The Gamma, the latest teardrop-shaped Aptera prototype from automotive startup Aptera Motors, has been publicly unveiled in San Diego. Aptera was reportedly founded in the early 1990s as Accelerated Composites but ran out of money in 2011, and a few years later it relaunched with the aim of offering a two-seat, three-wheeled solar-powered electric vehicle.
The company hopes this electric vehicle can roll 40 miles (65 kilometers) per day without having to be plugged in. The company also aims to provide a total range of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) per charge, thanks to an efficient electric drivetrain, a slippery aero design and the use of lightweight composite materials.
By the end of 2021, the company has completed Alpha testing and begun preparations for the development of Beta test modules. At the end of March this year, the cars were made into street-legal versions for road testing in real-world driving situations.
Last month, Aptera began revealing details of its latest development vehicle, including a closer look at the minimalist interior, a yoke-like steering wheel and central display for a vehicle, media and navigation controls in front of a digital instrument cluster, a digital camera that replaces the rearview mirror and assists with traditional exterior side mirrors, increased head/leg/hip room compared to earlier designs and durable vegan materials throughout.
Disclosures at Fully Charged Live 2022 this weekend showcase photovoltaic cells on the roof and trunk, amber strip lights on the front wheel covers and headlights extending along the sides, and impressive butterfly doors. The trunk, on the other hand, is quite generous with 25 cubic feet of cargo space, a console with a net to keep things in place, and playful plus and minus symbols on the pedals.
The Gamma prototype is the final stage of development before moving into the production-intent phase, and it will begin full production as early as next year at a new plant in Carlsbad, California.
To date, Aptera has attracted more than 30,000 reservations, plus it has signed partnership agreements with Elaphe (for electric motors), battery supplier Eve Energy, industrial manufacturing technology company RedViking and other companies. People can reserve a mass-produced solar-powered electric car right now – for as little as $100. The car, which starts at less than $26,000, is said to offer a range of 250 miles (400 kilometers) per charge.
