Automotive design | Exploring the power of Sun, Granstudio & Lightyear | 2025
Exploring the full potential of solar in vehicle design
Granstudio and Lightyear collaborated to explore the potential of solar in vehicle design. The project delved into innovative vehicle typologies that prioritize aerodynamic efficiency and, crucially, elevate the user experience. The result? A series of forward-thinking vehicle concepts that demonstrate how solar energy can address both mass market and new niches.
The Research Journey
Granstudio partnered with Lightyear to explore how solar energy can shape the future of electric mobility. The mission was clear: create design solutions that incorporate solar cells into vehicles, going against the common perception of solar being niche, but as an accessible and innovative solution for mass-market adoption.
Through cutting-edge research, Granstudio uncovered significant user benefits of integrating solar technology in vehicles. This collaboration aimed to overcome the typical barriers of electric mobility: charging anxiety, short range, and high infrastructure costs. With the power of the sun, electric vehicles could be more efficient, affordable, and capable of sustaining longer journeys without the need for frequent charging.
Exploring vehicle typologies
During our user research journey, Granstudio's team explored solar applications in different vehicle types, from city cars to off-grid adventure vehicles.
Our design team designed the best options that would maximise user benefits and unlock the full potential of solar for the mass market.
And from an adventurous van that maximises freedom to an off-grid vehicle with great aerodynamic performance, solar proved to be an option that doesn't restrict, but rather enhances the creativity of designers.
“We enjoyed imagining different vehicle typologies that would enhance users’ benefits, creating a functional and beautiful experience to fully enhance what people can do in the car, maximising their freedom of movement and comfort with solar.”
— ROCCO CARRIERI, CHIEF CONCEPT DESIGNER
Holistic Concept Ideation
Throughout the entire process, Granstudio's phygital design approach has been at the heart of testing and prototyping ideas. Our mixed-reality platform, DigiPHY, was indeed the common playground where Granstudio and Lighteyar’s teams tested and prototyped design possibilities, fine-tuning those that delivered the best user experience.
By combining physical prototypes with virtual simulations, we were able to iterate quickly, making design decisions that would later influence the vehicle concepts, ensuring they met both functional and aesthetic goals.
Package Optimisation through User Test
Engaging with users was, of course, central to refining ideas that truly resonated with users. We actively interacted with people, asking them how they felt inside the different concepts, what they liked, and what they would have changed. With DigiPHY, users were able to experience the entire interaction with the vehicle, testing ergonomics, understanding user interactions, and immersing themselves in the design within its intended context.
User testing is a key element of Granstudio’s design approach. Our team works closely with clients and partners, constantly recruiting users to validate design concepts and ensure they align with their preferences.
“A solar-powered car is a synergy of design, where autonomy, aerodynamics, and functionality enhance user experience. Our research explored two extremes—off-grid independence and mass-market versatility. The goal: a smart solar design that maximizes efficiency and usability. The result? a step toward a cleaner, more independent future.
— VIRGILIO FERNANDEZ, CHIEF DESIGNERS, COLOR & TRIM
From Off the Grid to Mass Market
From Users Tests, we explored two main directions; an “off the grid” vehicles with incredible aerodynamic performance and a second version more for urban dayly life.
The streamlined design of the Off the Grid vehicle has the potential to open new markets, offering a perfect solution for those who need to commute over long distances. By increasing both freedom and charging independence, users can enjoy long-range trip with no compromise on comfort.
An Incredible Aerodynamic Performance
Through multiple iterations, we carefully refined the optimal aerodynamic shape that would maximize the energy yield of Lightyear’s solar cells, while seamlessly integrating them into a streamlined design. The result was remarkable: a drag coefficient of just 0.16, a figure typically achieved by high-performance sports cars. This breakthrough means enhanced energy independence, reduced charging needs, and greater freedom of movement.
Solar can have Mass Appeal
The second option explored was a more practical, urban vehicle designed to appeal to the mass market. This option challenges the common perception that solar cells are only suitable for “quirky”, aesthetically unappealing designs. Granstudio and Lightyear's teams proved the opposite: solar technology can be seamlessly integrated into mainstream designs, offering incredible advantages for users in terms of range, comfort, and cost-efficiency.
Unlock the Power of Solar
It all begins with a challenge, a dream, a possibility. With passion and creativity, ideas take shape. Granstudio and Lightyear's collaboration perfectly demonstrates how imagination, dedication, and hard work can lead to extraordinary outcomes that meaningfully impact people's everyday lives. While electric vehicles are the mainstream solution, we’ve shown that solar energy is also a viable option—one that enhances the user experience and contributes to a better future for mobility.
OUR VIEW
Performance, and more precisely energy efficiency, should be at the center of any kind of vehicle that wants to improve our mobile future.
How well a vehicle performs in harmony with nature and society should be our new point of reference.
About Lightyear
Lightyear is a solar technology leader committed to making clean mobility accessible to everyone. Its pioneering vehicle integrated solar systems are transforming the automotive industry by delivering unmatched energy efficiency.
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