Created by Dutch Solar Team Eindhoven graduates (and three-time winners of The World Solar Challenge), the Lightyear company in Helmond, Netherlands was formed to produce a long-range, solar-powered vehicle for the public. Based on a holistic design philosophy, that car, the Lightyear One, is expected to reach production in late 2022. Through an agreement with Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive, an exclusive run of 946 first-edition models will be released, and like Tesla, sales will be handled on a direct-to-consumer basis.