A new solar-powered electric vehicle can travel 40 miles each day by harnessing solar energy, boasting 50% greater efficiency compared to a Tesla.

2025-04-06 13:13:14

The Aptera Launch Edition electric vehicle boasts an impressive range of 400 miles on a single charge, complemented by the ability to travel an additional 40 miles each day solely through solar power.

LAS VEGAS — A team of engineers has unveiled a prototype electric vehicle (EV) capable of traveling up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) each day solely on solar energy.

The new solar-powered car, called the Aptera Launch Edition, also offers up to 400 miles (640 km) of range from a single charge via an electrical output, company representatives said in a statement. The production-ready EV was shown for the first time this month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

The aerodynamic vehicle is constructed using a carbon fiber sheet molding compound (CF-SMC), which is a composite material consisting of chopped carbon fibers combined with a thermosetting resin. Additionally, the design features four solar panels strategically positioned on the hood, dashboard, roof, and rear hatch.

According to Aptera officials, the use of this material simplifies the vehicle manufacturing process, resulting in a design that requires only a fraction—one-tenth—of the components typically needed for standard vehicles. The chassis consists of merely six essential body parts, co