First solar car: Aptera introduces long-awaited Launch Edition

• Series production of Aptera’s solar car is getting closer.
• The US company revealed details about the Launch Edition in an online meeting.
• The electric car, which ideally is charged solely by solar power, is still not out of the woods.

The more than ten-year development history surrounding the Aptera solar car is a moving one. Similar to the German company Sono Motors, Aptera is also fighting to finance the first work. The prototype is already functional and has even won prestigious drag races. There are also pictures of the interior of the unusual electric car.

Aptera has now revealed new details about the development status in a webinar. The Californians presented the so-called Launch Edition for customers who have supported the project financially. This is an all-wheel drive version with a range of 645 kilometers.

Solar car Aptera (Launch Edition)

The design is now final – legal details still have to be clarified, such as the LED lighting. They agree on the production process; the contracts with suppliers are also mostly sealed.

In order to secure further financing, they now want to sell as many units as possible of the Launch Edition. So there won’t be many options for customers with the debut product – a very well-equipped top version without a long list of options will be sold. That also helps with the calculation. The announced key data of the Launch Edition at a glance.

• The SEV has the already announced, sensationally low Cd value of 0.13 – that would be a significant increase compared to the previously most streamlined car, the Lightyear One from the Netherlands, which is also equipped with solar cells.
• The range should be 645 kilometers, the battery capacity at 42 kWh.
• Up to 65 kilometers additional range can be generated per day with the help of the integrated solar cells.
• The paint (Lunar Silver) will have a high level of UV protection and thus a high level of resilience.
• Loading speed: Level 1 and Level 2 capable
• Launch Edition price: at least 33,000 US dollars (30,300 euros)

What’s next?

Initially, 5,000 units of the Launch Edition are to be produced. If demand exceeds supply, capacities can be expanded further. According to Aptera, it will take at least nine months before the production lines are ready for operation.

In order for the plans to be put into practice, the start-up needs additional capital. In a next round of financing, at least 50 million US dollars should come together. You can find more information about the Aptera here from the manufacturer. There is also a “German forum” here that deals with questions about approval in Europe and Germany.