Until recently, the slippery Mercedes-Benz EQS was the most aerodynamic production model ever with a Cw value of 0.20, but the Dutch Lightyear 0 “solar car” falls well short of that.
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In their own words, Lightyear was aiming for a Cw (drag coefficient) value of 0.19 for their own solar car, which is covered in five square meters of solar panels, but the final air resistance proved to be in practice as well. much lower. After a series of extensive tests in a wind tunnel in Stuttgart as part of the WLTP homologation process, the drag coefficient meter stopped at just 0.175.
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Exponential increase in air resistance
A smooth body is very important for electric cars. Air resistance increases exponentially at high speeds. So aerodynamics is responsible for around 60 percent of the total energy consumption. A very low drag coefficient was therefore essential for Lightyear, which wants to market a very energy efficient vehicle.
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Mercedes EQXX
Confirmation comes two months before the Lightyear 0 goes into production, meaning the solar car from the Netherlands will sail close to the wind. After all: Mercedes-Benz recently presented a very modern prototype with a drag coefficient of 0.17. That car, however, with the name EQXX, is a study model and therefore not for sale. The Lightyear 0 can be ordered.
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Cheaper model
The car developed and built in Helmond not only has low air resistance, but also has five square meters of solar panels on the roof, with which the car can be permanently recharged. This leads to a theoretical range of up to 800 kilometers. The car costs 250,000 euros excluding VAT, but Lightyear plans to launch a much cheaper model by 2024 or 2025, priced around 30,000 euros.
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