must be perfect even on the most bumpy roads.
The Lightyear One undergoes extensive durability and strength testing
The Lightyear One will be a luxury solar electric
Robby Janssen, test engineer, said that the strength and durability tests have “collected important data for the development of the car. We wanted to verify the structural integrity of the Lightyear One while driving rough roads, collect data for our simulation models, and use the results for component testing, thanks to a powerful network of 72 sensors. We have driven the prototype of the Lightyear One on 20 different surfaces on a test track in Belgium, with holes and potholes».
The engineer explained that these harsh conditions also make it possible to verify the operation of the electric motors placed on the wheels, also realizing that, for now, the results are positive, demonstrating a high level of comfort on board. Although the manufacturers are not very keen to clarify whether there have been setbacks in the tests, those of Lightyear have declared “minor damages” unspecified, but that they will solve in the second phase of road tests.
One more phase before the model goes into production, as they expect that the first units of the 946 to be manufactured will be on the road in summer 2022. The One will have a very aerodynamic design, and will be equipped with a battery with a capacity of 60 kWh, offering a range of more than 600 kilometers. Solar panels on the roof and hood will recover 3.4 kWh, which is equivalent to about 40 kilometers Additional features. Its price? 150,000 Euros.