Aptera Motors Receives $21 Million Grant for Solar Mobility Manufacturing

Aptera Motors, the manufacturer of the world’s first true zero emission vehicle (ZEV), has received a momentous boost in its production capacity. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has granted the company a substantial amount of $21 million. This grant will enable Aptera to accelerate the scaled manufacturing of its unique two-seat, ultra-efficient solar Electric Vehicle (EV). What sets Aptera apart is its ingenious use of embedded solar panel power, which allows for up to 40 miles of grid-free daily driving. Additionally, the vehicle can be plug-in charged and boasts an impressive range of up to 1,000 miles. This advancement marks the beginning of a new era in solar mobility products, with Aptera at the forefront of this innovative journey.

According to Co-CEO Chris Anthony, “Working with the CEC enables us to produce grid-free, carbon-neutral solar mobility while creating new jobs for all Californians (targeting 10% in underserved communities). Our over-arching goal is to meet the demand for our solar electric vehicles to have a real impact on climate change, sharing in CEC’s ultimate mission.” 

Thanks to the backing of the CEC, Aptera’s Solar Mobility Manufacturing Project is poised to swiftly bring the Aptera vehicle and component manufacturing into the mass market in California. This shift promises significant reductions in cumulative greenhouse gases (GHG), echoing the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This strategic decision not only promises local manufacturing efficiencies but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with intercontinental transportation. In doing so, Aptera continues its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the realm of solar mobility.

“Aptera represents California’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to electric vehicles, harnessing the power of the sun to go further on truly zero-emission solar energy,” said CEC Commissioner Patty Monahan. “The Energy Commission is proud to fund Aptera to manufacture the world’s first mass-produced, three-wheeled solar car. Meeting California’s goal to zero out pollution from transportation over the next 15-25 years will require innovation and thinking outside the box.” 

Aptera’s superior performance is derived from a combination of innovative features, extending beyond its integrated solar panels. The vehicle’s aerodynamic structure significantly reduces drag, improving energy efficiency. The use of robust, lightweight materials in its construction further enhances the vehicle’s efficiency, while also contributing to safety. A distinctive design feature of Aptera is its fewer parts, simplifying the manufacturing process and making mass production feasible. The integration of in-wheel motors eliminates the need for a conventional drive train, further reducing the vehicle’s weight and complexity. Combined, these innovative elements result in an efficient, safe, and highly manufacturable vehicle. More importantly, the realization of Aptera at a mass scale stands to make significant strides in reducing both greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions, marking a momentous step forward in sustainable mobility.

• As a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV), Aptera produces no tailpipe pollution. However, Aptera is even cleaner than typical ZEVs because electricity for other ZEVs needs to be generated somehow—often from hydrocarbons or coal. Aptera is a true ZEV, making its own fuel for driving up to 40 miles per day: in this way it can outperform all other vehicles in decreasing GHG and criteria pollutant emissions.  
• When Aptera does charge from the grid, it goes much further for the same amount of electricity as other vehicles, due to its ultra-efficient design that delivers more than twice the MPGe and lower GHG emissions compared to other ZEVs.
• When drivers with commutes of less than 40 miles a day leverage the full benefit of the electricity generated by onboard solar, Aptera becomes carbon-neutral and generates 0g of CO2e/mi and 0g of NOx and VOC criteria pollutants. 
• In addition, one of Aptera’s key goals for the project is to attract and employ new members of Aptera’s workforce from underserved communities including regional Indian tribes. Aptera will also be partnering with local community colleges to train and recruit new employees.

The generous $21 million grant awarded to Aptera by the California Energy Commission (CEC) forms an integral part of the state’s ongoing endeavors to promote clean, renewable energy sources and take meaningful action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This funding will be funneled through the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program, a visionary initiative that aims to expedite the development and commercial application of advanced, environmentally-friendly vehicle technologies. The program is a seminal effort in the state’s broader strategy to combat climate change and foster the growth of a green, sustainable economy. Through such investments, California continues to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future, reinforcing its commitment to the environment, technological innovation, and economic resilience.

Aptera Motors® is the pioneer in creating the world’s most technologically advanced solar electric vehicles (sEVs). These vehicles are brought to life by groundbreaking advancements in battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing techniques. Aptera stands at the forefront of a line-up of eco-friendly vehicles slated for both consumer and commercial use. Setting a new standard in vehicle range, Aptera boats an impressive 1,000 miles per charge, the longest range of any production vehicle. Furthermore, its integrated solar panels enable it to travel up to 40 miles a day on free solar power. The vehicle’s design, with only six key body components, showcases a unique shape that allows it to slice through the air, utilizing significantly less energy than other electric and hybrid vehicles available today. This combination of innovation and efficiency demonstrates Aptera’s commitment to sustainable transportation.