Producing world's most efficient car to date, under every weather condition and speed
4 min reading time
Last year, we set a new standard for EV efficiency with our validation prototype. That was a critical moment, but the momentum is far from over.
We've hit another milestone. The results of recent efficiency testing at Bridgestone in Aprilia, Italy, place us well on track to our ultimate goal: bringing the world's most efficient and sustainable car to the market.
Testing in Aprilia, which involved close attention to aerodynamics, tyre performance and efficiency at higher velocities, took place at the Bridgestone European Proving Ground (EUPG).
The Bridgestone track tests saw a detailed review of the car's specs, including battery capacity, speed, energy consumption and range. All part of a delicate equation for the optimal vehicle efficiency we never stop striving for.
Testing in suboptimal conditions
Testing the car in the real world is important because, unlike simulations, life rarely offers absolute control. Colder temperatures impact efficiency, and so do higher speeds. Anyone who has driven an electric car on a highway in winter will know what it's like to lose range, fast.
In Aprilia, speed was brought up to 130 km/h (from 85 km/h in prior testing) and took place in much cooler weather conditions of around 10°C.
Our engineers reported an energy consumption as low as 141 watt-hours per kilometre. A number like this makes Lightyear One the most efficient car on the current market, able to travel 1.5 times further than the most efficient vehicle on its relatively small battery (60kWh).
The results tell us, in no uncertain terms, that we're well on the way to producing the most efficient car, ever. Not just in legislative cycles, but also in real-world conditions.
Groundbreaking efficiency, at every speed
Joining was Lightyear Vehicle Test Coordinator Megan Parfitt, who explained what the recent efficiency results mean in the current market. "If we compare with other vehicles right now, Lightyear One can drive one and a half times further than a directly-comparable vehicle with the same battery size."
"If we compare with other vehicles right now, Lightyear One can drive one and a half times further than a directly-comparable vehicle with the same battery size." — Megan Parfitt, Vehicle Test Coordinator
Tests showed that, despite the suboptimal conditions, after one charge the car can drive over 400 kilometres. That's a journey equivalent of Amsterdam to Luxembourg at highway speeds, no matter the weather.
"We gradually increase the speed capability of the vehicle. Eventually, it will be capable of 160 km/h," explains Megan, "But we increase it in stages to ensure safety and make sure that we're happy with the way the vehicle is performing."
Both tests, in Aldenhoven and Aprilia, produced promising numbers. At 85 km/h and in warm weather the car drove for almost nine hours straight (710 kilometres) on one single charge. At this relatively low speed, the most efficient electric cars consume around 50% more energy.
A car built for adventure
With these tests, we're not only optimising the vehicle's performance but also the real driving experience; how it feels to travel in the car. Lightyear One will do more than live up to the adventures of its drivers - it will be the adventure.
That's why tests included a representative passenger weight: two persons + 20 kg of luggage. And life isn't always sunny, so tests weren’t planned for good weather. That makes the prototype's recent efficiency results all the more notable, as they replicated real-life conditions.
The most efficient car on the market
We have sights firmly set on launching the most efficient car on the market. That means building a vehicle that can withstand the trials of a challenging and changing world, and that's no small feat. It requires meticulous and continued testing.
Our technology is engineered to enable a clean future. Starting from scratch and using a holistic design approach we developed an ultra energy-efficient long-range solar car. Our technology redefines performance with what truly matters: efficiency.
These results tell us, in no uncertain terms, that we're well on the way to producing the most efficient car, ever. Not just in legislative cycles, but also in real-world conditions.
And we're not done, we never are. We never stop learning; we never stop innovating to achieve the most efficient car, ever. Stay tuned for even better efficiency numbers and more groundbreaking developments.
About Lightyear’s technology
As our world moves to more sustainable energy sources, Lightyear is driving the development of clean mobility in the automotive industry. By enabling electric vehicles to be scalable for everyone, everywhere, we will accelerate the sustainability transition and have a positive impact.
Our technology is engineered to enable a clean future. Starting from scratch and using a holistic design approach we developed an ultra energy-efficient long-range solar car. Our technology redefines performance with what truly matters: efficiency.
