Lightyear 2 EV was touted with a starting price of $40,000

Lightyear’s first model only went into production in December, but the Dutch EV startup has already teased a second, much more affordable model.

The new Lightyear 2 is a compact hatch with an aerodynamic fastback design similar to the Lightyear 0, Lightyear’s groundbreaking model that costs over $250,000 and has a drag coefficient of 0.17, a record for a production car.

Lightyear promises a starting price of less than €40,000 (about $42,750) for the 2, which will be built in much higher numbers than the 0.

Lightyear is withholding most of the details until the 2 Series is unveiled in the summer, but the company has confirmed that the car will feature solar panels and in-wheel motors, just like the 0.

light year 0

light year 0

On the larger 0 there are around 53 square feet of solar panels lining the hood and roof, and with adequate access to sunlight, they can charge at a rate of 1.05 kW, according to Lightyear, or enough to increase the range by 6,000 km in an hour. 2 miles increase .

Using the sun, Lightyear estimates the 2 can achieve a range of nearly 500 miles on the WLTP test cycle used outside of the US. The 0, with its 60kWh battery, was rated at 388 miles on the same WLTP cycle. EPA-rated numbers would be lower.

Interested parties can already put themselves on a waiting list for the 2nd. The start of production is currently planned for the end of 2025.

Lightyear hasn’t said if the 2 will be available in the US. Assembled in Finland by independent contract manufacturer Valmet, the 0 is currently only available in select European markets.