Driving Toward a Solar Future
The Lightyear One project reimagines what sustainable mobility can be. Developed in collaboration with ManGo Product Design and Granstudio, this solar powered car was engineered to push the limits of efficiency and innovation. ManGo was responsible for the design, engineering, and prototyping of all exterior lighting units, contributing to the car’s distinctive identity and performance. The Lightyear One represents a milestone in clean automotive design, combining aerodynamic excellence with renewable energy technology.
Solar Technology in Motion
The Lightyear One features five square meters of high yield solar panels integrated into the roof and bonnet. These panels recharge the car’s battery even while driving, adding an average of twelve kilometers of range per hour of sunlight. This innovation allows the car to operate independently from charging infrastructure for extended periods. By merging clean energy with intelligent design, Lightyear offers a new model for sustainable mobility that reduces emissions and redefines convenience.
Full width LED lighting
Exterior lighting on cars is subject to strict regulations. Designing the exterior lighting in a way that embodied the innovative character of the Lightyear One was a challenge in itself. Although there were some cars in existence that featured full-width tail lighting, the front daytime running lights that extended the full with of the cars aerodynamic nose were an absolute novelty when this car was launched in 2019. Especially since they had to be road legal, something that had never
been done before.
A Milestone in Automotive Design
The collaboration between Lightyear and ManGo Product Design resulted in one of the most advanced solar cars ever built. The vehicle’s sleek lighting elements, aerodynamic form, and integrated solar technology have made it a symbol of progress in the transition to renewable energy. The Lightyear One demonstrates that elegant design and environmental responsibility can coexist, setting a new benchmark for the future of electric transportation.
