Latest news with #Aptera
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Automaker achieves unprecedented breakthrough that could alter how we think about electric cars: 'It's nothing less than a game-changer'
China's BYD just flipped the electric vehicle charging conversation on its head with a game-changing demonstration that could make EVs more convenient than ever. In a high-profile test in Beijing, BYD delivered 262 miles of range to its Han L electric sedan in under five minutes using its new Megawatt charging system, as reported by InsideEVs. That's about the time it takes to fill up with gas, and it could completely reshape how we think about electric cars. For many people, EV charging still feels like a hassle. But BYD's new tech, built on its proprietary Super e-Platform, might just change that perception. This 1,000-volt setup, the first of its kind in mass-produced EVs, allows energy to move ultra-fast while staying safe thanks to a redesigned battery and cooling system. According to InsideEVs, BYD had to build nearly every part of the system in-house, from silicon-carbide power chips to upgraded motors and power distribution components. It even redesigned the charging plug to make it smaller and easier to handle. The Han L and its SUV sibling, the Tang L, can also draw power from two fast chargers at the same time, maximizing their charging potential when Megawatt stations aren't available. "It's nothing less than a game-changer for the entire space," the author wrote. When charging an EV is as quick and easy as pumping gas, the idea of going electric becomes much more appealing. Would you buy an EV if it only took 5 minutes to charge? Sign me up No way Depends on the cost Depends how much range it has Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Shorter stops also mean more time on the road for commuters and businesses, and fewer emissions mean cleaner air for everyone. These faster systems could also help delivery fleets, rideshare drivers, and public transit reduce downtime, saving money and energy. If you charge at home, the benefits multiply. Adding rooftop solar panels lets you fuel your EV with clean sunshine, cutting costs and pollution at the same time. Tools such as EnergySage make it easy to compare vetted solar quotes and start saving. BYD is one of the many companies making a splash. Innovators such as Aptera are working on solar-powered vehicles that barely need to plug in at all. Startups developing heat-resistant battery backups are also helping ensure that clean energy stays available when people need it most. Even retailers such as Walmart are adding more chargers to their parking lots, helping everyday drivers power up while they shop. With more than 500 Megawatt chargers already operating in China and thousands more planned, BYD is showing what's possible. While it may take some time for this tech to reach the U.S., BYD's five-minute charging breakthrough sets a new bar for what EV drivers everywhere can eventually expect. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Solar-Powered Electric Car Goes On A Road Trip
Read the full story on Backfire News For years people have dreamed about solar-powered electric cars becoming practical for your average American consumer. That's why when we saw Aptera Motors took its pre-production three-wheeler on old Route 66, traveling over 300 miles in a day without stopping to plug in, we were admittedly a startup based out of Carlsbad, California, says it's taken over 48,000 reservations for its upcoming production vehicle. That's apparently over $1.7 billion in possible revenue for the company, which sounds like a lot until you know what your average volume automaker rakes in per year. Still, the Aptera is a boundary-pushing ride, even though we're not entirely sure how practical it is for most people. After all, it's a three-wheeler and we know in some states that means it has to be registered as a motorcycle, which means drivers need a motorcycle license or endorsement. Bringing to life, at least in pre-production form, an all-electric vehicle that has solar panels incorporated into its skin, providing power by drinking in sunlight is admittedly intriguing. The road trip started in Flagstaff, Arizona and involved frequent stops. For example, the first one was at Bearizona Wildlife Park, a whole whopping 31 miles from Flagstaff. Cynical people might say that's indicative of how much charge the little thing can get from the sun. While some might find the shape of the Aptera to be off-putting, it's designed for maximum aerodynamics, allow it to go farther on a charge. That's likely why the interior is pretty bare bones, with two Corbeau seats and five-point harnesses, steering wheel, pedals, touchscreen and not a whole lot more to it. The design alone we think will keep this thing from ever going mainstream. Aptera seems to understand the vehicle design can seem bizarre. The company actually jokes about it looking like an alien spaceship, among other things, on its social media accounts. We like automakers that don't take themselves too seriously, because we know firsthand some are wound up so tight, you can't say a single critical thing about what they do or design. Is the Aptera the future of mobility? We don't know, but we do know it's an intriguing vehicle we'll be watching to see how it does once the solar-powered three-wheeler comes to market. Images via Aptera/X
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Startup reports shocking results after testing first-of-its-kind vehicle in the desert: 'Exceptional'
