This EV just got its kicks on Route 66.
Aptera, a San Diego-based start-up, just completed its first solar-supported road trip with its futuristic car, cruising over 300 miles on a single charge from Arizona to California. The goal of the journey was to show that the sun-powered EVs aren’t a far-off notion, but something that that could be used on the roads right now.
The jaunt kicked off in the mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona, where Aptera’s co-CEO Steve Fambro (along with a small crew) was ready to take the production-intent EV on the road. Even before the day began, the car was already generating 300 watts of solar energy. From there, the EV traveled on Route 66 through towns like Hackberry, Lake Havasu, and California’s Imperial Valley. All the while, the EV got over 545 watts of solar energy—and on an overcast day at that.
The solar-powered EV took on Route 66.
Aptera
Aptera, which was founded over 20 years ago, has taken its time to launch its solar-powered EV, dropping teasers of the ride over the last few years. The two-seat Launch Edition, with a teardrop-shaped exterior that rivals the Jetsons’ cars, will be able to travel at least 400 miles on a single charge, according to the company—though, with a larger battery pack, the car could have a range of nearly 1,000 miles. That’s thanks to the 700 watts of solar panels that line the nose, roof, and rear hatch of the EV, netting a range of up to 40 miles a day. So, you could easily go days or even months between charges while you’re cruising around town.
You’ll also be able to sprint from zero to 60 mph in four seconds while reaching a top speed of 101 mph. And the EV’s lightweight carbon-fiber composite body makes it even more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.13. (To compare, the Mercedes-Benz EQXX has a 0.17 drag coefficient, which makes it more aerodynamic than a football.) Inside, meanwhile, is simple and sleek, featuring two screens as a focal point.
The start-up completed its first low-speed function test last year, New Atlas reported. And people are itching to get their hands on the Launch Edition: Over 48,000 reservations have been made for the $40,000 car, Aptera says, who plans on producing some models this year. The brand will eventually head toward making 20,000 vehicles a year by 2027, according to the publication.
Your own solar-powered road trip isn’t that far off, then.
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Credit: robbreport.com
