The solar-powered electric car from Aptera might never require charging!

by Ricky Head · February 13, 2023

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have increased significantly during the previous three years. However, their global market share remains quite modest. It ranges from 16 percent in China to around 4.5 percent in the United States. The scarcity of public charging facilities is one of the most significant barriers to the broad adoption of EVs. Aptera Motors, located in California, seeks to solve the problem with its new solar-powered EV.

On January 20, 2023, the “Launch Edition” was revealed. Instead of four wheels, the teardrop-shaped vehicle has three. The aerodynamic form allows it to move further while consuming less energy. The car’s lightweight significantly minimizes battery use.

The EV can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in four seconds and reach a top speed of 101 miles per hour (162 kilometers per hour). The interior of the vehicle features a big touchscreen and a semicircular steering wheel. It comfortably seats two passengers and has plenty of cargo space.

Launch Edition can travel up to 400 miles (643 km) on a single charge. It can be recharged with a conventional charging kit. However, Aptera believes most owners will not have to plug in their vehicles for weeks or even months. The 700 watts of solar panels fitted on the car’s exterior enable it to replenish the battery with the Sun’s rays. On a sunny day, the EV can travel up to 40 miles (64 km) on just solar power.

“The average driver in the US drives 29 miles per day, so now, for most American consumers, the Aptera is a vehicle you never have to plug into the wall to receive any charge,” says Chris Anthony, Aptera’s co-CEO.

Aptera is currently working on obtaining additional funding. The company hopes to begin mass production of the vehicle by the end of 2023. A solar-powered EV that can drive 1,000 miles (1,609 km) on a single charge is also in the works.

Ricky Head

Ricky Head is Editor in Chief and Publisher of HEADMeDIANOW. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. In addition to concert coverage, he is a Content Creator, Writer, Photographer, and Videographer based in Seattle, Washington, and he photographs hundreds of concerts, festivals, and events each year. He takes pride in providing rich, high-quality images at a rapid pace. Due to a well-tuned workflow and the use of new technology, most events covered are represented on social media while the event is still taking place by the outlets and artists with whom he collaborates.