What you’ll learn:
- The Aptera Launch Edition EV is designed to eliminate the need to plug in for most daily driving needs, offering up to 400 miles of range from a single charge in under an hour.
- It will also provide up to 40 miles of driving per day powered entirely by sunlight and over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving in sunny climates.
The Aptera Launch Edition EV offers a more diverse assortment of energy than other electric or hybrid vehicles available today. Equipped with roughly 700 W of proprietary solar technology, this gives Aptera a longer range versus competitive EVs—400 miles of range on a single charge using an electrical output in addition to 40 miles per day on solar power for daily driving.
The average American drives less than 30 miles per day, so most Aptera owners should not have to plug their vehicle in to charge. This lessens the need for power-grid improvements for EV adoption, making Aptera the first “grid-independent” EV. Plus, with Aptera’s vehicle platform, any standard power outlet in the world becomes a place to charge your vehicle. When plugged into a 120-V outlet, the Launch Edition can still charge over 13 miles per hour or roughly 150 miles overnight, according to the company.
Formation of a Solar EV Partnership
Recently, Aptera, LG Energy Solution Ltd., and CTNS Co. Ltd. (“CTNS”) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under the terms of the MOU, LG Energy Solution will supply its 2170 cylindrical battery cells from 2025 to 2031, while CTNS will manufacture battery modules and packs tailored to Aptera’s proprietary design and specifications. These components will be integrated into Aptera’s solar electric vehicles.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in bringing our solar electric vehicles to market with the reliability and performance our customers expect,” said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera Motors. “LG Energy Solution and CTNS bring unparalleled expertise, and we’re excited to work together to power the future of sustainable transportation.”
Highlights of the collaboration:
- LG Energy Solution will exclusively supply 4.4 GWh of its 2170 cylindrical battery cells to support Aptera’s production ramp-up from 2025 onward.
- CTNS will utilize LG Energy Solution battery cells to produce modules and packs, aligning with Aptera’s proprietary battery-pack design.
- Aptera will integrate these components into its EVs.
In the Launch Edition EV, four panels are strategically placed on the hood, dash, roof, and hatch of the vehicle, alongside its production body structure. They’re built from carbon-fiber sheet molding compound (CF-SMC), a composite material made from chopped carbon fibers and a thermosetting resin. This material is said to dramatically reduce complexity, requiring fewer than one-tenth the parts of traditional vehicles, resulting in a lightweight design.
Aptera said it has already amassed nearly 50,000 reservations representing over $1.7 billion in potential revenue. After the company’s Launch Edition production line is up and running, Aptera expects eight different assembly plants to be in operation around the globe by 2028.
Aptera-TELO Trucks Team-Up
In related news, TELO Trucks has partnered with Aptera to introduce integrated solar-panel options for the TELO MT1. This will let buyers select up to three solar-panel kits, for charging on-the-go and enhanced energy independence, even in remote locations.
The available solar-panel options include:
- Rooftop Truck Cab Solar Paneling: Integrated panels over the cab maximize daily energy generation.
- Tonneau Truck Bed Cover Solar Paneling: A solar-equipped bed cover adds power while preserving storage versatility.
- Camper Shell Solar Paneling: Panels extending from the cab over the bed increase charging capacity and storage options.
Aptera’s solar panels generate up to 200 W each at peak sunlight, delivering 1 to 2 kWh per day based on location and season. According to TELO, its vehicles will consume just 200 to 300 Wh/mi, significantly reducing energy needs and extending range with solar options.
Car buyers will be able to tailor their pickup truck precisely to their needs by selecting their desired TELO solar configuration during the time of pre-order.
The fully realized drivable prototype is currently in production at Aria Group, which joined forces with TELO in 2024 after a successful $5.4M strategic funding round led by Neo and Spero Ventures. TELO and Aptera will make these solar-panel options available for pre-order later this year.