Electric vehicle (EV) sales have seen a significant increase in the last three years. But their global market share is still very low. It varies from 16 percent in China to about 4.5 percent in the US. One of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of EVs is the shortage of public charging stations. California-based Aptera Motors hopes to alleviate the issue with its new, solar-powered EV.
"Launch Edition" was unveiled on January 20, 2023. The teardrop-shaped vehicle has three wheels instead of four. The aerodynamic shape allows it to travel further without using too much energy. The car's low weight further reduces battery usage.
The EV can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) in just four seconds and reach a top speed of 101 miles per hour (162 km/h). The car's interior is equipped with a large touchscreen and a semicircular steering wheel. It can comfortably fit two people and has ample room for cargo.
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.
Resources: Aptera.us, Businessinsider.com
