Swedish Megacar Maker Koenigsegg Invests in Dutch Solar Car Developer Lightyear

Koenigsegg, a Swedish megacar manufacturer, and purveyor of cutting-edge mobility technology, has invested in Lightyear, the Netherlands-based company developing the world’s first solar vehicle. The investment is part of a more extensive technology-sharing partnership in which the two automakers will share proprietary and patented information.

The two companies aim to develop ultra-efficient vehicles and jointly develop new automotive technologies.

Lightyear is known for the development of the Lightyear 0, the world’s first solar car, which was launched on June 9, 2022, and will enter production this fall.

Lightyear 0 features five square meters of patented, double curved solar arrays, allowing the vehicle to charge itself while commuting or simply parked outdoors.

In optimal conditions, this enables Lightyear 0 to power itself with 70 kilometers of range per day on top of its estimated 625 kilometers WLTP range.

Koenigsegg’s technologies will be applied to further improve the energy efficiency of Lightyear’s second model, Lightyear 2, slated to enter production in late 2024 or early 2025.

Founded in 1994 by Christian von Koenigsegg, Koenigsegg Automotive AB is a leader in engineering and manufacturing of ultimate performance megacars and sustainable mobility technologies.

Lex Hoefsloot, Co-Founder and CEO of Lightyear., says: “Koenigsegg is top of the food chain in the field of high-performance sports cars. I’ve always admired their blend of incredible performance, design, and sustainable technology – this partnership shows we are clearly on the right track. I’m incredibly excited to be able to tap into decades of experience in designing and building aspirational cars, and look forward to working closely with Christian and his team to drive real change in the industry together.”

“The automotive industry is going through a massive transition to sustainable fuel and technology,” adds Christian Koenigsegg, CEO and Founder of Koenigsegg. “Lex and his teamhave developed transformative technologies, and this partnership with Lightyear will ensure  our products remain on the bleeding edge, which is great news for our customers.”

Lightyear was founded in 2016 and currently employs over 500 people.