In the world of startups, failure is always on the horizon. That was the case for the solar electric car startup Aptera when it launched in 2006 and hit a wall in 2011. However, the company did not give up. A relaunch in 2020 got the gears in motion again, and now the long-awaited, futuristic, solar-powered three-wheeled electric car is almost ready to hit the road.
What Is An Autocycle?
An autocycle is not the same as a typical three-wheeler. It combines three wheels with a front-facing seat and a steering wheel, setting it apart from other three-wheelers. The concept of three-wheeled vehicles first emerged in the 1880’s, and the autocycle has experienced a revival in recent years.
While the electric part of the autocycle disappeared after gasoline-powered vehicles became popular, the unique three-wheeled configuration remained common until the middle of the 20th century. As autocycles gained popularity again, the idea also seemed to be catching on among legacy auto makers.
The Time Is Right For A Trippy-Looking Electric Car
The Aptera three-wheeler is a standout compared to typical electric cars. Aptera aims to attract drivers who want a unique-looking but practical electric car for daily errands and commutes.
With 25 cubic feet of cargo space, Aptera can comfortably accommodate a decent grocery trip and various outdoor adventure gear. It’s an attractive option for those seeking a vehicle that isn’t conventional and also want to access the HOV lane and enjoy less expensive auto insurance.
So, Will This Electric Car Fly?
Aptera seems to have gathered significant support from individual electric car enthusiasts and investors, raising over $120 million and receiving orders for 46,000 cars. The California Energy Commission also approved a grant of $21 million to help the company scale up its production line.
Aptera’s innovative design features solar panels to power the car on free, self-gathered solar energy as much as possible, allowing for grid-free daily driving of up to 40 miles and a range of up to 1,000 miles. The company’s recent fundraise will be used to push the timeline into the pre-production phase and enable vehicle testing and validation.
Wait For It…Wait For It…
Despite the challenges, Aptera seems determined to make the dream of a true solar electric car a reality. Time will tell if this futuristic electric car project will succeed.
Follow me @tinamcasey on Bluesky, Threads, Post, and LinkedIn.
Image: Aptera designed this three-wheeled, lightweight, solar-powered, futuristic, aerodynamic electric car for general use (courtesy of Aptera).