Solar-Powered Lightyear 2 Electric Car Faces Major Setback As Manufacturer Files For Bankruptcy

Lightyear, the Dutch automaker and pioneer behind the solar-powered Lightyear 0 andforthcoming Lightyear 2electric vehicles, has just been dealt a massive blow, as it has announced the successful filing for bankruptcy by Atlas Technologies, the division responsible for manufacturing these revolutionary EVs.

The news arrives on the back of a recent declaration from the company that the Lightyear 0 - the brand's $265,000 halo launch model - would be shelved so that the focus could bemoved to the Lightyear 2, a mainstream successor to the 0 that would be sold for a targeted $40,000. We even caught our first glimpse of the Lightyear 2 at CES, and things were looking strong for the Dutch mobility brand.

Lightyear, if you didn't know, firstrevealed the Lightyear One concept in 2019, evolving it to become the production Lightyear 0. This BEV was supplemented by a roof-mounted solar panel and ultra-aerodynamic bodywork that promised to revolutionize the EV segment, and received buy-ins from the likes ofKoenigsegg and even the Dutch government.

It was the latter investment that was supposed to fuel the development of the 2, which is intended to be the brand's equivalent of theTesla Model 3- a mainstream, affordable EV to expand the brand's reach globally. With its combination of plug-in battery, efficient aero, and solar panels to charge on the fly, the Lightyear 2 will travel a claimed 500 miles on a charge (WLTP measurement) and was slated for production in 2025.