Aptera, a California-based mobility startup, has successfully completed the first round of real-world validation testing for its production-intent solar electric vehicle (sEV).
Conducted at a Mojave Desert proving ground, the tests confirmed Aptera’s claims of industry-leading aerodynamics and energy efficiency as the company moves closer to full-scale production.
One of the key tests was coastdown testing, an industry-standard method to measure aerodynamic and rolling resistance.
Aptera’s sEV took over three minutes to decelerate from 97km/h to a complete stop - while travelling uphill.
According to the company, this coastdown distance exceeds that of any vehicle currently in production, reinforcing its status as one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars ever developed.
Aptera also conducted tuft testing, applying fabric strands to key areas like wheel fairings and body gaps to analyse airflow in real-world conditions. The results aligned with the company’s computer simulations, allowing engineers to fine-tune fit and finish for even greater efficiency.
To validate its energy efficiency, Aptera engineers undertook an extended highway drive cycle, covering hundreds of kilometres while monitoring energy usage.
The real-world results closely matched Aptera’s simulation models, with energy consumption measured at approximately 100Wh/km.
“Our validation testing confirms that we’re on track to achieve our target energy consumption of roughly 100 Wh/mile - unlocking a level of efficiency that makes solar mobility possible in a way never seen before,” said Aptera Co-Founder & Co-CEO Steve Fambro.
Aptera’s sEV integrates solar panels designed to reduce reliance on external charging.
Under ideal conditions, the system can generate enough energy for up to 64km of daily driving, with a maximum range of 640km from a full charge.
In consistently sunny climates, this could equate to over 16,000km of solar-assisted driving per year. While these figures depend on weather and driving conditions, they highlight the potential benefits of solar integration for reducing grid dependency.
Meanwhile, Aptera is now developing its next validation vehicle, refining key design elements for improved aerodynamics and weight distribution.
The company plans to conduct full-range tests, driving from a fully charged battery to 0%, alongside real-world validation of its solar charging capabilities.
With nearly 50,000 pre-orders, Aptera is edging closer to delivering a vehicle that challenges conventional electric mobility, offering an alternative powered by the sun.