Aptera lacks funds to produce solar electric vehicles, hints at design changes
Start-up vehicle maker Aptera announced that it has started producing the body for its three-wheeled solar electric vehicle, although the timeline for actual deliveries may not be quite as rosy as it sounds
In an accompanying video address to To updateCEO Steve Fambro noted that Aptera has made up its mind Italy’s CPC Group for its “incredible ability” to set up a carbon fiber body production line in just nine months after meeting funding targets.
Then it said something surprising: It’s still not there.
“The start of production of the Launch Edition vehicles requires additional capital and we plan to provide delivery date details as soon as possible,” explained Fambro.
This seems to contradict what the company said in early February, when it clearly stated that the completion of its accelerator program, a type of crowdfunding that also secured one of the first 2,000 build slots for the vehicle, would be enough “Financing the first production phases.”
Aptera Launch Edition core specifications
No Aptera deliveries in 2024?
In summary, Aptera effectively announced that it would no longer produce its vehicles in 2024, thereby postponing the start of production again – this time probably until 2025.
Green Car Reports reached out to Aptera following the update and has not yet heard back, but we will update this story with more specific information from Aptera in case this update language was misunderstood.
Aptera announced the agreement with Italy’s CPC Group in November 2022 and unveiled the first Launch Edition version of the electric vehicle in January 2023. As of October 2023, the company reported that it was moving closer to production with the acquisition of some production equipment.
Aptera Sol Alpha prototype
Aptera design changes are coming
The company’s update also noted that some changes to the vehicle’s design are coming. “Until production begins, we will continue to refine our vehicle design to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” the company said.
“We want you to know that changes to our vehicle design are taken very seriously and will only be made if they require significantly less capital, including research and development costs and tooling costs,” explained Fambro. “A production plan that requires less capital reduces risk.” “We will support our shareholders and enable Aptera to get to market faster. Once updated supply contracts are signed, we will share further information.”
Aptera app – solar charging
Track solar miles via the Aptera app
In an update last week, Aptera also gave a first look at its owner app, which allows drivers to pre-condition the cab. Additionally, drivers can see their vehicle’s solar performance when they are not nearby.
The Korean battery partner CTNS has produced sample battery modules, and a first series of production-ready battery packs is still to come. The company also said it will provide more information on battery management soon.
At CPC in Italy they work on the assembly of chassis and suspension components using assembly jigs. Eventually, large-scale robots will support automated assembly.
Aptera crash modeling 1
Aptera crash modeling 2
In addition, a crash simulation for the body structure was announced for the first time and one can hardly wait to compare it with the structure intended for production.
Aptera has many promises to fulfill. It’s a teased handling Performance that can surpass some sports carsas well as enough power from its solar panels covering a lightweight body to make it possible for some owners to not worry about charging.
Aptera tests alpha prototype
The Publication edition was introduced in January 2023 and features 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.0 seconds, a 42 kWh battery that would provide a range of up to 400 miles, and a solar system that provides 700 watts of continuous power for Can deliver 40 miles of range per day, the company says. Aptera announced the use of the Tesla NACS port before the American market wave last year Electric vehicle brands are changing charging standards.
