Aptera rolls out first solar EV from assembly line, eyes certification

Aptera, a US-based solar mobility startup, has launched the first solar-powered electric vehicle (sEV) from its new 14-station assembly line in California, marking a significant transition from hand-built prototypes to a structured production process. This milestone supports the company’s efforts toward regulatory self-certification, EPA approval, and initial customer deliveries targeted for later this year. The vehicles from this validation line will undergo rigorous testing—including thermal, brake, and destructive tests—to ensure quality and compliance. The production process also enables optimization of assembly methods and station layouts, with the company expanding its manufacturing workforce to support this shift. After more than a decade of development and overcoming delays, Aptera’s sEV has demonstrated impressive efficiency and aerodynamic performance during real-world testing, including a coast-down test that outperforms conventional vehicles. The vehicle features integrated solar panels capable of generating up to 24 miles of daily range under ideal sunlight and offers up to 400 miles of range with fast charging in under an hour,