Startup launches solar electric tricycle at CES 2025, in Las Vegas

This week the largest technology fair in the world takes place, CES 2025. Based in Las Vegas, the event is a showcase for innovations for startups like Aptera Motors, from San Diego. In this edition of the fair, the electric mobility company launched a solar-powered tricycle.

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According to information from New Atlas, in November 2024 the startup even released a video of a low-speed test with the tricycle. After some aerodynamic adjustments in partnership with the Italian Pininfarina, the launch on CES 2025 opens up the prospect of starting commercial production.

Launch of the solar electric tricycle at CES 2025

Aerodynamics was developed in partnership with an Italian automotive company. Photo: Disclosure/ApteraMotors

When the test video was released, the prototype had no body, windows and other components, including solar panels. However, the startup managed to take a complete vehicle to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Before arriving in the North American country, the tricycle spent time in Italy, undergoing adjustments at the company Pininfarina, specialized in bodies. This is because the vehicle needed adjustments to the external body to improve aerodynamics.

Vehicle production

Solar panels are spread across the entire upper surface of the vehicle. Photo: Disclosure/ApteraMotors

After years of trying to create a commercially interesting electric vehicle, Aptera managed to develop the solar-powered tricycle. According to information from New Atlas, the vehicle is in production with 700 watts of solar cells integrated into the upper surfaces.

This means that the tricycle can travel 64 kilometers without needing to be charged. Due to the vehicle’s body design and lightweight construction, it gains performance and commercial appeal.

As released by CES 2025 to the press, the basic model of the solar electric tricycle has a battery life of 400 miles (643.7 km). Additionally, Aptera is expected to offer an option for a thousand miles of range per charge.

Furthermore, in terms of speed, the predicted maximum is 162.5 km/h, with a sprint from 0 to 60 mph. Once the wheels drive, it will take “approximately four seconds” to reach top speed.

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With information from New Atlas

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Author: Isabel Lima