Dutch startup Lightyear has launched the world's first mass-produced solar car, the Lightyear 0. A total of 5 square meters of curved solar panels are integrated into the roof, hood and trunk of the EV, which converts renewable solar energy into electric drive, meaning people can recharge from sunlight while driving.

The company plans to produce the first batch of 946 vehicles, with deliveries starting in November this year at a price of 250,000 euros (about 1.69 million yuan).

After six years of research and development, design, engineering, prototyping and testing, the Lightyear 0 electric vehicle is designed to address "range anxiety." According to test estimates, the solar battery can add 70 kilometers per day to the 624 kilometers of cruising range in traditional charging mode.

An interface on a car's touchscreen dashboard provides users with cloud-based updates as they drive, including state of charge, how much solar energy is being absorbed, and feedback on which panels are absorbing solar energy.

Lightyear 0 is 5 meters long, has a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, and can accommodate 5 (parameters丨picture) passengers. The body is made from recycled carbon fiber and aluminum sheets. Instead of a mirror, the Lightyear 0 has four cameras: one for the mirror, one for parking, and two side cameras.

Overall, the car's drag coefficient is less than 0.19. A low coefficient of drag means the car uses less energy and can therefore go further.

The car's interior is made from vegan and natural materials such as eco-microfiber suede seats and rattan palm detailing.

The company said its next design model will start at a more affordable price of 30,000 euros (200,000 yuan), with mass production expected by the end of 2024.

Interest in vehicles powered by solar energy has exploded in recent years. German car brand Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh to develop a solar-powered electric car with a transparent front cover.

German carmaker Audi has teamed up with Chinese solar cell specialist Hanergy to develop thin solar panels that can be integrated into the roof.