Aptera
Highly efficient solar transportation.
Overview
Aptera® is the first solar electric vehicle requiring no charging for most daily use. In the United States, it is currently the only such vehicle. Announced in December 2020, over 3,000 Apterae (plural of Aptera) have already been ordered, with the limited Paradigm™ and Paradigm™+ editions selling out the very first day. A refundable $100 secures your place in line for a customizable Aptera.
Update: Over 40,000 have now been ordered. For the 30% reservation discount see the How to purchase section below.
Performance, cost, and options
Over 30 square feet of easily-upgradeable solar panels on the vehicle generate enough power to drive, on average, 25 miles a day throughout most of the U.S., up to 45 miles a day in the southwest.
The base model has a 250-mile battery range, Never Charge solar array, and two in-wheel motors (front wheel drive) that produce over 100 HP and take you from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds. At $25,900, the Aptera compares very favorably to other EVs, not even taking into account its solar benefits.
Non-solar EVs like the Nissan LEAF, Kia Niro EV, and Audi e-tron are priced higher, yet are less efficient. With more weight and aerodynamic drag, they cost more to charge and have less range or performance for the price. The 2023 Nissan LEAF starts at $28,040 with only 149 miles of range; the 2023 Kia Niro EV starts at $39,550 for 253 miles of range; the 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron starts at $49,800 for 265 miles of range. With 259 miles of range, and starting at the significantly reduced price of $26,500, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is now closest in both range and price to the 250-mile Aptera, but needs a 65 kWh battery pack to get that range, compared to only 25 kWh for Aptera -- and with the Bolt, no free miles from the sun.
For those looking for even more range, $3,900 upgrades your Aptera to a 400-mile battery range, matching that of the much more expensive (as in, over three times as expensive) Tesla Model S. Still not enough? $8,700 upgrades to a 600-mile battery range, more than any other EV offers today. And if you want to be able to out-drive any other vehicle on the market -- gas, electric, or hybrid -- $19,000 upgrades to an unheard-of 1,000 mile range.
Sol
Luna
Noir
Aptera comes in three exterior and three interior color options -- or you can choose (for a premium) fully custom colors.
Other options include:
All-wheel drive, which brings the Aptera to 200 HP and 0-60 time down to a mere 3.5 seconds ($2,500)
SafetyPilot, with Level 2 autonomy including adaptive cruise, lane keep, emergency braking, and facial tracking ($1,300)
Off-road kit, with more ground clearance and hardened wheel covers ($1,000)
Solar hood ($300) and/or solar rear hatch ($600), for more sun-powered miles
Enhanced audio, with subwoofer and an extra three channels of audio ($600)
Camping kit, with integrated tent and rear awning (yes, you can camp in the back! $600)
Pet kit ($300)
Climate control, driver display and 12.8" touchscreen are standard. All options are selectable with your reservation, and can be changed up until shortly before delivery when your order is finalized.
This model may not be right for you if...
The Aptera is truly one of a kind. It's super-efficient, safe, fun, and affordable. Its solar system can produce more than most drivers will ever need, and it offers range far exceeding that of any other vehicle on the market. Aptera is so confident you'll love it, they're offering a full 7-day/1,000-mile refund. However, three reasons why this model may not be right for you:
If you need a new vehicle now. With such high demand, Aptera already has a large backlog of reservations; current reservations may not be fulfilled until 2025 or later. The sooner you get your reservation in, the sooner you'll get your vehicle.
If you need more than two seats. This model has plenty of room for a pet and cargo (33 cu. ft.) but only seats two adults. With drivers traveling solo over 90% of the time, and most households having more than one vehicle, for many people that's fine. However, if you really need a vehicle that seats more than two, but want a solar EV, check out the Lightyear 2, which seats five. Or drop us a note and we'll let you know when a model with more seating is announced.
If you live in AK, MA, ME, MT, NY, or WY, or otherwise are unable to insure or drive an autocycle. Part of the reason this model is so efficient is that it has three wheels, while being fully enclosed, exceeding all passenger car safety standards, driving like a car. In most states, you only need a standard driver's license, while it's insured and has plates as a motorcycle. Check your local laws.
How to purchase
Secure your place in line with a fully refundable pre-order. For a limited time, the Reserve Now button from Solar EV World gives you 30% off your $100 pre-order (discount automatically applies on final order screen).
The discount saves you money, and referrals help Solar EV World continue to spread awareness around safe, reliable, comfortable, and fun solar electric vehicles, saving resources and reducing our impact on the planet.
Note that your reservation does not commit you to buy, but holds your place in line. Pre-orders help Aptera accelerate production to meet demand. With current demand, vehicles ordered today may not be available until sometime in 2025. Aptera will be in touch as your slot approaches.