Sun Chasing: The Quirky Aptera Solar Car that Thinks It's a Dolphin
Image Credit: Aptera.
Today I'd like to tell you about the most peculiar car I've ever encountered. It's called the Aptera, and it's like nothing I've ever seen before. It's a vehicle so aerodynamic it makes a dolphin jealous. It's a three-wheeled, solar-powered electric wonder that's challenging the status quo. And I like it. A lot.
The Aptera is in a league of its own. This quirky little contraption is the creation of Aptera Motors, a company based in sunny San Diego, California. And let me tell you, these folks are serious about their solar-powered dream.
Image Credit: Aptera.
The Aptera is designed to be a fully solar-powered electric vehicle. That means no more frantic searches for charging stations or range anxiety nightmares. This car gets its daily dose of energy straight from the sun.
Aptera claims this little sun-worshipper can travel up to 40 miles per day on solar power alone. And if that's not enough, there's a battery pack option that offers a whopping 1,000-mile range. You could almost drive from New York to Miami without stopping!
Unlike many solar-powered contraptions with wheels, this thing is far from being slow. Aptera goes from a standstill to 60 mph in four seconds, and it maxes out at 101 mph! That's impressive for any car, let alone a solar one. The Aptera is also incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 1,800 lbs for the base model.
Image Credit: Aptera.
So, how does this three-wheeled wonder achieve such impressive feats of efficiency? It all comes down to aerodynamics. The Aptera has a drag coefficient of 0.13. To put that into perspective, a parachute has a drag coefficient of 1.4, and the best EVs on the market have a coefficient of around 0.2. This car slips through the air like a dolphin through water (I told you they were obsessed with dolphins!).
The solar panels are cleverly integrated into the car's composite body, soaking up the sun's rays like a sponge. Aptera claims they can generate up to 700 watts of power, which is enough to keep the car going for those short daily commutes.
So, what's the catch? There has to be a catch, right? Otherwise, there is no reason those cute three-wheelers shouldn't be zooming about pretty much everywhere. Well, the Aptera is still in development, and it has been for quite a few years. The company has yet to begin full-scale production, but they're aiming to produce 40 vehicles per day once they get the ball rolling.
And then there's the price. The Launch Edition starts at $30,700, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you're looking at upwards of $51,500. That's a pretty penny for a two-seater that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
Image Credit: Aptera.
Look, Aptera is a great conversation starter, a head-turner, and a testament to human ingenuity. It's a car that makes you smile, laugh, and scratch your head all at the same time. So, if you're looking for a car that's as unique as you are, this spaceship on wheels might just be the perfect fit.
