Aptera’s will they/won’t they flirtation with production has gone on two decades. It was first founded in 2006, but it was liquidated at one point and went radio silent for a few years. But for most of the last 20 years, it’s promised a three-wheeled electric vehicle with solar panels for a roof, between 250-400 miles of range, and the ability to recoup about 40 miles of range from the sun. Yet, it hasn’t delivered a single vehicle. So you’d be forgiven for any skepticism about its promises. However, independent German company TÜV Rheinland recently tested out Aptera’s solar capabilities, and it seems to deliver.
TÜV Rheinland’s team, including its solar expert Dr. Giorgio Bardizza, went to Aptera’s Carslbad, California facility to measure just how much solar energy the electric three-wheeler can absorb. Aptera has consistently claimed that it can put about four kWh worth of juice back into its battery from the solar panels on its roof, tailgate, hood, and dashboard. That’s only a fraction of the launch edition’s 44 kWh battery, but it’s said to be enough for around 40 miles of range in the ultra-light car, based on the brand’s proposed efficiency.
Aptera solar electric vehicle production validation vehicle
Photo by: Aptera
Testing was done over three days, with a different test each day, each from sunrise to sunset in July in Southern California. For accuracy, TÜV Rheinland used its own instruments to measure the electricity actually put back in the battery, not just at the solar panels. You can even see TÜV Rheinland’s detailed testing report, as well as watch a video on how it was done, so you don’t just have to take Aptera’s word for it.
The first test had the car parked in Aptera’s parking lot all day, in a fixed position, with its solar hatch closed, and it gained 4.23 kWh of energy, said to be worth 42 miles of range. The second test was repositioned once at noon, as if to simulate someone coming back from a lunch break and having to park in a different place. That gained 4.4 kWh, worth 44 miles. Finally, the team raised the solar hatch, positioning it toward the sun, and recouped 4.75 kWh, good for 47 miles of range.
I’ll be honest, I have my doubts about Aptera ever actually putting this three-wheeler on sale. But it’s hard to argue with these test results. They were done by a trustworthy third party and all of the data is presented, so there’s nowhere for Aptera to hide.
Is anyone going to regularly park their car all day in the same spot from sunrise to sunset, with perfect sunny conditions? Probably not. But if someone has a short commute and parks their car in the sun for an eight hour workday, they might be able to recoup enough range to get home for free on a regular basis, saving them a ton of charging. So I’m rooting for this little guy, even if I’m still dubious of the company.
