With gas prices at an all-time high, a vehicle powered by the sun could become very attractive.
Seeing an Aptera vehicle in the wild is similar to seeing a spacecraft on the road. The unusual three-wheel configuration makes sense given that both spaceships and Aptera are designed with aerodynamics and efficiency in mind.
Despite its futuristic appearance, it’s an electric vehicle that you might even want to sleep in.
Aptera’s vehicle must be efficient. Its solar panels must provide enough energy to propel the EV down the road and compete with traditional gas-powered cars and newer electric-only vehicles.
Aptera’s full solar package, as it stands now, can add up to 40 miles of extra charge to its battery each day, a figure that Aptera hopes will entice commuters.
The Aptera is powered by more than just solar energy. For longer trips, the car can be charged similarly to a standard electric vehicle.
When plugged in, the Aptera can travel 1,000 miles with a fully upgraded battery pack or 250 miles with the base-level battery pack.
Aptera also demonstrated a camping configuration in which the trunk space is converted into a covered tent for campers, and the vehicle itself can function as a solar-powered charging station for devices.
The trunk space in the tapered aerodynamic rear is surprising, about as much as an ultralight two-person tent would provide on a camping trip.
Apteras begin at $25,900 and can be reserved on the company’s website right now. The base model has a battery range of 250 miles and a solar charging rate of 16 miles per day.
A fully loaded Aptera will set you back $57,000 for the full 1,000 miles of battery range, a high-powered drive system, and the full solar package, which can provide up to 40 miles of energy per day.
To read our blog on “Geely FX11 hybrid SUV has been revealed ahead of its debut,” click here
