POWERTRAIN
SUSTAINABLE SOLAR
The vehicle’s aerodynamic teardrop shape results in a targeted Cd of just 0.13
Could the future of electric transportation run on solar power? The latest Aptera validation vehicle is putting the proof in the pudding after breaking new ground in vehicle efficiency
P
re-production startup Aptera Motors imagines a future where every journey made is powered by the sun. An
ambitious goal, sure, but what might sound like a pipedream to some is backed by over 34 patents, nearly 50,000 reservation holders and a potential revenue of $1.7 billion, with the firm’s validation vehicle – Aptera – well on its way to entering production. “The idea for Aptera was born out
of a fundamental question: What if an electric vehicle didn’t need to be plugged in at all?” Says Quincy Hilla, Aptera’s head of marketing and PR. “Our co-founders, Chris Anthony and
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Steve Fambro, realised that most electric vehicles are still heavily reliant on the grid – which often still depends on fossil fuels. So, they set out to build something radically different: a vehicle so efficient it could be powered by the sun.” In a snapshot, the Aptera promises
up to 40 miles of free solar-powered driving per day, 400 miles of range per full charge, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. But this all begins with efficient design, says Hilla. “Instead of adding bigger batteries
or more charging stations, Aptera flips the equation by starting with extreme efficiency – which means less energy
is needed to begin with,” Hilla explains. “That opens the door for integrated solar power to carry more of the load. Our goal is to give people the freedom to drive without ever needing to plug in, depending on where they live and how they drive. It’s not just a cleaner solution – it’s a more empowering one.”
HOW DOES IT WORK? Aptera’s integrated solar package includes up to 700W of solar power throughout the body of the vehicle – including the roof, dashboard, hood and rear hatch. This allows the vehicle to harvest sunlight throughout the day and convert it directly into electricity
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