Aptera Motors has unveiled its sEV tricycle – ‘s’ for ‘solar’, because it runs on solar panels and doesn’t technically require conventional charging – and is now taking pre-orders starting from U.S. $25,900.
The vehicle is 4,369 mm (14.33 feet) long, 2,235 mm (7.33 feet) wide and 1,448 mm (4.75 feet) tall. Its aerodynamic drag is a record-low 0.13, and the curb weight varies in the 816-998 kg (1,800 – 2,200 lbs) owing to generous application of carbon fiber, Kevlar and other lightweight materials.
The entry spec comes with twin motors built into the front wheels, jointly rated at 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW). The sprint from zero to 97 km/h (60 miles per hour) takes 5.5 seconds. The top spec has three motorized wheels (AWD) and zaps 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It maxes out at 177 km/h (110 mph).
Battery sizes of 25, 40, 60 and 100 kWh are available, rated for 250, 400, 600 and 1,000 miles, respectively (402, 643, 965, and 1,609 km). The solar panel-based Never Charge system adds 45 miles (72 km) of range whenever the weather is sunny enough, although the manufacturer does not go into specifics here and does not name the measurement protocol.
Buyers can choose from three available paints (white, black and silver) and three trim schemes (sandy, earthen and coral). The cabin houses a button-free steering wheel, a center console without controls on it, and three displays. An SAE Level 2 self-driving system, a camping tent, a partitioning wall for animal transportation and an off-road package with elevated ride height are all available as paid options. The trunk size is 708 liters (25 cubic feet).
Aptera will first ship the Paradigm and Paradigm+ trim versions priced between U.S. $25,900 and $46,900. A refundable deposit of $100 ensures you get your tricycle in the first quarter of 2021.