U.S.-based solar mobility firm Aptera Motors announced on Friday the successful completion of a community-led fundraising campaign, raising $33 million (EUR 30 million) to support the initial phases of production for its solar electric vehicle (EV). The campaign, known as the Accelerator Programme, commenced in January 2023, offering individuals the opportunity to secure one of Aptera's first 2,000 vehicle reservation slots by investing $10,000 or more.
The funds garnered from the campaign will be utilized for the acquisition of low-volume tooling and the development of the company's first production-intent vehicles, intended for testing and validation. Aptera's inaugural product, the Launch Edition vehicle, boasts an impressive 400-mile (644 km) range on a single charge, featuring 700 watts of solar cells that enable an additional 40 miles per day solely from solar energy.
Despite challenging market conditions and the struggles of some electric vehicle startups, Chris McCammon, Aptera's Community and Content Manager, expressed confidence in the company's resilience. McCammon stated, “markets were down, other electric vehicle startups were struggling and the few other solar EV startups that existed disappeared.”
Aptera has successfully raised over $100 million in the past two years through equity crowdfunding, signaling sustained investor interest in its innovative solar electric vehicle technology.
