The new vehicle from Aptera Motors harnesses solar energy through photovoltaic panels and an integrated battery, allowing it to achieve a range of up to 1,600 km on a full charge.
Aptera Motors’ solar electric three-wheeler. (Photo: Aptera Motors)
Aptera Motors, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in San Diego, has reached a new milestone by successfully testing its first production-intended vehicle. They conducted the initial test run of the solar electric vehicle (SEV) “PI 2”, which is specifically designed for real-world testing, as reported by Interesting Engineering on November 3. The next testing phase will evaluate the integration of Aptera’s solar technology, thermal management systems, and exterior surfaces.
The PI 2 was tested on a high-speed track to assess its operational characteristics and confirm key performance metrics, including solar charging speed and estimated battery range, according to Steve Fambro, co-founder and CEO of Aptera Motors. As the first model in the lineup, this vehicle is constructed to validate the company’s design, production processes, and operational parameters such as range and solar charging capabilities. The photovoltaic panels integrated into the vehicle provide enough energy to travel 64 km per day and over 17,700 km per year without affecting performance.
The company offers various options for battery sizes. One option provides a range of 1,600 km when fully charged. If the daily travel exceeds 64 km or if weather conditions do not allow for daily solar energy production, the vehicle can draw electricity from the battery. The photovoltaic panels covering an area of 3 m2 are designed for easy upgrades and replacements throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. The PI 2 integrates the Vitesco Technologies EMR3 drivetrain, announced earlier this year. Aptera’s composite body structure, known as Body in Carbon or BinC, has been combined with its proprietary battery for the first time.
The three-wheeled model from Aptera utilizes an electric motor mounted on the wheel to propel the chassis with only 10 key components. The unique shape of the vehicle allows it to glide on the road with significantly less energy compared to current electric and hybrid vehicles.
