Video: Aptera’s ‘Launch Edition’ announced

Aptera has announced its “Launch Edition”, which it says is the first series of more than 40,000 orders for its mainly solar-powered fleet.

The California start-up is finalising the fourth and final phase of its product development, Delta. As part of this phase, Aptera will complete crash testing and validation, then it plans to scale quickly into full-scale single shift production of 10,000 vehicles annually.

Aptera aims to expand its output to dual shift 20,000 vehicles annually out of its Carlsbad, California facility.

“While our delivery timeline is funding dependent (it reportedly needs at least US$50 million), our goal is to begin production by the end of 2023,” says Aptera co-founder and co-chief executive Chris Anthony.

“Once we meet our fundraising objectives, we will be able to provide a more accurate delivery timeline.”  

After the company’s Launch Edition production line is up and running in about a year, Aptera expects eight different assembly plants to be in operation around the globe by 2028.

The Launch Edition’s aerodynamic shape, ultra-lightweight, and ultra-strong materials allow it to slip through the air using a quarter of the energy compared to other electric and hybrid vehicles on the road today, says Aptera.

 Equipped with about 700W of proprietary solar technology, Aptera drives up to about 640km daily directly from the sun’s rays.

It has a 42kW battery pack, though longer range versions such as 965km, 1287km and 1609km are expected, Electrek reports.

Aptera’s Launch Edition comes integrated with a solar charging package allowing most people to drive for weeks, even months, without having to plug in to charge.

In places with medium sun exposure (New York or Chicago) an Aptera may need to be plugged In about three times per annually

When plugged into a 120V outlet, Aptera’s Launch Edition can charge at more than 20km/h or about 240km overnight, the company adds.

In partnership with CPC Group, Aptera says it has developed an efficient and streamlined process for manufacturing Launch Edition vehicles.

“These methods allow for quicker vehicle deliveries and a better use of raw materials. One of the most important aspects of this process is Aptera’s specialised composite body, or Body in Carbon – BinC. The resulting BinC takes much less time to assemble and yields quality and repeatability that is truly a new paradigm for manufacturing composite vehicle bodies and closures, especially when compared to other steel or aluminium vehicles.”

Aptera has now added DC fast charging as standard in all its vehicles, oftering 40-60kW fast charging with its Launch Edition EVs.

“Once testing is complete, we will provide an update on our max charge rates. We will also be working on a 100kW version for release down the road,” Aptera explains.

The fast-charging system is designed to work with Tesla’s supercharger network.

“So if Tesla agrees to open their network up to Aptera owners, your Launch Edition vehicle will be ready to go,” Aptera adds.

Click here for Launch Edition specification details.