Three-Wheeled Electric Car with a Droplet Shape Aims for 1,600km Range on a Single Charge, Tested in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel.
Testing the solar-powered three-wheeled electric car in the wind tunnel. (Video: Aptera)
The American electric vehicle manufacturer Aptera has entered the performance verification phase for its three-wheeled solar-powered electric car at the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel in Turin, Italy, as reported by Design Boom on July 13. Aptera conducted tests to validate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and gathered valuable data about the vehicle’s shape.
The new tests may allow Aptera to refine the car, ensuring it performs well and achieves the lowest drag coefficient among passenger vehicles produced. The company stated that they received positive results from the wind tunnel, reaffirming their design philosophy focused on aerodynamic efficiency. Aptera’s next steps involve continuing CFD tests, wind tunnel assessments, and real-world testing.
Aptera’s exterior design inspired by Professor Morelli’s research.
Aptera aims to produce solar electric cars that can be used daily without needing a charge for weeks. The company has designed several three-wheeled solar vehicles with efficient drivetrains and droplet-like shapes.
With the assistance of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, Aptera can ensure that the aerodynamic shape of the car is key to high energy efficiency, allowing the electric vehicle to achieve a range of up to 1,600km on a single charge and 65km per day from sunlight. Aptera’s exterior design is inspired by the research of Professor Morelli, who is also the engineer behind the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel.
Pininfarina is Italy’s first wind tunnel built for testing full-sized cars, opening its doors in 1972. Since then, the tunnel has become a tool for many companies to meet high standards for vehicle performance, energy consumption, and comfort through aerodynamic and acoustic testing.
