The time has come - the futuristic Aptera Launch Edition is about to go into production

The futuristic electric car, which was launched by a Californian startup back in 2007, is finally close to the mass production stage. This two-seater car looks like the “hero” of a science fiction film, and it impresses not only with its appearance. This original vehicle, whose body is very similar to a teardrop, is designed for ultra-low drag and maximum fuel efficiency.


Initially, when the startup was just taking its first steps, the Typ-1 was supposed to be produced in two versions - hybrid and fully electric. The first assumed fuel economy of 3,8 liters per 300 miles (about 482 km), the second had a range of 120 miles (more than 190 km) on a single charge.


At the same time, the maximum speed of this car was within 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). The model also received built-in solar panels, which provided enough energy for an always-on climate control system.

This front-wheel drive three-wheel electric vehicle was introduced as a full pre-production version in early 2009. But the financial aspect did not allow us to effectively continue the development of the project, and in 2011 it was suspended.

A couple of years later, after the company's intellectual property was acquired by the Chinese Zhejiang Jonway Group, another attempt was made to launch production of Aptera. But this time too without success. And only in 2019, it seems, everything began to move forward. It was decided, firstly, to launch a fundraiser using crowdfunding platforms, and, secondly, to present a completely new version of the car.


Now the bet has been placed on a "never-charged" solar electric car, which, based on forecasts, could provide a range of up to 1000 miles (more than 1600 km). Integrated into the vehicle's body are approximately 180 photovoltaic cells that can harvest enough solar energy for daily trips of up to 45 miles (72,4 km) without the need for a grid connection.

As a result, in January 2023, Aptera introduced its new Launch Edition, made in an “ultra-light” composite body and equipped with 700 W solar cells.

The presence of an electric motor on each wheel and a minimum drag coefficient (0,13) provided the car with decent dynamics. As promised, it can accelerate to 100 mph (160 km/h) in four seconds. The maximum speed has also increased, and is 101 mph (about 162,5 km/h).


The first production copies are planned to be used as prototypes, and as all stages of testing are completed, a large-scale production of the Aptera Launch Edition will be organized. There are already a lot of people interested, according to a company representative, the total number of pre-orders is close to 46. At the same time, the collection is not yet closed, and everyone can even place an order based on an individual request: specifying the color, battery range, panel configuration and drive settings.

As for the cost of this “sunny masterpiece,” the recommended price is currently announced at $33. This, in terms of rubles, is about 200 million (at the current exchange rate).