Latest news with #SteveFambro
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
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.
