The future of the automobile may be taking shape under the Californian sun. Aptera Motors has just shown its first production car at CES 2025, an electric vehicle with integrated solar panels. This futuristic car promises up to 60 kilometers of daily autonomy thanks to the sun’s energy alone, without even needing to plug it in.
A design that pushes the limits of aerodynamics
The first visual contact with the Aptera is disconcerting. Its design is more reminiscent of a wingless plane than a traditional car. This unconventional silhouette is not the result of chance. The manufacturer appealed to the prestigious Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina to optimize the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The tests carried out in the Turin wind tunnel made it possible to achieve a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.13a record in the automotive industry. To put this figure into perspective, the Tesla Model 3, although renowned for its aerodynamics, displays a Cd of 0.23.
Solar technology at the service of autonomy
The major innovation of the Aptera lies in its integrated solar charging system. Four photovoltaic panels strategically placed on the hood, roof, dashboard and tailgate can generate up to 700 watts of electricity. In sunny regions, this power can theoretically ensure more than 10,000 kilometers of driving per year without using any electrical outlet. For less bright days or long journeys, a classic recharge remains possible, allowing you to recover up to 600 kilometers of autonomy in less than an hour.
An imminent production driven by strong enthusiasm
Commercial success already seems to be there even before production begins. Aptera claims nearly 50,000 reservations, representing a potential $1.7 billion in revenue. The startup also raised $135 million via crowdfunding to accelerate its development. The base price announced at $25,900 places the vehicle in an accessible range for such innovative technology.
The manufacturer offers several configurations to meet the specific needs of each customer. Buyers can opt for different battery capacities, ranging from 25 kWh to 100 kWh, offering respective ranges from 400 to 1,600 kilometers. The high-end version even promises performance worthy of a sports car with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds thanks to its three-wheel drive.
The two-seater interior and generous 920-liter trunk demonstrate that the Aptera is not just an exercise in style. The manufacturer has favored composite materials for the bodywork, significantly reducing the number of parts required compared to a traditional vehicle. This approach simplifies production while guaranteeing lightness and robustness.
- Aptera presents its production electric car at CES 2025, capable of generating up to 60 km of daily autonomy thanks to solar energy
- Its aerodynamic design developed with Pininfarina allows it to achieve a record Cd of 0.13
- The vehicle starts at $25,900 and already has 50,000 pre-orders, demonstrating strong interest in this automotive innovation
