Aptera To Start Production of its Solar-Powered Launch Edition EV
Back in 2020 San Diego based startup, Aptera Motors unveiled a three-wheel solar-powered electric car that resembled something from out of the Jetsons TV show. With much fanfare, the company officially announced that its EV will enter official production.
Image: Aptera Motors
Being the first model for the company, it’s been officially called the “Launch Edition” and it looks strikingly similar to the vehicle the company unveiled back in 2019. It bears the same teardrop shape with two fenders over the front wheels and a sleek two-tone paint finish.
Image: Aptera Motors
The design is simple, futuristic, and aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.13 which is more efficient than similar models being made by other high-end manufacturers. As with the exterior, the interior is minimalist with sport seating and two screens behind the steering column. The interior also features a dynamic lighting package that can be customized for individual taste.
Image: Aptera Motors
Performance specs for the EV is no less appealing. It’s able to achieve 0 to 60 mph in only four seconds with top speed of 101 mph. The launch edition will be able to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge. The range is comparable to other EVs but less than high-end competitor models from Tesla and Lucid.
Image: Aptera Motors
What sets Aptera’s EV apart from other competitors is the fact that the car runs completely on solar energy. Virtually the entire exterior of the vehicle is covered with solar panels that generate electricity to keep the battery charged.
As long as the car is in the sun and weather permitting, the solar panels can generate electricity for up to 40 miles of range per day. That means it is possible to drive this car for longer periods of time between charges. Aptera plans to increase its range in the near future with a much larger battery pack that will see the vehicle cover close to 1,000 miles.
Aptera has finalized the design of its launch edition and the EV is now ready for production. With $85 million already raised for the design and production, the company plans to build 5,000 units of the launch edition.
