Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle is an Impressive Innovation

One of the defining characteristics of the electric vehicle revolution is the look and style of the new electric vehicles on the roads. This vehicle is definitely poised to turn some heads with an innovative, aerodynamic and three-wheeled design for a solar-powered two-seater. Electric cars powered primarily by solar are currently a rare offering.

Drawing from the experience of builders making solar-powered racers, the company designed a lightweight vehicle with aerodynamics similar to an airplane. Ultra-lightweight composites are used for the body shell, much stronger and lighter than steel. The eggshell shape of the driver’s compartment serves two purposes. One purpose is safety, another purpose is to reduce drag from air movement with a sleek design. Aptera’s EV weighs 65% less than other electric vehicles currently on the market, and boasts a 1,000-mile range.

Drag coefficients compared

Drag coefficients are a measure of the amount of resistance a vehicle experiences while in movement. Aptera has a significantly lower drag coefficient, due to its innovative and sleek design. Drag coefficient comparisons to other vehicles are:

Toyota Corolla: 0.29
Tesla Model 3: 0.23
Aptera: 0.13
Solar Racer: 0.07

Aptera vehicles are powered by the sun

The solar powered electric vehicle requires no charging for most daily use, depending on how far you drive. The vehicle uses unique diamond-shaped solar panels on its body. These panels provide 700 watts of continuous charging power, whether parked or in motion. Three alpha vehicles, Noir, Sol, and Luna are planned. Aptera is finalizing development of its beta vehicles. The company plans to begin production in the second half of 2022.

Aptera is compatible with all kinds of weather conditions

The vehicle was developed to handle harsh conditions. The vehicle is capable of down to -20 and up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The all-wheel drive allows easy navigation through snow, ice, sand, and gravel.

A comeback story

In 2006, Aptera founders Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro created their first solar-powered EV prototype vehicle. The company entered the fledgling EV market with the Aptera. The prototype received a lot of attention, and was the first EV to get 300 mpg. However, the time wasn’t right since support and funding for EVs was not strong. So, they moved on to other ventures for over a decade.

Chris Anthony

That car looks like something out of a science fiction movie

Actually, the vehicle was in a science fiction movie. Aptera’s futuristic prototype vehicle appeared in the first reboot film of Star Trek, released in 2009, starring Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, Eric Bana and Zachary Quinto.

Aptera reborn in 2019

In 2019 Aptera was reborn as a solar electric vehicle (sEV) brand. Anthony and Fambro’s goal now is to build solar-powered, lightweight and aerodynamic vehicles powered completely off the grid. The company recognized the growing interest and demand for EVs, powered by Tesla and others, and felt the time was right in 2019 to restart Aptera. The company’s headquarters is located in Carlsbad, California, an ideal location for solar-powered electric cars, with a beautiful beach.

The Aptera cruising the beach near its headquarters in Carlsbad, California

Brand ambassadors

Aptera’s Brand Ambassador Program includes over 700 volunteers around the world. Aptera Ambassadors are sEV enthusiasts. They serve an important role in the spread of Aptera’s mission. Aptera’s mission is “to create the most efficient transportation on the planet.”

“Aptera is probably one of the most intriguing transportation companies out there. Equally intriguing are the many hundreds of ambassadors who come with an enormous number of life experiences. No matter what your background, you’ve arrived at the same conclusion that I have: there is something special here, and you feel compelled to be a part of a revolution in transportation.” — Michael Brooke, Aptera Brand Ambassador

Aptera believes Tesla superchargers and plugs should be the U.S. standard for EVs

Citing a recent study, Aptera promotes Tesla Superchargers as the best EV charging experience. The company says that the connector is easier to use, because the port is small, convenient, and universal as well, for AC or DC fast EV charging.

The founders of Aptera are urging the U.S. government to adopt Tesla’s Supercharger technology as the standard for all EV charging in the U.S., and is circulating a petition in support of that.

EV battery cell supplier, EVE Energy Co., Ltd

In June 2022, Aptera Motors announced that EVE Energy Co., Ltd, would be their lithium-ion battery cell supplier. Aptera plans to use Eve’s 21700 NMC 811 cylindrical cells in its vehicle’s structural battery packs. The structural lithium-ion battery packs will be produced in San Diego, CA.