Electric car makers don’t add solar panels to their roofs because it wouldn’t generate enough power, and the driver would still need to charge it, so it’s pointless. Solar racers don’t have that problem because their vehicles are ultra-lightweight and feature extreme-aerodynamic shapes.
Aptera has combined the best of both worlds and will be the closest thing on the road to solar racers, with its insane levels of efficiency, lightweight, solar rooftop, and aerodynamical shape. According to its manufacturers, Aptera’s 180 small solar panels, covering over 32.3 sq ft (3 sq m), will harvest enough energy that most drivers will never need to charge it.
In ideal conditions, the solar EV can self-generate up to 45 miles (72 km) of range a day, which is more than twofold the American car owners’ average daily mileage. The Aptera has an outstandingly low drag coefficient of 0.13. It’s also ultra-lightweight and super-strong because it’s entirely built from carbon/flax/Kevlar composites in a sandwich core construction.
Multiple powertrain options are available, with liquid-cooled electric motors in all three wheels or only the front two. Power outputs will be approximately 50 kW (67 hp) per engine. They’ll handle 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds in specific configurations, regarding performance. Meanwhile, top speeds reach 110 mph (177 km/h).
Aptera drivers won’t need to depend on the sun to travel, as it also includes batteries. Battery sizes vary, from a 250-, 400-, or 600-mile (400-, 644-, or 965-km) range. There’s also a 1,000-mile (1,600 km) battery, likely delivered by a 100-kWh pack, option available as well.
Aptera is now ready to accept reservations for special edition “Paradigm” and “Paradigm+” cars that will begin production in 2021. A refundable US$100 (about €83) deposit gets you a build slot, and the final cost will start between US$25,900 (around €21,350) and US$46,900 (roughly €38,650), depending on your selected options.
