Dutch auto startup Lightyear has just announced plans to halt the production of its first-gen solar car, the Lightyear 0, through a press release. The Lightyear team explains that they intend to focus on the more affordable model, the Lightyear 2.
“Unfortunately we had to make this decision. The whole process of developing Lightyear 0 has provided our company many valuable learnings over the past years. We are now redirecting all our energy towards building Lightyear 2 in order to make it available to clients on schedule.”
Lex Hoefsloot, Lightyear CEO and cofounder
Additionally, Lightyear requested the court to halt any new payments for the Lightyear 0, which surely disappointed approximately 1,000 customers anticipating delivery.
About the Lightyear 0
Lightyear started producing the 0 at the end of 2022. It was the first solar EV to begin production and the first to penetrate the European market, significantly establishing a remarkable impression for the startup.
Unfortunately, Lightyear decided to pursue another product and ultimately suspend the well-loved Lightyear 0.
Why suspend the Lightyear 0 production?
Lightyear explained in its press release the factors it considered in making this major decision.
The company set the Lightyear 0 to small-scale production. Additionally, the solar EV was very expensive, which meant that it could not bring the improvements the company wanted to achieve on a wide scale.
Meanwhile, the Lightyear 2 had over 40,000 bookings when it was just released a few months ago. Lightyear claims that the Lightyear 2 puts them in a stronger financial position. They also expect the new offering to aid their affordable and sustainable mobility target.
What’s known about Lightyear 2 so far?
Lightyear’s website revealed that the Lightyear 2 would cost below $40,000. It has a 500 miles range partially powered by solar panels in its hood, roof, and rear hatch.
Interestingly, it will apparently have a common shape with the first-gen model Lightyear 0.
However, CEO Hoefsloot has yet to verify if the company would offer a refund to Lightyear 0 reservation holders after the suspension of production. It is also unknown the number of units produced before the decision.
The move to halt the production of the highly awaited Lightyear 0 is indeed a hard decision for the automaker. However, the company will be in a strong position by providing a more in-demand and affordable product if it recommits to a low-cost offering. Hopefully, Lightyear will be able to meet demand this time by producing significantly more vehicles.
