Clean Energy | September 28, 2021

Lightyear raises $110 million for solar-powered electric vehicles

Roodgally Senatus
ImpactAlpha Editor

Roodgally Senatus

ImpactAlpha, September 28 — Electric-vehicle makers are looking for an edge. Lightyear is counting on a built-in solar panel on the roof. Lightyear One can go 43.5 miles per hour daily using the sun’s power for months, according to the company. The starting price: $170,000.

The investment round was backed by Dutch insurer Cooperation DELA and art collector Joop van Caldenborgh. Lightyear plans to bring the model to mass production in 2024.

Green mobility

Polestar, backed by Volvo and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, will go public via a merger with Gores Guggenheim, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC. The deal values the Swedish company, which is looking to build a 100% “climate-neutral” car by 2030, at $20 billion.

Sweden electric truck manufacturer Volta Trucks raised $43.2 million in Series B funding.

Oakland, Calif.-based Lilac Solutions scored $150 million in Series B financing to produce low-carbon lithium for car batteries.