Mr Selten said of the decision to test the car in the UAE: 'In the summer it gets really hot here compared with the Netherlands, so that is a really good test to demonstrate our technology.'
Hussain Al Mahmoudi. chief executive of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park at the launch of Lightyear0, a Dutch solar-powered car. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Lightyear in Europe sold 150 of the vehicles, before even going into production.
The models sold in Europe went for €250,000. The company plans for future models to retail at between $30,000 and $50,000.
Tom Selten, Lightyear's vice president of business development, says the company hopes to introduce the car to the UAE market early next year.
The Lightyear0 is the first solar-powered car to be sold commercially.
In sunny countries the company believes the car will be able to run for up to seven months without needing to plug in to recharge its batteries.
Lightyear0's solar panels continuously draw power from the sun and top up the electric battery while it is being driven and even when it is parked outdoors.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi at the unveiling in Sharjah.
The car was revealed at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, Sharjah.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi sees an opportunity for investors in the UAE. 'We want to test some of the technology related to this car in this region and work out a programme with our universities and students to engage them in testing,' he said.
Mr Selten said of the decision to test the car in the UAE: 'In the summer it gets really hot here compared with the Netherlands, so that is a really good test to demonstrate our technology.'
Hussain Al Mahmoudi. chief executive of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park at the launch of Lightyear0, a Dutch solar-powered car. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Lightyear in Europe sold 150 of the vehicles, before even going into production.
The models sold in Europe went for €250,000. The company plans for future models to retail at between $30,000 and $50,000.
Tom Selten, Lightyear's vice president of business development, says the company hopes to introduce the car to the UAE market early next year.
The Lightyear0 is the first solar-powered car to be sold commercially.
In sunny countries the company believes the car will be able to run for up to seven months without needing to plug in to recharge its batteries.
Lightyear0's solar panels continuously draw power from the sun and top up the electric battery while it is being driven and even when it is parked outdoors.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi at the unveiling in Sharjah.
The car was revealed at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, Sharjah.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi sees an opportunity for investors in the UAE. 'We want to test some of the technology related to this car in this region and work out a programme with our universities and students to engage them in testing,' he said.
Mr Selten said of the decision to test the car in the UAE: 'In the summer it gets really hot here compared with the Netherlands, so that is a really good test to demonstrate our technology.'