ARVAL is taking a big step into the sustainable mobility market with a pre-order of 10,000 models of Lightyear 2, a mass-market solar-electric car.

Lightyear is a Dutch-based high-tech business that offered a sneak preview of its Lightyear 2 model at the recent CES show in Las Vegas.

The company has already produced Lightyear 0 to demonstrate its solar technology — with panels fitted on the roof and hood — can extend EV battery ranges.

Lightyear says electric cars with solar roofs (SEVs) do not depend on plug charging alone. An SEV features an integrated layer of solar cells that harnesses and converts clean (and free!) energy from the sun, which is then distributed to the car’s battery or auxiliary systems depending on where it is most required.

According to Lightyear, the solar technology in the 2 model that Arval has pre-ordered can double range and offer up to 800 km (500 miles) between charging at a sales price starting below €40,000 (US$43,330).

Arval says the agreement with Lightyear provides it with a new go-to mobility partner for corporate clients and consumers to experience solar-electric mobility in its key European markets.

It also supports Lightyear’s entry into the European market with customer experience events in 2023/2024, as well as on an international level.

Alain van Groenendael, chairman and CEO of Arval, said:

“Lightyear's technology is proven, affordable and environmentally friendly, making a great addition to our fleet. 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.”

Lex Hoefsloot, Lightyear CEO and co-founder, added: “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.”