A California startup has begun assembling its first engineering test vehicles.
California-based Aptera has announced the start of engineering trials for its solar-powered electric vehicle, which can travel up to 40 miles a day without being plugged in.
The innovative three-wheeler is expected to cost around $40,000. The milestone marks Aptera’s shift from hand-built prototypes to a pre-production process that relies on standardized, mass-manufacturable components.
The engineering validation phase is taking place on a new pilot assembly line in Southern California, which will serve as the foundation for future low-volume production. Aptera is using high-precision equipment that allows engineers to identify and correct issues early, before full-scale manufacturing begins. According to co-founder Chris Anthony, this is a major step forward — it’s the first time the team is building the vehicle strictly according to an industrial production plan.
Aptera originally planned to begin producing the two-seater in 2021, but the timeline slipped. The powertrain has changed significantly along the way: the company initially intended to use in-wheel motors supplied by Elaphe, but later opted for a more advanced integrated electric-drive system from German manufacturer Vitesco — the EMR3. This “three-in-one” module combines a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, inverter, and reduction gear into a single compact unit.
The production start date remains unclear: Aptera still needs to raise roughly $65 million in additional funding.