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Aptera aims to tap into new markets for its solar technology

The focus is on ground support vehicles for the aviation industry and car trailers.

In a pilot project, Polydrops has integrated Aptera's solar panels onto the roofs of its electric car trailers. (Photo: Aptera Motors)
In a pilot project, Polydrops has integrated Aptera's solar panels onto the roofs of its electric car trailers. (Photo: Aptera Motors)
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Aptera Motors has licensed its solar technology. This is intended to enable strategic expansion into new mobility sectors. The California solar electric vehicle manufacturer plans to utilize its $130 million patent portfolio, including more than 34 patents pending. At the same time, new revenue streams for the company are to be tapped, which could contribute to financing the mass production of its solar-powered electric vehicle. Aptera's solar technology is currently used for recreational vehicles, among other things, with plans to expand into aerospace, logistics, shipping, and other areas.

Pilot Project for Retrofitting Ground Support Equipment

An important application is currently a pilot project for retrofitting ground support equipment for one of the world's largest airlines. In collaboration with Averest, Aptera is focusing on applying its solar technology to a Trepel 280 E pushback vehicle as well as various other electric vehicles such as baggage carts. The aim of the pilot project is to significantly reduce emissions of such vehicles, increase operational readiness, and at the same time minimize maintenance needs and the risks of downtime.

Solar Panels for Trailers

Furthermore, Polydrops, known for its electric vehicle trailers, has launched a pilot project to integrate Aptera's solar technology into its trailers. The custom Aptera panels deliver an output of 1,300 W, providing a significant amount of energy for longer trips and off-grid applications. According to the manufacturer, the Aptera product is significantly lighter than traditional glass panels, has a low profile for improved aesthetics as well as functionality, and offers high durability by automotive quality standards to withstand the harsh conditions that trailers are often exposed to.

Steve Fambro, co-founder of Aptera Motors: "Our collaboration with industry leaders like Averest and Polydrops is just the beginning. We want to drive innovation—not just in personal vehicles, but in various fields, including fleet applications and beyond."

Solar Car

Additionally, Aptera is also betting on its own solar car flagship, the Solar Electric Vehicle (SEV). In sunny climates, solar energy can increase its range by around 17,700 km per year, and in less sunny regions by still an impressive 12,800 km. This means that many drivers may never need to charge their Aptera, thereby removing the barrier to charging electric vehicles for the majority of the US and European population, while also reducing the load on the power grid.

Translated automatically from German.
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