Electric vehicles do not produce emissions. However, what if you can combine solar panels with electric vehicles? This will reduce dependence on electricity that might come from emission-producing power plants for charging.
This is the first part of our series of articles on solar electric vehicles (SEVs). Here, we look at the Aptera.
The Aptera is made by a San Diego, California-based startup named Aptera, created by Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony. This is the company’s second attempt at making a SEV. To date, the company has raised $28 million in investors’ funds. The SEV has accumulated about 13,000 pre-orders.
While using a battery, the Aptera differs from other EVs because of its three wheels and odd shape, making it appear to be taking off for the sky at any moment. Aptera says the body is inspired by race cars and fighter jets.
There is room for an extra passenger apart from the driver, with surprisingly 25 cubic feet of space for cargo in the rear.
Aptera claims the unique shape of the SEV gives it a higher efficiency as it slips through the air using 30 percent less energy. You can travel up to 1,000 miles on a single charge, unheard of in the EV industry. For context, the longer-range EV in production is the Lucid Air Dream Edition which lasts 520 miles.
Buyers, however, might never have to plug in to charge the Aptera due to one of its standout features. It has diamond-shaped solar panels that efficiently harvest energy from the sun. With the ability to produce 700 watts continuously, the Aptera SEV can generate 40 miles a day, which is enough for most drivers.
The solar panels make the Aptera fit for use even in places where charging opportunities are low and even for individuals that want to go off-grid.
The Aptera is a fast EV, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It is powered by a 110-hp electric motor on the two front wheels.
Aptera has entered the beta development phase and hopes to start production in 2022 in a new assembly facility in Southern California. The company is hoping to change the way vehicles are made with 3D printing, AI, and a composite body.
You can reserve your own Aptera at a refundable cost of $70. Prices starts from $25,900.
