We know that we’re all for four-wheel drives, but Aptera, the startup aiming to make a three-wheeled electric vehicle, is here to prove that three-wheelers are just as good. 

Over the past few months, the startup has gotten an injection of over $4 million in funding, which is more than enough for it to start actual production of its ultra-efficient three-wheeled two-seat EV, which promises over 1600km in range. 

Now, Aptera has moved into a new production design facility in the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego, which it will start with production for the three-wheeler, slated to be released at the end of 2021. The company claims that it has garnered over 7,000 vehicle reservations in just over two months, which is a huge claim and highly profitable venture. 

So, what’s so special about this three-wheel EV? Well, for one, it has one of the most unique shapes around. It looks like something that came out of a science fiction movie. The shape, like everything on the vehicle, is squeezed for efficiency. With only a 0.15 coefficient of drag and a curb weight of just 860 kilos. Plus, depending on what battery you order and how much sun the solar panels on the roof can add to your drive, the company claims you can get over 1600km in range before needing to recharge.

Another additional bonus if you live in a really sunny spot (hello Malaysia!), you can get over 65km worth of electricity from the solar panels. That literally means that if you don’t drive too far off, you should be living on free fuel forever!

"If you put our same solar package on a Prius, you could get maybe six or eight miles of charge range a day, which some people might find compelling if you have a really short commute. For most people, it wouldn't be worth the expense of solar. But when you only burn 100 watt-hours per mile, as the Aptera does, the same solar package can get you 40-plus miles a day of range."

Aptera leverages breakthroughs in lightweight structures, low-drag aerodynamics and cooling, material science, and manufacturing processes to deliver the most efficient vehicle ever made available to consumers. Its body is made of lightweight composites that are said to meet "all applicable safety standards."

So, if everything goes well for the company, we’ll soon be seeing one of the most highly-efficient three-wheel EV on the roads soon. What did you think about the article? Leave a comment below!

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