Photo Credit: ApteraIndependent testing now supports Aptera's claim that its highly efficient solar EV can add meaningful driving range just by sitting in the sun.At the company's headquarters in Carlsbad, California, testing showed the vehicle could collect enough solar energy in a day to provide about 42 to 47 miles of range.Here's what to knowAccording to Electrek, TÜV Rheinland, a German testing and certification firm with a 150-year history, spent three days evaluating Aptera's solar EV and found that 4.23 to 4.75 kilowatt-hours per day were delivered to the battery pack after accounting for conversion losses.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe outlet explained that cars with solar panels have often struggled to deliver much useful real-world range. Aptera's goal of roughly 100 watt-hours per mile, however, would make its vehicle dramatically more efficient than a typical electric SUV and far easier to support with onboard solar generation.Electrek said TÜV Rheinland solar specialist Dr. Giorgio Bardizza instrumented the vehicle to measure current, voltage, and power from its solar strings, while also tracking the high-voltage line feeding the battery. The company also varied the testing setup across the three days: one day the car remained parked and untouched, one day it was repositioned once at solar noon, and one day the hatch was raised and the vehicle was repositioned once.On the day the vehicle was left alone from morning to evening, it produced 4.23 kWh, which works out to about 42 miles of range.More backgroundFor people with daily commutes of around 30 miles, that level of solar charging could, in favorable conditions, cover regular driving without needing to plug in.AdvertisementAdvertisementOther automakers, including Fisker and Toyota, have also tried adding solar panels to vehicles, but those systems have usually provided only limited energy. EVs already can lower ownership costs through cheaper fueling and less routine maintenance, since they do not require oil changes and typically have fewer moving parts that need service. If a vehicle can replace even more grid charging with sunlight, those savings could increase.Even so, some people remain doubtful about Aptera's chances. One commenter on Electrek wrote: "I want to be wrong, but I just don't see North America being a good start for a vehicle that goes against the grain (in good ways) in every way possible."What's being done?Ahead of production, Aptera is working to have its claims verified by outside groups. Electrek reported that the company completed its first validation-line vehicle in March and is targeting 40 initial production vehicles in late 2026 through its Launch Design manufacturing partnership.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you've been considering making your next car an EV, progress like this offers another sign of how fast the technology is changing.Aptera still has to show that it can scale production and persuade mainstream buyers, especially in a market where larger vehicles are the norm. But the test indicates its solar capability is more than a flashy idea.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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