Will Aptera's Solar EV Fly or Flop? (Spoiler Alert: It Might Actually Fly)
Image Credit: Aptera.
I've seen it all now. A car that looks like a cross between a teardrop and a spaceship, powered by the sun. Yes, the sun! Aptera, the company that's been promising us a solar-powered car for nearly two decades, has finally unveiled its production-intent vehicle at CES. And it's a sight to behold.
I'm the last person for hyperbole, but this thing is truly something else. It's got three wheels, a carbon fiber body, and enough solar panels to make Elon Musk jealous. Aptera claims it can generate up to 40 miles of free driving per day, just from the sun. That's enough to get me to the pub and back, with a few detours for, ahem, "research purposes."
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Aptera has a bit of a checkered past. They first emerged back in 2006, promising a gas-powered car that could get 330 miles per gallon. That didn't quite pan out, and the company went belly up in 2011. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Aptera was reborn in 2019, this time with a focus on solar power.
And now, after years of development and a whopping $135 million in crowdfunding, they've finally delivered (or at least, they say they will). The production-intent vehicle looks sleek and futuristic, with a drag coefficient of just 0.13. That's one of the lowest-drag vehicles ever made.
So, what about the specs? Well, the launch edition will come with a 400-mile range battery pack, which is frankly more than enough for my aging bladder. It'll also have a top speed of 110 mph, which is probably not advisable in a three-wheeled vehicle. But who am I to judge?
Of course, the big question is, will it actually ship this year? Aptera says it will, but I'm not holding my breath. They've missed deadlines before, and let's face it, this is a company that's trying to do something that's never been done before. But if they can pull it off, it could be a revolution.
Imagine a world where you never have to stop at a gas station again. Where you can just park your car in the sun and let it charge itself. That's the dream that Aptera is selling, and I am buying it. Or at least I'm considering putting down a $100 deposit.
Image Credit: Aptera.
You probably think that I don't really believe this thing is going to work. And you're right, I'm quite a bit skeptical. But I'm also optimistic. We need more innovation in the automotive industry, and Aptera is certainly pushing the boundaries. Plus - just look at this thing! If I can manage to get into this flying saucer and then get out without falling flat on my face, you bet I'm buying it!
I really hope that Aptera can deliver on its promises. If they do, we could be looking at the future of transportation. And if they don't, well, at least they tried. Either way, I'll be keeping a close eye on this one.
