US firm’s solar-powered car that could offer 1,000-mile range completes first drive
Aptera’s production-intent vehicle will undergo high-speed track testing to validate its general performance characteristics.
A San Diego-based electric car maker has achieved milestone with testing of its first production-intent vehicle. Aptera Motors conducted the successful first drive of its solar-powered electric vehicle (SEV) “PI 2” vehicle, which will be used for real-world validation and testing.
The company claims that the next phase of testing for this production-intent vehicle will see the integration of Aptera’s solar technology, production-intent thermal management system, and exterior surfaces.
The vehicle doesn’t need to be plugged in to charge as it charges with solar power.
High-speed track testing
Aptera’s production-intent vehicle will undergo high-speed track testing to validate its general performance characteristics and confirm core efficiency figures, including watt-hours per mile, solar charging rates, and estimated battery range, according to the company.
“Driving our first production-intent vehicle marks an extraordinary moment in Aptera’s journey,” said Steve Fambro, Aptera’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO. “It demonstrates real progress toward delivering a vehicle that redefines efficiency, sustainability, and energy independence.”
The first in a series, the vehicle has been engineered to rigorously test Aptera’s production-intent design, production components, and critical performance metrics such as range, solar charging capability, and efficiency.