Look, the sun is now in charge of… of your car!
Aptera is dedicated to creating vehicles that use natural resources such as the sun to solely (and solar-ly) power the vehicles, allowing for “chargeless transportation”. They create solar vehicles that are both safe and fun to drive.
Their most recent design is the Never Charge “car” that can drive up to 40 miles per day (or 11,000 miles a year) without needing a charge.
Its basic design has 32 square feet of solar panels that cover the exterior body. The car itself can reach speeds up to 110 MPH with a sleek look that allows it to have low drag. This aids in how fast it can go and for how long.
So, is it considered an actual car?
Aptera uses the label “car” loosely since they don’t really see themselves as “cars” – but rather as the world’s first “Never Charge Vehicle”. Aptera vehicles can be labeled more as a motorcycle or auto-cycle since they only have three wheels.
And in order to reduce pollution and save on resources, it’s made out of Carbon, Kevlar, and hemp – creating a “sandwich core composite.” This separates it from traditional steel cars and electric vehicles.
But if it happens to be a cloudy day, one charge from a standard 110-volt outlet will give the Aptera a range of 1,000 miles.
Even better, it’s completely customizable!
Owners have the option of adding power options in terms of battery size and the number of motors inside.
The cars have liquid-cooled motors that can be purchased in packages of two or three. The battery sizes also range between different kilowatt-hours.
The interior can hold two people and can be driven all day without needing a charge.
Speaking of the interior… owners can add additional custom options, such as extra solar panels, a better interior, a pet safety divider, and even an awning.
Can I get one right now?
As of right now, Aptera is accepting pre-orders with production beginning sometime this year. The estimated delivery date is still waiting to be confirmed, so it might be a while before regular people can go for a joy ride.
The chargeable electric vehicle car market is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion by 2035 and will open up more doors for solar innovations that use natural resources to combat climate issues.
In the future, some startups may find opportunities in converting gas-powered cars into more eco-friendly vehicles and recreating new uses for older models as well.
Would you buy a solar-powered car? Do you think they will be as lasting and efficient one day as electric vehicles are becoming?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Stan Hooper says
At 40 miles a day (a charge?) that’s strictly for short-haul recreation and small jobs. If I had to go through the city to the other side of town, I couldn’t get back until the next day. No thanks.
James M Bradley says
At 40 miles thats for going to a friend’s place and back very confining i like the 1000 miles my self two to four weeks of use that is great senf me all of the info
Jet Blake says
I believe it is 40 miles just using sun power only. If charged at a 110volt it has 1100 mile range
Rich Sugden says
It does sound intriguing but before I would ever consider putting money down, I would need to know a lot more about the vehicle specs etc.
Irene Knox says
Sounds & Looks Great! 1)Economical / 2)Environmentally Friendly & 3)Looks Good! 3 in 1! Like the Space Race…Keep Us Updated Please! Thank You! xo
Yvonne Lucas says
Presumably it would also charge as you drive and park. So topping up the charge?
Sarah E Saltzman says
Would be interested, but not enough to pre-order without knowing price.
M. Usoof J. Cuttilan says
I am 86 years old and using a 4 wheeled mobility scooter only for one person. I would certainly like to first try out this TWO seater Solar Powered vehicle as I Have 16 solar panels on my house roof and be able to take my wife to do our weekly shopping, if the price is affordable .Usoof C.
Nancy Mealing says
I would buy this as my next car in a heartbeat, if its affordable. Im excited to follow your progress
Ray Thomas says
Based on the limited range (20 miles to and 20 miles back) the best use would be for perhaps a retired person who just goes to a local market, theater or recreation. Let’s hope the range will increase. Also, what is the current sticker price?
Padraig O'Rourke says
But when you get to your destination 30/40 miles away you can surely recharge it at a standard car charging street outlet? or, if it happens to be daylight it will still charge on its primary system?
Joseph Stines says
I’m also interested in possibly buying one of course the driving range would have to be a little more extended and the price has to be affordable if the company wants to sell them in mass quantities but they look good and with the extra options people could make them their own not to mention the customization that could possibly be done to them
Scott Peril says
even with a 1000 mile charge I don’t see any storage space and where are the side view mirrors?
Fred Wilson says
They have to travel further on a charge to be really good. Being stranded with a flat battery and having to wait such a long time to recharge makes it not very viable.
Sheri Hogan says
It’s perfect for me! I drive less than 1 mile to work, and not much else. No long trips.
Earl says
I.like it if I could fit my golf clubs in easily. My Country Club is 12 miles from where I live. 40 miles limit gives me plenty miles. What is the price range?
E Lisbeth Donaldson says
AS a senior, I love the idea! I do only short haul anyway in my downsized lifestyle.
Irene Knox says
Sounds Cool to Me! An Upgrade from the Old Electric Scooters & Bikes like I Used to Have 10 Years or so Ago! I Would Like One of These for Sure! Please Keep Me Updated! Cheers. Looks Good / Space Agey / is Economical to Run for Smaller Journeys at Least / & Environmentally Friendly? The Great 3 to Boldly Go…the Next Frontier…Beam Me Up Scottie! xo
Barbara Britten says
I’m 80, make it’s production date soon.It looks great, so usable in many fields.
Just bought top range 4×4 and caravan, not to old for anything.
Delia Dulling says
I expect it would be out of my league financially.
I think it would be OK, however, have my reservations about charging it in the dark winter months.
I face South but I know it is a big problem. I think the only electric charging car for me would have to be a duo car that self charges and you do not have to charge them from the mains, at the moment. Even they are out of my league financially.
Fantastc innovation though.
Ed McKenna says
I would love to have one of these. I have a KIA Niro, which is a hybrid gas-powered battery-driving car. My next vehicle will be all electric. Gasoline cars will be dodo birds as fuel stations will be both hydrogen and electric dispensing charge points. I just wonder if NIO (Chinese TSLA competitor) will be marketing its ET7 model in the US. It is reported to have a 625 mile range on a charge.
elizabeth auchterlonie says
Step in the right direction for fossil free fuel and for elderly or disability use. perhaps it could store a spare battery and carry a passenger. thankyou for the updates on whats new great service
Dennis Johnson says
I take it that the higher the speed you run it at would determine the distance you could travel ,the idea sounds great,.How come they haven’t designed a generator to run off the wheels to keep the battery’s charged.
John Johnson says
Love the design, can’t wait till I can afford one.
jerry kinkade says
I would like the know like everyone else what is the cost going to be to see if it is going to be possible being retired.
Peter W Webster says
I have a Smart Car-fully electric and understand they are not going to make them any more, so this is very interesting..please keep me informed
Mick King says
I have two reservations: room and impact resistance. I am two meters tall with size 52 shoes. Would I even fit in this thing? Also, if a big lorry came along and rear-ended me, would I be able to walk away? It doesn’t look very sturdy. Still, it’s a great idea. Personally, I would like to get a caravan that runs completely on solar power. With a tubular frame and batteries mounted in that frame (instead of centralised in the floor, for example) one could be made light enough to be practical.
Stephen Kloss says
Interesting to say the least. Wondering about the cost of vehicle and required maintenance.
Peter lawler says
Looks great just right for me please keep me notified thanks.
Spencer Jerry Petsas says
Well it looks great Technologies there so when do they go in production sign me up if they’re going
Mo says
Apropos of the new HBO series The Lady and the Dale !
Richard Bremont says
The way of tomorrow can’t happen fast enough.