Dutch EV startup Lightyear is to supply Arval with 10,000 units of its forthcoming solar-powered electric hatchback under a new deal.

The Lightyear 2 uses solar technology to enhance electric range – the company is targeting a range of around 800km (497 miles) per charge

Teased at last week’s CES 2023 event and due to be revealed this summer, the Lightyear 2 will build on the success of the Lightyear 0, which recently went into limited production in Finland.

As with the inaugural model, the Lightyear 2 uses solar technology to enhance electric range. A lining of panels across the roof and hood enables the car to double its range to around 800km (497 miles) per charge while enabling three times less charging overall than a conventional electric vehicle, according to the firm.

In the case of the forthcoming Lightyear 2, the technology will be opened up to the mass market, supported by a price point of below €40,000 (£35,477). The company says it’s the “next step towards making clean mobility available for everyone, everywhere”.

A waiting list to gain priority in the pre-order process later this year is already open but the Arval deal means some fleets will be able to side-step the process and to experience solar-electric mobility in the leasing giant’s key markets in Europe. The tie-up will also support Arval’s work in greener mobility.

“Lightyear’s technology is proven, affordable, and environmentally friendly, making a great addition to our fleet,” said Alain van Groenendael, chairman and CEO of Arval.

“Our ambition is to lease 700,000 electrified vehicles as part of our global fleet by 2025, and we look forward to welcoming 10,000 Lightyear 2 cars, that help us to reach that goal and more importantly, further support our customers with an optimal solution that answers their energy transition needs and the infrastructure challenge in Europe.”

The Lightyear 2 will join Arval’s fleet in markets including the UK.

Lakshmi Moorthy, UK managing director for the leasing firm, said: “This solar-powered electric vehicle comes to the UK market at the right time, when our customers have already adopted around 30,000 electric vehicles. Its range-extending technology and affordable price will further accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility for fleets and individuals alike.”

The Arval pre-order means Lightyear has now reached 21,000 pre-orders from B2B partners.

Lex Hoefsloot, Lightyear CEO and co-founder, commented: “Next to offering our solar electric cars to individual consumers, Arval plays a crucial role as a leasing company in making our technologies available for as many people as possible. We are grateful for their trust and being able to have their expertise and international footprint to roll out Lightyear 2.”