Footage shows new solar-powered EV taking on 300-mile journey without stopping to charge
- Aptera’s EV drove 300 miles on Route 66 on a single charge
- Its Solar panels can generate up to 40 miles of range just from the sun
- The ultra-efficient, three-wheeled design reduces drag and energy use
Published on May 11, 2025 at 5:16 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on May 07, 2025 at 2:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Aptera, the solar-powered EV startup, just proved its tech can go the distance.
The company’s flagship Launch Edition vehicle recently hit the road for a real-world test, on a 300-mile trip along the historic Route 66 in the US.
CEO and co-founder Steve Fambro took the wheel himself, driving from Flagstaff, Arizona, to the edge of California’s Imperial Valley.
All of this was done in one charge, with no gas needed whatsoever.
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40 miles of range just from sunlight
In a video posted to YouTube, Fambro revealed that this is the first video footage of the EV driving on the highway.
During the drive itself, he pointed out that the vehicle was charging at 300 watts, just from the sun alone.
The Launch Edition does this by being covered in solar panels, allowing it to get up to 40 miles of range per day just from sunlight.
This is enough for most people to cover their daily drive, without ever plugging in.
If you need more range, however, the built-in battery can take you up to 400 miles on a full charge.
Charging is also pretty speedy, as the EV can go from empty to full in under an hour.
It’s also compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger Network, thanks to the NACS plug.
Way more efficient than your average EV
As you can see, the vehicle design is something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
With only three wheels and a sleek teardrop shape, it slices through the air with less drag, reducing energy consumption.
In terms of energy efficiency, it’s miles ahead of your average EV.
Its body is also made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber and glass composites.
The whole thing is split into six recyclable parts, all held together by a strong steel frame that helps protect passengers.
The interior of the vehicle is just as smart, with a central screen that shows you everything, from solar range, battery level, and charger locations, to how much energy your trip will use.
With no tailpipe, fewer moving parts, and energy direct from the sun, the startup could change how consumers think about cars.
It’s not just about going electric, but about going solar.
You can watch the Launch Edition vehicle at work here:
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