The times have been productive for the electric vehicle (EV) industry despite the ongoing pandemic. Numerous EV models, particularly from new manufacturers, have been introduced.
Aptera Motors is one of those new and fascinating EV makers that have taken bold steps in producing some of the world’s most technologically advanced solar electric vehicles (sEVs).
sEVs have been made possible with breakthroughs in battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing. Recently, Aptera Motors introduced the first sEV Aptera that requires no charging for most daily use, and boasts a range of up to 1,000 miles (1,600 kms) on a full charge, shattering industry performance achievements to date. That’s right, no charging. Aptera leverages breakthroughs in lightweight structures, low-drag aerodynamics and cooling, material science, and manufacturing processes to deliver the most efficient vehicle ever made available to consumers.
A lightweight 3-wheeler, Aptera is the first in a series of eco-friendly vehicles soon to be available for consumer and commercial use. It can travel up to 45 miles (72 kms) a day on free power from its integrated solar panels. With only four key structural parts, Aptera’s unique body shape allows it to slip through the air using far less energy than other electric and hybrid vehicles on the road today.
One of the key features that sets Aptera apart from other EVs (or anything that has ever been on the road before) is its unique combination of solar and electric power that will fuel your ride without frequent stops at the charging station. Depending on where a customer lives and how much they drive, they may never need to charge Aptera at all.
Aptera’s Never Charge technology will propel future owners toward a more convenient and environmentally clean future. “With Aptera, you are driven by the power of the sun. Our built-in solar array keeps your battery pack topped off, and anywhere you want to go, you just go,” said co-founder Chris Anthony.
Never Charge is built into every Aptera and is designed to harvest enough sunlight to travel over 11,000 miles (17,600 kms) per year in most regions. The Aptera vehicle consists of lightweight composites that are often stronger than steel, allowing its unique body shape to slip through the air with an unheard-of drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.13.
The vehicle’s low drag gives it the most extended range of any production vehicle ever created—achieving up to 1,000 miles per charge and unburdening drivers from frustrating range anxiety.
The Aptera’s solar array is one of its primary power sources, providing up to 45 miles of range per day with over 3 sqm and 180 efficient solar cells designed into the body structure. It makes Aptera the first vehicle capable of meeting most daily driving needs using solar power alone.
Liquid-cooled electric motors propel Aptera from 0-60 mph in as fast as 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 110 mph (176 kph). All-wheel drive and vectorized torque control give Aptera comfort, stability control, and the ability to handle inclement weather.
Adjustable settings built into Aptera’s user interface keep drivers updated with ways to conserve energy and extend the range in real-time.
And having just four main pieces in its assembly, Aptera has also solved key challenges, allowing for rapid, high-volume, and cost-efficient vehicle production.
The Aptera sEV has been available for preorder in the United States. Through its website www.aptera.us, customers can reserve one of a limited number of special edition Paradigm and Paradigm+ vehicles, which will be the first produced in 2021. They can also design and customize their own Aptera and choose ranges of 250, 400, 600, or 1,000 miles in both AWD and FWD packages. Pricing is between $25,900 and $46,900+ (Story, photos and videos courtesy of Aptera Motors).
Watch the making of the Aptera, and this remarkable sEV in action in the following videos: