The idea of driving a car that gets free energy from the sun sounds like science fiction. But I just took a ride in one, and it’s very real.
I recently met up with Aptera, a startup based in the San Diego area that’s been working for years to build an ultra-efficient electric vehicle covered in solar panels. Their goal is simple: capture enough sunlight that many drivers can handle their daily commute without plugging in.
The company’s latest prototype is a sleek, three-wheeled, two-seat vehicle that looks more like a spaceship than a typical car. It even opens with a knock on the body instead of a traditional door handle.
The secret is efficiency. Its aerodynamic shape helps reduce energy use, while the built-in solar panels can add up to 40 miles of driving range per day in ideal conditions. When you need more power, you can still charge it like a regular EV using a Tesla-compatible connector or even a standard wall outlet, giving it up to 400 miles of total range.
Inside, it feels modern. There’s air conditioning, Bluetooth, digital displays, and even a screen that shows how much solar energy you’re collecting in real time.
Of course, this isn’t a finished product yet.
The ride was rougher and noisier than I expected, which the company says is something it’s continuing to refine as development continues. Because it has three wheels, the vehicle is legally classified as a motorcycle or autocycle in most states, although since it’s fully enclosed, you generally won’t need to wear a helmet.
One thing that struck me is that this isn’t really a “solar car” in the traditional sense. It’s an electric vehicle first, with solar acting as a boost. That’s probably the most realistic way to think about it. You’re not relying entirely on sunshine, but you may end up plugging in less often.
Whether it becomes a mainstream vehicle is another question. At around $40,000 and with seating for two, it’s clearly not designed for every household.
Still, if the company can deliver on its promises, it offers an intriguing glimpse at what the next generation of EVs could look like. Even if solar panels never replace charging entirely, getting a little free energy every day from the sun is a pretty compelling idea.
