The reborn company Aptera Motors – we talked about it a year ago – has been promising a long-range solar/electric car for a while now, and it has now released images and video of a production model of the three-wheeler. The company has also launched pre-orders for its ultra-efficient solar electric car with the appearance of an ultralight aircraft.
Aptera is the first electric/ solar vehicle that requires no charging for most daily use. Thanks to the power of the Sun, the dream of driving for more miles with less carbon, materials, and energy from the grid is now a reality. The Aptera EV has a solar roof array, making it possible to drive 45 miles (72 km) over the course of a (sunny) day without plugging in, and can be fitted with batteries allowing up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) between plug-ins on long trips.
This futuristic electric car is, in fact, equipped with a technology called Never Charge, which allows the vehicle to recharge while driving thanks to 3-square-meters of 180 efficient solar cells distributed on the car body. The Aptera can self-generate as much as 45 miles (72 km) of range per day in ideal conditions (Sunny days).
The manufacturer promises that its 3-wheeled electric car offers enough space for two people and is quiet, reliable, and safe. Aptera managed to offer that with a very light body (1,800 lb up to 2,200 lb, or 816 kg up to 998 kg). It has only four main parts – which also makes manufacturing much simpler than in a regular car.
As for the powertrain, more options are available with liquid-cooled electric motors in the two front wheels or in all three. When it was first revealed a year ago, the power outputs around 50 kW (67 hp) per motor were planned, but the company hasn’t said anything on the final specifications for the moment. The vehicle plans to offer a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.
If you don’t have to rely only on the Sun to get around, battery sizes will also vary. For the price of $25,900, the basic variant will offer a front-wheel drive and a battery with a capacity of 25 kWh, which is to ensure a range of about 250 miles (400 km). There will also be versions with 40 kWh (range 400 miles or 644 km), 60 kWh (for 600 miles or 965 km), and 100 kWh battery (range 1,000 miles or 1,600 km).
Since Aptera mentions a price range of $25,900 to $46,900 for the standard equipment versions, the version with a 100 kWh battery and a range of 1000 miles (1,600 km) should theoretically starts at $46,900.
Optional equipment includes, for example, Enhanced Audio, SafetyPilot (level 2 autonomy drive assistant), safety divider for pets, integrated tent and rear awning for camping, off-road kit, custom interior, and exterior options. Adding panels to the hood and hatch can add another 24 miles (39 km) of range. Another important point for the Aptera’s efficiency is the low drag coefficient, with a cx of only 0.13.
The Aptera electric car from Aptera Motors can be pre-ordered now for a refundable deposit of $100. It is supposed to go into production next year, but we do not know the expected date of the start of deliveries.
