The air resistance increasing exponentially at speed, it leads to high fuel consumption of the vehicle. For most automobiles, this resistance accounts for 60% of overall highway energy consumption. As battery life is logically one of the main concerns of current and potential electric car drivers, many manufacturers are working to continually optimize vehicle aerodynamics to improve this indicator.
Lightyear, a manufacturer specializing in solar vehicles and which has just raised 81 million euros in investments to ensure the production of its first series model, Lightyear 0, has embarked on the challenge of fighting against the wind. By playing on the design of the car and offering a design that minimizes air resistance, the manufacturer considers that it has achieved a very low drag coefficient, while maintaining a balanced downforce to ensure a smooth ride for drivers.
Indeed, the challenge is to find the right balance between low drag coefficient, support on the ground in a straight line but also agility in turns. An equation with several unknowns on which F1 engineers have been working for decades.
Still, a low drag coefficient makes the car more economical, because it consumes less energy; therefore, an electric vehicle will be able to drive longer on a single charge. If you are one of those who wonder about the amazing design of the Model 3, it may be because this one, in the shape of a drop of water (the most aerodynamic shape in the world) , allows a very low Cx of 0.23. A nice score which is however beaten by Mercedes, whose EQS displays a Cx of 0.20.
It is therefore not without pride that after a series of tests carried out in one of the FKFS wind tunnels in Stuttgart (Germany) under the conditions of the WLTP cycle, Lightyear announces that the Lightyear 0 will be the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a record drag coefficient of 0.175. A few historic records, such as the Panhard CD LM64 from 1964 and its Cx of 0.14, have been recorded in the past, but these are obviously dedicated racing concepts.
The Dutch start-up Lightyear hopes to be able to start production of its first series model this fall. As a reminder, the 60 kWh battery will allow a range of 625 km for an average consumption of 10.5 kWh/100 km. To these 625 km will be added 70 km/day (up to 11,000 km/year) provided by the surface of 5 m² of solar panels integrated into the roof.