Solar-electric vehicle startup Aptera took a major step forward in its vision to create the world's first production car of its kind. In the company's most recent monthly update video, Aptera co-CEO Steve Fambro discussed validation testing that the company recently did in the Mojave Desert. These tests were designed to ensure that aspects of the car's performance, as predicted by computer modeling, would translate to real-world conditions. One of the biggest tests involved letting the car coast after reaching certain speeds to see if its aerodynamic design would allow it to go long distances without using any power. "Our vehicle took over three minutes to go from 60 miles an hour to a complete stop, which was also going uphill," Fambro said. "It's a testament to the exceptional efficiency of Aptera." The company also tested the vehicle's energy consumption while driving for hundreds of miles at steady speeds, and Fambro said the actual energy consumption was nearly identical to computer simulations. "With this first test, we're even more confident that Aptera will be the most efficient production vehicle ever," Fambro said, calling all of the test results "remarkable." Aptera has received plenty of national attention, not only for its eye-popping three-wheeled design, but also for its mission. The company aims to create a production solar electric vehicle that has solar panels on its roof, which would generate enough electricity to charge the vehicle for 40 miles per day. For days that extra range is needed, it could also last up to 400 miles with one charge from a 120-volt outlet. That would put it on par with other popular EV models, such as the Tesla Model S. A solar-energy vehicle would be a big next step in the development of electric vehicles. Although mining for EV batteries does create waste, it's a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of waste created by digging for dirty energy sources. But a production solar EV could be a game-changer, as people could theoretically avoid plugging in their car for weeks on end. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. On its website, Aptera says it hopes to begin low-level production later this year, with a goal of producing up to 20,000 cars annually by 2027. "We see nothing stopping us from delivering the 400-mile range vehicle we've all been dreaming about," Fambro said in the update video. "A vehicle that will change how the world views transportation, harnessing the power of the sun to make the world a better place for everyone." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Unbelievably tiny truck has a head-turning design — and a seriously powerful new feature
One of the world's tiniest electric trucks is about to be even more powerful and eco-friendly, thanks to a new solar-powered upgrade. Telo announced in January that it has plans to offer three solar panel kits for its tiny MT1 electric pickup trucks. The kits include solar panels on the rooftop that integrate with the cab, a solar camper shell, and a solar truck tonneau cover. The solar panels, which solar car company Aptera will supply, can generate up to 200 watts at peak sunlight. Telo says this gives the truck an additional 1-2 kWh of battery charge per day. The company aims to create the world's most efficient electric truck with the MT1, and this new solar panel integration upgrade can help make it an even more efficient alternative to gas cars. Would you want EV-charging roads installed in your town? Sign me up Depends how much it costs No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While electric vehicles are becoming popular alternatives to gas-powered vehicles, many drivers are still hesitant to make the switch. This is due to several factors, including range anxiety, charging accessibility, and sustainability concerns due to the environmental costs of building EVs and manufacturing their batteries. The MT1's integrated solar panels help mitigate range anxiety and charging limitations by providing a continuous renewable power source. The solar panels extend battery life, reduce reliance on charging stations, and provide a renewable energy resource, which can help ease range anxiety. One of the most common concerns about EVs is the environmental impact of mining for battery materials. However, according to University of Oxford researcher Hannah Ritchie, clean energy materials like lithium, cobalt, and copper require significantly less mining compared to fossil fuels. The world currently mines about 16.5 billion tons of fossil fuels annually — more than 2,000% of the materials needed for clean energy, which is about 7.7 million tons. And, unlike oil and coal, these clean energy materials can be recycled, making EVs a more sustainable long-term solution. Given Ritchie's findings on the environmental costs of clean energy minerals versus fossil fuels, switching to low-carbon technology like EVs seems like a viable alternative to gas cars. Beyond the environmental benefits, EVs can help cut routine maintenance and fuel costs and eliminate tailpipe emissions. And with the Telo MT1 getting solar panel integration, the electric truck can have an additional energy resource. The MT1 is now available for pre-order for just $152, with solar panel kits expected to be available for separate pre-orders later this year. Telo announced that a prototype truck is currently in development but hasn't disclosed when it will become available. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aptera Tests Exotic Solar Car in Mojave Desert
Automotive startup Aptera Motors announced that it conducted tests on its first production-intent validation solar electric vehicle in the Mojave Desert to evaluate its aerodynamics and energy efficiency. The development marks a significant milestone for the company, which has about 50,000 pre-order reservation holders. One of the tests involved coastdown, which measured the sEV's powertrain, rolling and aerodynamic losses. According to Aptera, the vehicle took more than three minutes to decelerate from 60 miles per hour to a full stop while traveling uphill. Co-CEO Steve Fambro commented that this period exceeded the measuring equipment's capabilities. Most Read on IEN: Today in Manufacturing Podcast: Handmade Car Factory; Lifesaving Jet Design; Ford F-150 Security Boeing Closes First Shadow Factory New Volvos Came with Counterfeit Parts Toyota's Best-Selling Trucks Have a Mud Problem A separate aerodynamic tuft test placed tufts to key areas like the vehicle gaps and wheel fairings to verify that real-world airflow aligned with the company's computer simulations. Aptera then monitored energy consumption during an extended highway drive cycle test that covered hundreds of miles. The results indicated that the company is on pace to achieve its target of approximately 100 watt-hours per mile. Fambro also revealed that Aptera is developing another validation sEV that aims to refine fit and flush around the vehicle's gaps and incorporate a design-intent weight profile with optimized parts. The company plans to run a full range test that drives the vehicle's battery to 0% and measures its real-world solar charging capabilities. Aptera debuted the sEV at CES 2025. According to the company, the vehicle's capabilities include up to 400 miles of range from one charge in under an hour, up to 40 miles of free driving per day powered by sunlight and more than 10,000 miles of solar-powered driving in sunny climates annually. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
