How we’re redefining vehicle design with solar technology

At Lightyear, innovation is in our DNA. We’re on a mission to clean up mobility by enabling the most sustainable and energy-independent vehicles on the planet. But we know that achieving this requires more than just technological breakthroughs. It demands bold ideas and creative collaborations. That’s why we recently collaborated with Granstudio, a leader in automotive design, to explore how solar technology can completely transform vehicle design and functionality.

Solar innovation and creative design

When we teamed up with Granstudio for the Lightyear 0 project, we created the world’s most efficient and energy-independent vehicle. Now, we’ve taken our partnership to the next level with a design research project focused on answering a big question: How can solar technology reshape the way we think about vehicles, from urban commuters to long-distance racers?

Together, we set out to explore how Lightyear’s cutting-edge solar technology could unlock new possibilities in vehicle typology, addressing key challenges like range, cost, and charging infrastructure. By blending our solar expertise with Granstudio’s innovative design approach, we pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

Sketches of the research process to find out how to maximise both solar surface area and aerodynamics

Solving real-world challenges 

One of the most exciting aspects of this project was uncovering how our solar technology can solve real-world challenges for drivers. We focused on three critical barriers to electric vehicle adoption: range, cost, and charging. Solar integration extends driving range by reducing reliance on charging stations. Driving farther means fewer stops and lower charging costs. Solar-powered vehicles allow drivers to venture off the grid with confidence.

Imagine a vehicle that harnesses the power of the sun to take you farther and spend less time worrying about where to plug in. This is the future we’re building.

Exploring new vehicle concepts

As we dove into the research, we translated user insights into innovative vehicle concepts that highlight solar’s versatility. We explored solar integration into various vehicle design typologies. For instance, for mass production vehicles, we designed solar-enabled models optimised for everyday use, balancing aesthetics, efficiency, and accessibility. We also explored how far we could go by creating a vehicle concept that can almost completely operate without charging infrastructure. Picture high-performance vehicles achieving up to 95% energy independence, thanks to aerodynamic shapes and extended solar surfaces for long-distance travel.

An overview of various vehicle typologies that were part of the research

To bring these concepts to life, we used a mixed-reality platform that allowed us to test and refine designs in real-world contexts. It was a game-changer in finding the perfect balance between form and function.

"This collaboration allowed us to push the boundaries of automotive design and explore solar’s potential across multiple vehicle types, combining creativity and advanced tools to deliver new design solutions," said Lowie Vermeersch, Creative Director at Granstudio.

Testing and validating solar applications in real-world contexts

Making solar integration seamless for designers

One of our key breakthroughs was developing a solar calculation tool that empowers designers to seamlessly integrate solar technology into their work. This service provides precise data to quickly calculate energy yields, making it easier than ever to optimise solar cell placement and balance performance, efficiency, and aesthetics.

By lowering the barriers to solar adoption, we’re opening up new possibilities for designers and automakers to create vehicles that are both sustainable and stunning.

Are you a designer and interested in our solar calculation service? Please, feel free to contact us!

Lightyear makes solar integration accessible in the design process

Lessons for the automotive industry

Our collaboration with Granstudio has reinforced some crucial takeaways for the automotive industry:

Start solar integration early: Designing with solar in mind from the beginning unlocks its full potential.

Balance practicality and innovation: Solar design isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating convenient vehicles that people love to drive.

Think beyond the grid: Solar technology offers a pathway to truly sustainable, energy-independent mobility.

Driving toward a solar-powered future

At Lightyear, we believe that the future of mobility is solar-powered. Our collaboration with Granstudio has given us a glimpse of what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets visionary design. Stay tuned as we continue to innovate and push the limits of what solar technology can achieve.