Lightyear, the Dutch high-tech company developing the world’s first long-distance solar car, has signed an agreement with LeasePlan, one of the world’s leading Car-As-A-Service companies, to reserve 5,000 cars of Lightyear’s second model. LeasePlan has already committed to making Lightyear’s first model, the Lightyear One, available through its European network.
The Lightyear One will start production in 2022. The second model is scheduled to go into production by 2024/2025.
The second model builds on the technology developed for Lightyear One, and will be available in Europe, the U.S. and other global markets at a more accessible starting price point of €30,000.
LeasePlan is one of the leading mobility companies in the world with a fleet of approximately 1.8 million vehicles in 29 countries.
Lex Hoefsloot, founder and CEO at Lightyear, says: “LeasePlan has been a very strong partner for us since 2018. Today’s announcement is a testament to their commitment to our product vision to make clean mobility accessible for everyone. LeasePlan has been a leading voice in the need to transition to clean vehicles that are less dependent on charging infrastructure and reduce costly grid reinforcements. We join forces in bringing a unique and truly sustainable vehicle to the market.”
Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, adds: “Together, LeasePlan and Lightyear will deliver the world’s first solar-powered car subscription. With Lightyear, range anxiety is a thing of the past, as is the nightmare of having to find a convenient and available charging station – an absolute breakthrough in the fight to cut emissions from road transportation. We look forward to joining forces with Lightyear and putting drivers behind the wheel of some of the cleanest, most innovative EVs ever produced.”
Earlier in 2021, Lightyear announced partnerships with NXP Semiconductors and Valmet Automotive, among others.
To read our full interview with Lex Hoefsloot, click on the link.
