Why shouldn't an electric car be solar powered and be just as fast as the best of them? And, to top it off, you don't need to charge it.
A company called Aptera has just unveiled its solar-powered three-wheeler EV and it's a sight for sore eyes. Driven by the power of the sun, as Aptera Motors states on its website, the automaker's new three-wheeler EV will have a range of up to 1,000 miles (1,609 km) with a full charge. And, as you drive along, it's Never Charge technology keeps this little beauty topped up.
The two-person (and one pet!) vehicle boasts a solar panel roof array and can provide up to 45 miles (72 km) of range per day. The vehicles also charge with their solar panels in park mode.
"With Aptera's Never Charge technology, you are driven by the power of the sun. Our built-in solar array keeps your battery pack topped off and anywhere you want to go, you just go," said Aptera co-founder, Chris Anthony, in a press release release at the weekend.
The company released a specs sheet, which explains the sEV (solar EV - get used to seeing the sEV acronym in the future) can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds while in all-wheel drive. And it can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.5 seconds in front wheel drive. It has a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
Its Never Charge Solar array is approximately three square metres. The array can charge the EV up to 60 km while in park mode. There are a number of options available, with the price ranging from $25,900 up to $46,900 depending on the chosen range and added options.
Deliveries will start in 2021. Take a sneak peek at what to expect by checking out Aptera's video: