Aptera: $40 million for electric car production

The start-up Aptera has raised $40 million via crowdfunding for the production of its electric car, which is expected to achieve a range of more than 1,600 kilometers thanks to large batteries and additional solar panels.

Well above average range

This well above-average range is probably the Aptera car’s most impressive unique selling point. While other electric vehicles equipped with solar panels can only generate a minimal additional range through them, those used by Aptera provide an additional range of around 65 kilometers per day. Added to this are the particularly large batteries, which alone promise a range of around 1,600 kilometers – easily outshining the competition. With a smaller battery, it still manages more than 400 kilometers – and even that is still above average. The enormous efficiency is also due to the low weight of the futuristic-looking car.

22,000 pre-orders

The enormous range, futuristic design, and low entry price of $25,000 likely contributed to Aptera being virtually flooded with pre-orders: So far, the vehicle has been reserved more than 22,000 times. In addition to pre-orders, however, production also requires financial resources – and Aptera has now collected these via crowdfunding. The company said it had raised around $40 million in this way. Aptera now plans to put the vehicle into production by the end of the year. Pre-orders are still being accepted.