Aptera Motors is preparing to begin commercial production of its solar-powered, self-charging three-wheeled electric vehicle from the end of 2026 after going public.
Aptera's three-wheeled electric vehicle has a unique design. Photo: Aptera Motors .
After years of research and overcoming periods of financial uncertainty, Aptera Motors, a California-based electric vehicle startup, is getting closer to its goal of commercializing solar-powered electric vehicles.
The company has established a professional production process to prepare for supplying tens of thousands of pre-ordered customers. The NASDAQ listing in July 2025 is a crucial milestone, helping Aptera attract capital and attention from major component suppliers.
"Becoming a public company means more people can see what we're doing and get excited about our solar-powered mobility solutions," said co-CEO Chris Anthony, sharing his thoughts on the change.
Aptera's vehicle boasts a unique three-wheel design and optimized aerodynamic shape. Weighing only about 1 ton thanks to its carbon fiber body and aluminum frame, the vehicle achieves impressive energy efficiency. The upcoming commercial "Launch Edition" is equipped with a 42 kWh battery pack, allowing for a range of 400 miles (approximately over 640 km) on a single charge.
On a sunny day, the company's electric vehicle can travel over 40km without needing to be recharged. Photo: Aptera Motors.
The biggest difference with the Aptera lies in its integrated solar panel system. This system can provide up to an additional 64 km of driving range per day from natural sunlight. For users who need to travel less than 48 km/day in sunny areas, manual charging may become unnecessary.
Despite its modest 201 horsepower, the car can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 6 seconds thanks to its ultra-light weight. However, it only has two seats and limited luggage space due to its aerodynamic design. It is considered ideal for personal urban commuting rather than family use.
At its San Diego plant, Aptera is assembling the final test vehicles. The standardized 12-step production process allows the facility to ship 40 vehicles per 8-hour shift at full capacity.
With a starting price of around $40,000 and orders reaching 50,000 units, Aptera's success by the end of 2026 will be a crucial test for the future of solar-powered electric vehicles.