A FUTURISTIC electric car that only needs to be charged three times a year has been hailed a “Tesla killer”.
The solar-powered Aptera has a range of 1,000 miles and costs £27,000 – less than half one of Elon Musk’s pricey motors.
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The California car maker claims to have more than 40,000 reservations from buyers who can’t wait to get behind the wheel.
The first 5,000 will be three-wheeler Launch Edition models.
It uses innovative “in wheel motors” with one electric engine powering each wheel.
Experts say that makes the streamlined car super-efficient while offering all-wheel drive.
Although it has only 171 horsepower, that is enough to propel the two-seater from 0-60mph in four seconds up to a top speed of 101mph.
The Launch Edition includes a battery rated for a range of 400 miles – nearly three times as far as a Nissan Leaf.
Later models will have a range of 1,000 miles using just the battery, Aptera said.
However the manufacturer reckons owners might NEVER need to charge it in daily use.
The car features lightweight solar panels which boost charge enough to add on 40 free miles per day, Aptera claims.
For local trips and commutes averaging 29 miles a day, it means drivers in sunny places like California would never have to plug it in.
In gloomier locations such as Chicago, Aptera reckons owners would need to plug it in three times a year.
The company says: “With Aptera’s solar technology, consistent access to a charging station or even a plug and socket isn’t necessary.
“Aptera’s Launch Edition comes integrated with a solar charging package allowing most people to drive for weeks, even months, without ever having to plug in to charge.”
For longer trips, it can be plugged into a standard power outlet to top up the battery.
Steve Fambro, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, said: “We’ve solved the equation for a more efficient way to travel by harnessing the power of the sun, and we’re excited to introduce our Launch Edition vehicle to the world.
“Our tireless efforts have resulted in the Aptera vehicle, that can take you where you want to go using the creative energy directly from our sun and efficiently converted into free movement.”
Aptera say they are finalising the fourth and final phase of product development.
That includes completing crash testing and validation.
It then plans to scale up quickly into full-scale production of 10,000 vehicles per year.
From there, Aptera hopes to double output from its California cfactory and add more production lines around the world.
Chris Anthony, Co-Founder and Co-CEO adds: “While our delivery timeline is funding dependent, our goal is to begin production by the end of 2023.
“Our Launch Edition is our chance to show the world something that’s never existed before.”
Some have called it a “Tesla killer” as it is much cheaper than one of the high tech electric motors.
A New Tesla S costs from £56,000 to £138,000 and has a claimed range of 405 miles, although experts say in cold weather that could drop to under 300 miles.
Drivers also face a struggle to find somewhere to charge them.
Earlier this month we told how furious Tesla drivers queued for hours for a charging station in Cumbria.
Other electric car owners have revealed the abuse and grief they suffered as episodes of “charge rage” escalate across the country.
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