A Californian startup has created an EV that never needs charging

An electric car with 1,000 miles of range per cycle and that you never need to plug into recharge. How does that sound?

Impossible? Yeah, that was our first thought too, but Californian startup Aptera Motors is adamant that its solar-powered and handily-named Aptera can manage that. You can see renders of the aerodynamic, three-wheeled EV above.

Getting a strong sense of déjà vu? If you are then we’re impressed with both your memory and your obscure car knowledge. That’s because Aptera was actually founded in 2005 and initially took deposits from customers for a 300mpg hybrid that looked curiously like the new EV. The company was liquidated in 2011, though.

Now it’s back, not with a bang, but rather the almost-silent whisper of electric power. Thanks to that teardrop shape, some lightweight composite body panels, and an efficient regenerative braking system, Aptera claims that its new EV will manage the aforementioned 1,000 miles on a single charge. It also states that the solar panels on the roof will provide 11,000 miles of range per year – meaning you really wouldn’t even need to plug it in.

Also, if you don’t manage 11,000 miles per year, you’ll be able to use the excess power to run electricity in your home. Apparently the Aptera will cost somewhere between $36,000 – $59,000, which is quite a wide range to be aiming for. Although prices will be kept down by the fact that there are only 10 key structural parts.

The Californian company says 10,000 cars will be produced by 2022 and that pre-orders will open soon. What do you reckon, Internet, is this the future? Or are you taking this news with a BFG-sized pinch of salt?

Aptera and Elaphe Propulsion's In-Wheel Motor Technology

A view of the future of drivetrain efficiency and control.

The company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $2.5 million. The money will be used to get a working prototype on the road before the end of this year. It says with such an efficient car, charging times won’t be an issue. The less energy used, the less needs to be added. A modern 50 kW charger can add 200 miles of range in a half an hour.

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