The most aerodynamic production car ever comes from the Netherlands

Helmond

For more than six years they worked on it in Helmond, and now it is finally going into production: the Lightyear 0. In an FKFS wind tunnel in Stuttgart, Germany, the drag of the slick model was measured via the WLTP homologation protocol. The car, which is covered with five square meters of solar panels, has a Cw value of 0.175. In plain language: the car is extremely aerodynamic.

Cw value

The Cw value of the car indicates how good the aerodynamics are. The lower the Cw value, the lower the car’s drag. This is beneficial for fuel or power consumption because the fuel or electric motor does not have to expend as much effort to move the car. Air resistance is determined by several factors. The height of the car, the shapes of the bodywork, the side mirrors to even the underside of the car. You understand that automakers come up with various clever aerodynamic tricks to reduce drag. For example, the Lightyear One has a very long butt, a flat floor and the rear wheels can be covered with panels to reduce drag.

Competitors

The Lightyear turned out to be smoother than expected. The bright minds from Helmond previously reported a Cw value below 0.19. At 0.175, the One trumps several other well-known aerodynamic models, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i8 and GM’s now legendary 1990s electric EV1. That one had a Cw value of 0.19. Mercedes-Benz does still have the EQXX with a Cw value of 0.17 in its stable, but this is a concept car. So for now, they can brag in Helmond about selling the most aerodynamic production car in the world.

WLTP range Lightyear 0

Thanks to its low aerodynamic drag, the One doesn’t need much energy to go a good distance. That is the strength of the model, it jumps efficiently with its energy. Also, fewer raw materials are needed in the production process, as a large battery pack is unnecessary. The WLTP range is 625 kilometers, while in the bottom of the car lies a compact battery pack with a capacity of only 60 kWh. The brand claims that in practice it is possible to cover 560 kilometers at a speed of 110 km/h.

Charging with solar power

The Lightyear 0 also uses efficient electric motors integrated into the wheels. The car can charge itself while driving or when stationary along the road. Charging through solar panels gives the 0 a range of 70 kilometers per day. Production will begin this fall and up to 946 Lightyear 0s will be made. The first car will be delivered in November. For an 0, you do have to dig deep into your pockets, as it costs 250,000 euros. An affordable model should hit the market in late 2024 or early 2025, with a starting price around 30,000 euros.

See the Lightyear 0 in action in the wind tunnel: