POWERTRAIN
In ideal conditions, Aptera can provide up to 40 miles of range per day from solar alone
to charge the battery. “In ideal conditions, that can provide
up to 40 miles of range per day from solar alone – more than many people drive daily,” Hilla says. “Even in less-than-perfect weather, our solar panels still generate meaningful range, helping to reduce or eliminate the need for charging.” The design begins with Aptera’s
completely rethought vehicle platform. The vehicle’s aerodynamic shape coupled with its ultra-high-strength and lightweight carbon fibre body structure enables the vehicle to achieve meaningful range via solar energy. The streamlined, teardrop shape reduces air resistance to deliver one of the lowest drag coefficients of ‘any vehicle ever made’. “Aptera’s unique design is driven
entirely by physics,” Hilla says. “It’s built with an ultra-lightweight
It’s built with an
ultra-lightweight composite body, enclosed wheel covers and an aerodynamic teardrop shape – resulting in a targeted drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.13, the lowest ever achieved in a production vehicle
composite body, enclosed wheel covers and an aerodynamic teardrop shape – resulting in a targeted drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.13, the lowest ever achieved in a production vehicle. This enables Aptera to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge with a relatively small battery – because we lose less energy to drag and weight.” From a safety perspective, Aptera
is built with high-strength carbon fibre materials and energy-absorbing metal subframes to enhance impact resistance. Its front nose cone and subframe are engineered to crumple against an angled firewall, extending the impact sequence to protect passengers “We also use composite materials
in the body structure, which not only reduce weight but increase strength,” Hilla adds. “Our monocoque body design allows for excellent crash
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