Aptera shows off a solar-powered EV, that it says will enter production
Aptera is a recently resurrected startup that aims to deliver the first-ever solar-powered electric vehicle to the mass market. The company showcases a three-wheeled prototype that's extremely efficient and is mostly powered by solar panels. The most important thing to note is that Aptera plans to actually produce this prototype, although the funding part is a bit tricky.
The vehicle is developed with the help of the Italian Pininfarina designers using some of their resources and the wind tunnel located in Turin. The car has an impressive 0.13 Cd drag coefficient, making it an exceptionally efficient EV.
The car is also equipped with 700W of integrated solar cells, enough to provide 40 miles of range per day (specifics aren't revealed, but we assume best case scenario). The total range is estimated to be 400 miles, which isn't too shabby.
Aptera tried this back in 2011 but could not secure the needed funding. However, since 2020, the startup has been resurrected by crowdfunding and other private investments. Only time will tell whether the car will make it into mass production, but we won't hold our breath.
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Reader comments
Well, unless I have to drag my family with me, this one does not look half bad. Munro had video regarding this vehicle, and it was quite interesting what they were able to achieve. Mentioning that, I would be quite surprised if the managed to ship ...
- 10 Jan 2025
- dNZ
- Anonymous
Isn't that true of any car? A 4000 kg truck would smash any car to smithereens. (I miss the Smithereens!)
- 10 Jan 2025
- asq
- Anonymous
I have a bike, thank you.
- 08 Jan 2025
- kmq