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World’s First Never Charge Solar Electric Vehicle Aptera Goes Live - Again

Aptera Motors is making a massive comeback after more than one decade of struggling as a startup, following up on the promise made one year ago. The first pre-orders for the Aptera sEV (solar electric vehicle), the world’s first never charge three-wheeler with record-breaking range, are now live.
The Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drives 8 photos
Photo: Aptera Motors
The Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drivesThe Aptera sEV runs on solar power for the daily commute, has battery backup for longer drives
Aptera Motors has been around since 2008 and has started on this comeback journey exactly one year ago, with new plans for the reborn solar-powered vehicle. Aptera is not a car, but a three-wheeler, which could be classified as a motorcycle or an autocycle. It features solar panels on the roof and a battery pack as a backup, for those who plan on using it for more than just the daily commute.

It has a futuristic design, it’s nimble and comparatively small, but the makers promise it’s spacious enough for two adults and a trunk-load of cargo, reliable and safe in case of an impact, and also very fast. It sounds like your dream vehicle (albeit a three-wheeler) has arrived – and it’s open for pre-orders.

Aptera says the first models of this sEV will go into production in 2021 but doesn’t mention a delivery date. Future owners who make the $100 reservation can either get the base model or opt for customizing it (adaptable range, AWD, or FWD). Pricing will range between $25,900 and $46,900, depending on options.

All Apteras are made of carbon, kevlar, and hemp and have a battery pack as a backup for those who travel more than the estimated 46-mile (74-km) range offered by the rooftop solar panels. Because the sEV is light and aerodynamic, the battery is enough to deliver a 1,000+-mile (1,609-km) range on a single charge.

“With Aptera’s Never Charge technology, you are driven by the power of the sun. Our built-in solar array keeps your battery pack topped off, and anywhere you want to go, you just go,”
Co-Founder Chris Anthony says in a statement.

“Never Charge is built into every Aptera and is designed to harvest enough sunlight to travel over 11,000 miles per year in most regions. The Aptera vehicle is made of lightweight composites that are many times stronger than steel, allowing its unique body shape to slip through the air with an unheard-of drag coefficient (Cd) of .13.”

This sounds like the most impressive vehicle ever, but do bear in mind that it does not exist – not yet, anyway.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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