Aptera Motors: Efficient solar-powered vehicle with a drag coefficient of 0.13!

With Aptera Motors, another start-up ventures into the topic of solar-powered electromobility. And because it has to be extremely efficient, the Americans have pulled out all the stops currently technically feasible, including in lightweight construction, aerodynamics, cooling, material science, and process technology. The Californians want to equip up to three square meters of the outer surface with solar cells, generating energy for up to 45 miles (approximately 72 kilometers) additionally. Also very important is the aerodynamic drag coefficient, which is stated to be cW 0.13.

Minimal consumption of 0.062 kWh/100 km

This leads to a consumption value of 0.1 kWh per mile or 62 watt-hours per kilometer, which corresponds to 0.062 kWh. For comparison: Tesla's Model 3, which is also very well designed aerodynamically, has a drag coefficient of cW 0.23.

The three-wheeled EV, which at first glance looks more like an airplane than a car, is expected to weigh between 816 and 998 kilograms and, with all-wheel drive, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The top speed is listed as 110 mph, or nearly 180 km/h.

Four battery sizes are planned

The three-wheeler is offered with front or all-wheel drive, priced between 25,900 and 46,900 US dollars. Buyers can choose from four battery variants with capacities of 25, 40, 60, and 100 kWh. The entry-level price gets you the front-wheel-drive model with 100 kW (136 hp) power and a 25 kWh battery, while the top model is the all-wheel-drive version with a 150 kW 100 kWh battery. According to Aptera Motors, the ranges vary depending on the battery size between 250, 400, 600, and 1,000 miles, which correspond to approximately 400, 645, 965, and 1,600 kilometers.

Additionally, the street flyer is supposed to be fast-charging capable. According to the "Inside EV" platform, Aptera apparently uses Tesla's Supercharger technology, based on the image of the charging plug. However, this has not been confirmed. But the Californians are also venturing a small revolution in production technology, which is likely to account for the comparatively affordable prices: the three-wheeler is supposed to consist of only four main parts, which greatly simplifies mass production.

To pre-order the electric vehicle, a refundable fee of 100 US dollars is required. In return, customers will receive a copy of the special edition Paradigm and Paradigm+ starting in 2021, although Aptera has not provided any further details about these special models. But as the name suggests: it calls for a paradigm shift.

What does that mean?

Aptera Motors' approach is an extremely consistent implementation of the maximum possible. This results in a "car" that looks more like a sports airplane, as the greatest value is placed on aerodynamics and lightweight construction. However, this makes electromobility maximally efficient and fully realizes its potential! Hats off to such consistency and courage!