Aptera Motors said independent testing by TÜV Rheinland measured more than 4 kWh of usable solar energy delivered to the battery of its solar electric vehicle (EV) on each of three test days.
The testing was conducted over three days in July at Aptera’s final assembly facility in Carlsbad, California. Measurements were taken from sunrise to sunset using TÜV Rheinland instrumentation, with energy measured as it entered the battery after conversion losses. (Check out the video here.)
Aptera has targeted up to approximately 40 miles of solar-powered range per day under favorable conditions, based on vehicle efficiency of 100 Wh/mile and 4 kWh of usable solar energy.
In a test with the vehicle parked in a fixed position throughout the day, the system delivered 4.23 kWh to the battery. Repositioning the vehicle once at solar noon increased the result to 4.40 kWh. A third configuration, with the rear hatch raised and angled toward the sun, delivered 4.75 kWh.
Based on Aptera’s targeted 100 Wh/mile efficiency, those energy measurements correspond to estimated solar ranges of approximately 42, 44, and 47 miles, respectively. Actual solar contribution will vary based on weather, location, season, and vehicle orientation.
Aptera’s solar power system includes compound-curved solar panels, a proprietary multi-channel solar charge controller with custom firmware, and the vehicle’s power distribution architecture.
The company said additional independent validation of vehicle performance is planned as it moves toward production.
Filed Under: Technology News