‘You can park it at work or wherever and go back to it with more energy in the tank than when you left it,’ Aptera founder says
The makers of a $26,000 solar-powered electric car that they claim never needs charging have sold out the first batch within 24 hours.
California based startup Aptera describes its three-wheeled car as “the world’s first Never Charge solar electric vehicle”, and boasts a range of up to 1,000 miles (1,600km).
“Aptera leverages breakthroughs in lightweight structures, low-drag aerodynamics and cooling, material science, and manufacturing processes to deliver the most efficient vehicle ever made available to consumers,” the company states on its website.
“Aptera’s Never Charge is built into every vehicle and is designed to harvest enough sunlight to travel over 11,000 miles per year in most regions.”
The unusual teardrop shape is designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible in order to require less energy to run.
No mass market electric vehicle currently on the market has a range greater than 500 miles, though Aptera’s huge range and no charge claims have certain limitations.
BIG NEWS! Preorders for the limited edition Paradigm and Paradigm+ models have officially SOLD OUT in less than 24 hours. Cheers to those who made our launch such an amazing success.
Haven’t reserved your #Aptera yet? Design your customized vehicle here: https://t.co/KKIu7Urqu8 pic.twitter.com/EBvzWxKTGf
— Aptera Motors (@aptera_motors) December 5, 2020
The solar panels covering the car are only able to capture enough energy from the sun to charge 40 miles per day, and even that requires sunny California weather.