Solar electric vehicles can run 1,600 km

Aptera Motors, the San Diego-based electric vehicle manufacturer, reached a new milestone by testing its first production vehicle. They successfully conducted the first run of the solar electric vehicle (SEV) “PI 2”, specialized for practical testing, Interesting Engineering reported on November 3. The next phase of testing will evaluate the combination of Aptera’s solar PV technology, thermal management system and exterior surfaces.

PI 2 tested on a high-speed track to test operating characteristics and confirm key performance metrics, including solar charging speed and estimated battery range, according to Steve Fambro. Aptera Motors co-founder and CEO. As the first model in the series, the vehicle was built to test the company’s design, manufacturing components and operating parameters such as range, solar charging capabilities… Photovoltaic panels The combination on the vehicle body provides enough energy to run 64 km/day and more than 17,700 km/year without affecting operation.

The company offers many options for battery pack sizes. One option offers a range of 1,600 km when fully charged. If you need to run more than 64 km/day or the weather does not allow daily solar power production, the vehicle can use electricity from the battery pack. The photovoltaic panels cover an area of ​​3 m2 and are designed to be easily upgraded and replaced throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. PI 2 integrates the Vitesco Technologies EMR3 powertrain, announced earlier this year. Aptera’s composite body structure, called Body in Carbon or BinC, is combined for the first time with a proprietary battery pack.

Aptera’s 3-wheeled vehicle uses electric motors placed on the wheels to propel the chassis with only 10 key parts. The vehicle’s unique shape allows it to glide across the road with much less power than today’s electric and hybrid models.