Aptera and Elaphe strike electric motor deal

Aptera Motors had done a deal worth several hundred million euros to source distributed drive platform technologies from Elaphe in Slovenia.

The deal is another leap forward for Aptera to enter series production in record time.

“We’re very proud to work with the experts at Elaphe, and this agreement means that we can proceed rapidly,” says Aptera co-chief executive Chris Anthony, adding that Elaphe’s in-wheel motors make Aptera faster and more efficient.

The arrangement aids Aptera’s rapid development toward the final vehicle production stage and fortifies an existing relationship between Aptera and Elaphe.

A major part of the plan is the establishment of a new 14,864 square metre research and development and production centre where Elaphe will begin to ramp up motor production for Aptera, leading to a 100,000-unit annual capacity.

These in-wheel motors offer a compact, high-torque solution, allowing for the vehicle’s enhanced aerodynamics, lighter overall vehicle weight, and improved handling — resulting in better mileage and safety, says Aptera.

“Aptera is pushing to extremes and radically changing the premise of achievable aerodynamic design and manufacturing concepts for electric vehicles,” says Elaphe chief executive Gorazd lampic.

“The vehicle is a really good match with Elaphe in-wheel powertrain technology, because it both requires and benefits from motor packaging, low energy losses, and vehicle dynamics.”

US-based Aptera Motors delivers technologically advanced solar electric vehicles (sEVs), made possible by breakthroughs in battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing.

A lightweight three-wheeler, Aptera is the first in a series of eco-friendly vehicles that will be offered by the company for consumer and commercial use and has more than 25,000 reservation holders.

The Aptera claims to have 1609km range and the ability to travel up to 64km a day on free power from its integrated solar panels.

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