Specifications Overview

The basic version of the Aptera features a modest 25 kWh battery pack. Thanks to this compact battery and its lightweight, 800 kg structure, the vehicle can travel an impressive 250 miles on a single charge. Coupled with a 100 kW (134 hp) front-wheel-drive powertrain, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds—comparable to the base Model 3, yet priced at $25,000, which is $10,000 less!

On the other hand, the high-end Aptera model can compete with the Model 3 Performance. Equipped with a 100 kWh battery and a 150 kW (201 hp) all-wheel-drive system, it achieves 0 to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. While it doesn't quite match the Model 3 Performance's 3.3 seconds, it outshines it in several aspects, offering an astonishing 1000 miles of range, a price tag of $46,000 (which is $12,000 less than the Tesla), and weighing under a ton.

Charging Capabilities

Despite its focus on solar power, Aptera does not compromise on charging speeds. It can achieve a charging rate of 500 miles per hour with a 50 kW charger, outpacing the Model 3, which typically uses less common 250 kW superchargers.

Testing and Performance Comparison

So, what does the recent video reveal? Aptera is currently testing this remarkable vehicle, having progressed from the proof-of-concept alpha version to a beta model featuring near-production specifications. Recently, Aptera released footage of a beta vehicle drag racing an older alpha version, a Tesla Model 3, and an Audi R8 Spyder. The results seem straightforward—the beta wins! But upon closer inspection, some intriguing details emerge.

In the video, viewers will notice that the beta car appears to be only partially finished, yet it still manages to outperform the Audi! However, we lack details about the specific Model 3 variant, its battery charge level, and the race's duration, raising questions about the validity of the results. What specifications does the beta vehicle possess? How quickly did it actually accelerate? Could Aptera be concealing information?

By examining the R8, we can ascertain its performance, as traditional combustion engines maintain consistent 0-60 times regardless of fuel level. The current R8 model achieves 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, finishing just behind the beta vehicle. This suggests that the beta car's acceleration is likely comparable, placing it squarely in the mid-range of Aptera's lineup.

The Tesla Model 3 lagged behind, yet its variant and charge status remain unknown. Judging by its chrome trim and performance, it likely corresponds to an older standard model that achieves 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. This aligns with its drag race performance, indicating that the Aptera beta likely did achieve around 4.2 seconds for 0-60.

Additional Testing Insights

Aptera has also shared videos of the beta vehicle undergoing maneuverability tests like the Moose test and track driving. This suggests that they are evaluating various battery setups to gauge how weight and center of gravity affect the car's handling. To avoid excessive costs and time, it makes sense to test with a smaller battery while using ballast to simulate larger batteries.

Consequently, it appears that the Aptera in the drag race is the base model, equipped with the smaller battery and priced at $25,000. Yet, it achieved 0-60 in 1.3 seconds faster than expected! The beta vehicle’s missing components could contribute to its lighter weight and enhanced acceleration, but it's unlikely to account for the entire 1.3 seconds.

This implies that Aptera's performance claims might be conservative, indicating that they aren't hiding anything. This could be one of those rare instances where the product truly lives up to expectations! Their base model seems to outperform a Model 3 Standard Range Plus in a drag race. If this is indeed the case, what can we expect from their top-tier vehicle?