First Solar-Powered Cars May Come from UAE

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Netherlands-based Lightyear which is developing the world’s first solar-powered car.

Lightyear and SRTI Park explore opportunities if setting up university research exchange programmes on solar-powered EVs, and advancing policy initiatives that promote government incentives for EVs, including solar-extended EVs.

Having Lightyear at the SRTI Park boosts the UAE’s position as a nation on the frontline of the transition to sustainable mobility, and, in doing so, contributes to combating climate change through innovative technologies. UAE is already the world’s third largest producer of solar power, making it the perfect place to test Lightyear’s patented solar technology,

said CEO of SRTI Park Hussain Al Mahmoudi.

What Lightyear has to offer?

Its first-of-its-kind solar-powered car, dubbed Lightyear 0, is production-ready. It has a top speed of 160 kph and accelerates from zero to 100kph in 10 seconds.

Lightyear says that the key feature of the car is its little relience on charging infrastructure. Thanks to a solar yield of up to 11,000 kilometres a year, drivers using Lightyear 0 for their daily commute (based on a distance of 35 kilometers) can drive for months in the summer period before needing to recharge.