Aptera's will they/won't they flirtation with production has gone on two decades. It was first founded in 2006, but it was liquidated at one point and went radio silent for a few years. But for most of the last 20 years, it's promised a three-wheeled electric vehicle with solar panels for a roof, between 250-400 miles of range, and the ability to recoup about 40 miles of range from the sun. Yet, it hasn't delivered a single vehicle. So you'd be forgiven for any skepticism about its promises. However, independent German company TÜV Rheinland recently tested out Aptera's solar capabilities, and it seems to deliver.
TÜV Rheinland's team, including its solar expert Dr. Giorgio Bardizza, went to Aptera's Carslbad, California facility to measure just how much solar energy the electric three-wheeler can absorb. Aptera has consistently claimed that it can put about four kWh worth of juice back into its battery from the solar panels on its roof, tailgate, hood, and dashboard. That's only a fraction of the launch edition's 44 kWh battery, but it's said to be enough for around 40 miles of range in the ultra-light car, based on the brand's proposed efficiency.
Aptera solar electric vehicle production validation vehicle
