New solar-powered EV can drive 40 miles daily using the power of the sun -- and it's 50% more efficient than a Tesla
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet published 2 days ago
The Aptera Launch Edition EV offers 400 miles of range on a single charge using an electrical output in addition to 40 miles per day powered by only the sun.
Electric car with solar panels on the hood.
(Image credit: Aptera)
LAS VEGAS — Engineers have showcased a prototype electric vehicle (EV) that can drive for up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) per day using just solar power.
The new solar-powered car, called the Aptera Launch Edition, also offers up to 400 miles (640 km) of range from a single charge via an electrical output, company representatives said in a statement. The production-ready EV was shown for the first time this month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
The aerodynamic car is built from a carbon fiber sheet molding compound (CF-SMC) — a composite material made from chopped carbon fibers and a thermosetting resin. The car's design also incorporates four solar panels placed on the hood, dash, roof and hatch.
Aptera representatives say the material reduces the complexity of building each vehicle, meaning the design needs one-tenth of the parts required for traditional designs, with just six key body components making up the chassis. This makes the vehicle lighter and more energy-efficient than conventional EVs, while offering a 50% reduction in aerodynamic resistance.
More:
https://www.livescience.com/technology/electric-vehicles/new-solar-powered-ev-can-drive-40-miles-daily-using-the-power-of-the-sun-and-its-50-percent-more-efficient-than-a-tesla