This text appears to be a transcript of a video or interview discussing the history and future of the company Lightyear and its solar-powered cars. The speaker reflects on the rise and fall of Lightyear's first car, the Lightyear Zero, which faced production challenges. The company has raised 8 million euros to continue developing the Lightyear 2, a more affordable solar car with a target release in 2026. The speaker expresses hope for the company's future, considering the value of its technology and intellectual property, but acknowledges the financial challenges ahead.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 2013, a team from TU Eindhoven won the World Solar Challenge Cruiser class.
2. Lightyear was founded by former members of that team in 2016.
3. Lightyear produced a car known as "Lightyear One," with an initial price of 125,000 euros.
4. Lightyear One was later renamed "Lightyear Zero" and priced at 250,000 euros.
5. Lightyear Zero was supposed to launch in 2022 but faced delays.
6. Lightyear Zero aimed to be a solar-powered car.
7. The company opened a production line in Finland at the end of 2022.
8. Lightyear Zero production was halted, leading to bankruptcy.
9. Lightyear employees were left disappointed and invested approximately 200 million euros.
10. An auction for various Lightyear assets was planned, including demo cars and office equipment.
11. A restart of Lightyear was announced with 8 million euros in funding.
12. The new project is Lightyear 2, a solar car intended for mass production.
13. Lightyear 2 aims to cost less than 40,000 euros, have a sunroof, and a range of up to 800 km.
14. 21,000 Lightyear 2 units have been ordered by various companies and car-sharing services.
15. The former CFO of Lightyear stated that at least 1 billion euros are needed to bring Lightyear 2 to market.
Please note that these facts are based on the information provided in the text, and opinions have been excluded.