The incredibly energy efficient, aerodynamic and solar-powered Lightyear 0 has just made what it calls “automotive history,” achieving a record-busting drag coefficient.

It makes sense that a solar-powered vehicle also makes the best use of energy. The sleek design of the Lightyear 0, therefore, is not just about looks: it is about being as light-footed in terms of energy consumption as it can.

Having unveiled the Lightyear 0 officially in June, the Dutch-based company billed it as the car with “more range, less battery.” Covered in solar panels integrated into its streamlined rooftop and bonnet, it promises to capture enough solar energy to drive up to 11,000km a year based on southern European conditions.

On a single charge, the company estimates it will be rated to drive 625km (WLTP).

The new record – set in a wind tunnel – sets the Lightyear 0 as the most aerodynamic production vehicle in automotive history.

With a drag coefficient of 0.175, it beats the market-leading Tesla Model 3’s 0.23, the luxury Mercedes-Benz EQS’ 0.20 and even that of the limited edition plug-in diesel-electric hybrid Volkswagen XL1, which recorded a drag coefficient of 0.186.

Key to the record-breaking achievement are a highly efficient heating system, low rolling resistance and of course those sleek aerodynamics, which Lightyear notes is the greatest killer of efficiency and therefore range.

“In fact, at highway speeds, aerodynamics account for around 60% of overall energy consumption. Most electric car drivers will have felt the sting of restricted range, especially at higher speeds.,” the company noted in a blog post regarding the record.

“A good (low) drag coefficient means a more economical car that consumes less energy and, as a result, can drive further on one charge. Our drag coefficient is a huge contributor to the overall efficiency that places Lightyear 0 as a market frontrunner,” it says.

Lightyear says there are four ways of measuring the aerodynamics of the car: by measuring pressure, aeroacoustics, force and wake.

To determine the pressure distribution all around the surface of the car, pressure taps connected to a sensor and mounted to various points of interest on the vehicle take pressure readings.

Aeroacoustic measurements are made using microphones inside and outside the car to record noise produced by wind surrounding the vehicle.

The primary task is measuring forces in order to determine the drag and lift forces and, consequently, the various force coefficients. To test the car’s sensitivity, various yaw, pitch, and airspeed circumstances were applied.

Wake measurements are made using grid structures with probes installed in various locations on the vehicle to detect pressure and speed in specific regions. They provide the most precise picture of the airflow around the car.

Whilst the Volkswagen XL1 was limited to a run of 250 vehicles, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS is likewise destined to being sold in low volume numbers purely because it is a range-topping and high-priced premium executive sedan, the Tesla Model 3 has shown that aerodynamics combined with competitive pricing can be a winning combination.

It’s no secret that electric vehicles that require the least energy to operate have an edge on the market as global crises push energy prices up.

And Lightyear 0 says the latest round of test bring the company one step closer to being able to hand over their record-busting design to Valmet Automotive which will build the Lightyear 0 ahead of its market launch.

Next steps, says Aaerodynamics domain expert Annemiek Koers, is for a WLTP certification test to run on the test track to validate and certify the efficiency of the whole car.

“With the wind tunnel test, we made sure all our aerodynamic requirements were met and we are quite confident that the WLTP certification result will be the expected one,” she said in the company’s blog post.

The Lightyear 0 is available to pre-order in the UK, Switzerland, Norway and the European Union for a fee of €250 ($A372 converted).

1 Based on a 50 km workday commute in Amsterdam in summer. Driving range will vary depending on driving habits, location and season. 2 Pending final verification tests. 3 Verified by Lightyear Production Intent Vehicle 012 in June 2022. 4 Based on a 35 km workday commute in Southern Spain in spring and summer.

Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.

I agree to the Terms of Use

I agree to the Terms of Use

Input your search keywords and press Enter.