A “Tesla killer” has been dubbed a futuristic electric vehicle that only needs to be charged three times each year.
The 1,000-mile range, £27,000 price tag, and solar power Aptera are less than half the cost of one of Elon Musk’s costly motors.
The California-based automaker claims to have more than 40,000 reservations from eager customers.
The first 5,000 will be Launch Edition three-wheeler vehicles.
With one electric engine driving each wheel, it makes advantage of cutting-edge “in wheel motors.”
According to experts, this makes the sleek car extremely efficient while yet having all-wheel drive.
Despite only having 171 horsepower, the two-seater can reach a high speed of 101 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds.
The Launch Edition’s battery has a 400-mile range rating, which is almost triple that of a Nissan Leaf.
Later variants, according to Aptera, will have a battery-only range of 1,000 miles.
However, according to the manufacturer, users may never need to charge it while using it regularly.
According to Aptera, the automobile has small, lightweight solar panels that can increase charge by enough to add 40 extra miles each day.
Drivers in warm climates like California wouldn’t ever need to plug it in for commutes and local trips totaling 29 miles a day.
Aptera estimates that owners would need to plug it in three times a year in less sunny places like Chicago.
The company says: “With Aptera’s solar technology, consistent access to a charging station or even a plug and socket isn’t necessary.
“Aptera’s Launch Edition comes integrated with a solar charging package allowing most people to drive for weeks, even months, without ever having to plug in to charge.”
It can be plugged into a regular power outlet to recharge the battery on longer journeys.
Co-founder and co-CEO Steve Fambro stated: “We have found a solution for a more effective method to travel by harnessing the power of the sun, and we’re thrilled to bring our Launch Edition vehicle to the world.
“The Aptera car, which can take you wherever you want to go using the creative energy directly from our sun and efficiently turned into free movement, is the product of our unwavering efforts,” the company claims.
The fourth and last stage of product development is being completed, according to Aptera.
Finishing crash testing and validation is part of that.
After that, it intends to quickly build up to a full-scale annual production rate of 10,000 automobiles.
After that, Aptera plans to build more production lines globally and increase output at its California factory.
“While our delivery timeframe is finance dependant, our goal is to start production by the end of 2023,” adds Chris Anthony, co-founder and co-CEO.
“Our Launch Edition is our chance to show the world something that’s never existed before.”
A New Tesla S costs from £56,000 to £138,000 and has a claimed range of 405 miles, although experts say in cold weather that could drop to under 300 miles.
Drivers also face a struggle to find somewhere to charge them.
This month’s earlier, we reported on the irate Tesla drivers who stood in line for hours to use a charging station in Cumbria.
Other electric vehicle owners have spoken out about the harassment and pain they experienced as “charge rage” incidents spread across the nation.
