In the hypercompetitive world of electric cars, standing out from the crowd isn't easy. But there is a Californian startup that seems to have all it takes to do it: it's called Aptera, and now we've been talking about it for a while. Its three-wheeled electric vehicle powered by solar panels is making headlines for its futuristic design and record-breaking efficiency. With the first production body having just arrived from Italy and over 40.000 reservations already recorded, the Aptera Solar EV appears ever closer to making its groundbreaking debut on the roads. Everyone laughed at the idea of a “solar” car powered mostly by its panels, but in the meantime these are moving forward. What makes this vehicle so special? Let's find out together.
Bodywork and design that defy convention
The first thing that catches your eye when you look at theAptera Solar EV it's its futuristic aspect. Tapered shape, three wheels, it looks more like a space vehicle than a car. But don't be fooled by the bizarre appearance: every curve, every line of this vehicle has been designed to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency. As he explains Chris Anthony, CEO and co-founder of Aptera, the vehicle's body was designed more like a helicopter or airplane fuselage than a traditional car (indeed there are similarities). The result? An aerodynamic drag coefficient estimated between 0,13 and 0,15, a value that makes even the most aerodynamic cars on the market, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS (0,202) or the Volkswagen XL1 (0,199), seem like real "boxes".
How is it possible to achieve such a result without spending months in a wind tunnel? The answer is in virtual aerodynamic simulation. To refine the shape of the Aptera Solar EV, the startup collaborated with AirShaper, an aerodynamic analysis and simulation tool that works like a virtual wind tunnel.
Thanks to this tool, Aptera's designers were able to perfect every detail of the bodywork without having to resort to long, expensive (and energy-intensive) tests. An approach that allowed us to accelerate development times and contain costs, without compromising the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle, using the real wind tunnel only for final validation.
Solar panels integrated into the bodywork
Aerodynamics isn't the only ace up the Aptera Solar EV's sleeve. As the name suggests, this vehicle is in fact equipped with solar panels integrated into the bodywork, which allow it to generate energy while in motion or parked in the sun. According to Aptera's estimates, the solar panels could provide up to 64 kilometers (40 miles) of autonomy per day, a value that could even double in optimal sunlight. It means that for many commuters, the Aptera Solar EV could cover the commute from home to work without ever needing to be recharged.
Are we sure?
I know, don't tell me again. Promises are one thing, reality is another. However, the recent videos of the Aptera Solar EV prototypes seem to confirm that this revolutionary vehicle is not just an exercise in style, but a real car ready for the road. Like the one released by AirShaper, for example: you can see it Wouter Remmerie, the founder of the company, take a test drive aboard one of the prototypes. Remmerie says he is impressed by how the Aptera Solar EV handles corners, with flat, sporty handling. Outside the bodywork, or rather inside, the interior already seems to be at a good point of finishing. To the point that the Aptera representative accompanying Remmerie states that he would happily use the prototype as an everyday car (as long as it has air conditioning, I add, otherwise it's just a matter of dying).
And yet it moves! In another video, YouTuber The Topher takes us on board the prototype for a 360-degree walkaround. From the gullwing doors to the minimalist dashboard, every detail gets closer and closer to its final appearance. Including the gem that struck me (advertisers' fixations): the way to integrate the rear license plate, which covers the charging socket. They are those aesthetic little things that make you think "ok, if they obsessively dedicate themselves to these trifles, they obviously don't have any worries about the important things". Or maybe it's the opposite, oh well. See for yourself.
Waiting for the debut
With the first production bodywork arriving from Italy (mythical motor valley) and the prototypes already appearing ready to hit the streets, the wait for the debut of the Aptera Solar EV is becoming increasingly feverish. The startup aims to start deliveries in the second half of 2024. I'm not that optimistic, I'll tell you honestly. In cases like these, the "mere" feasibility of a project does not imply its success. If you don't believe us, ring the bell at Sono Motors, or to Lightyear One who it was even already in production. Capital is always needed for large-scale production.
Of course, there are already over 40.000 bookings already registered. And this is a very clear indication of the fact that interest in this revolutionary vehicle is high. It's not difficult to understand why: record efficiency, solar panels integrated into the bodywork, futuristic design. Aptera is an unconventional gadget, which can become a small manifesto of sustainable mobility.
And you, what do you think? Are you ready to take a ride on this three-wheeled spacecraft? Or would you rather wait and see if Aptera can truly take her revolutionary vision from paper to the street? This Californian startup has already made me dream. We just have to wait and see if the dream becomes reality.
