Aptera Starts Testing First Production-Intent Three-Wheeler Prototype | Carscoops

Final pricing details for the innovative EV have yet to be announced

Building a car of any kind is not easy, and creating a vehicle from the ground up that’s unlike anything other EV on the market is particularly challenging. For more than four years, US-based startup Aptera Motors has been working on an intriguing all-electric three-wheeler and recently made a major step in making it a reality.

The startup announced that its first production-intent prototype has completed its first low-speed validation drive. While this drive was only completed in a parking lot and the car barely exceeded walking pace, Aptera says the vehicle used almost entirely production-intent parts that will be used by cars delivered to customers. That’s a big difference from simply using one-off prototype parts.

Read: Aptera Launch Edition Introduced With Solar Panels And 400-Mile Range

Aptera’s next step is to test the car at higher speeds. It will do this with the sleek exterior bodywork installed, as well as the trick solar roof.

When first announced a few years ago, Aptera said it would use in-wheel motors. However, in July, the company announced it had changed plans and will instead use an integrated high-voltage axle-driving motor from Vitesco Technologies. This motor setup is used by more than 20 EVs currently on the market and, according to Aptera, will allow it to begin customer deliveries of the three-wheeler in 2025.

Aptera has not yet said how much power this motor will produce. What we do know is that its flagship vehicle, known as the Launch Edition, promises up to 400 miles (644 km) per charge. The use of solar panels will also add up to 40 miles (64 km) of charge each day.

Fitted beneath the slippery skin of Aptera’s three-wheel will be a 42 kWh battery pack. The company had initially said it would offer 25 kWh, 40 kWh, 60 kWh, and even 100 kWh packs for the vehicle, but that no longer appears to be the case. Aptera claimed back then that models fitted with a 100 kWh were to offer a range exceeding 1,000 miles (1,600 km).

Final prices have not been confirmed, but Aptera says there are almost 50,000 pre-orders for the three-wheeler.

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Brad Anderson's lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,... Read full bio