Aptera has introduced a new Launch Edition, which is slated to go into production late this year.
While that timeline is “funding dependent,” the Launch Edition is focused on energy efficiency and promises to only use a “quarter of the energy compared to other electric and hybrid vehicles on the road today.”
In order to achieve that, the Launch Edition is “ultra-lightweight” and features an aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of 0.13. The model is also outfitted with solar panels, which can deliver up to 40 miles (64 km) of range daily by simply being parked out in the sun. Since the average American drives less than 40 miles (64 km) per day, the company says it’s “possible to never plug in to charge again.”
Also: Three-Wheeled Aptera 3 EV Unveiled With A Claimed 1,000+ Miles Of Range
Aptera didn’t provide detailed performance specifications, but said the Launch Edition has three in-wheel electric motors that will enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in four seconds and hit a top speed of 101 mph (163 km/h). The two-seater also promises to have a range of 400 miles (644 km) on a single charge.
Since you can’t always count on the sun, Aptera says a 110/120V outlet will provide more than 13 miles (21 km) of range for every hour of charging. With a 240V connection, the model can get up to 57 miles (92 km) of range per hour.
While Aptera has been on a wild ride, the company says they have over 40,000 reservations and are entering the fourth and final phase of product development. This will see the company complete crash testing and validation, and if everything goes according to plan, they’ll “scale quickly into full-scale single shift production of 10,000 vehicles per year.” The company then claims they’ll ramp up to 20,000 vehicles annually and “expects eight different assembly plants to be in operation around the globe by 2028.”
That’s ambitious to say the least and funding appears to be an issue. However, the company has previously said pricing will range from $25,900 to more than $46,000 – although it’s not clear how much the Launch Edition will cost.
