“100 Wh Per Mile Is Crazy”: Aptera’s Solar EV Breaks Efficiency Records in Mojave Desert Testing, But Skepticism Remains

‘100 Wh per mile is crazy,’ says one fan of the Aptera Solar EV, which just broke efficiency records in Mojave Desert testing. With up to 40 miles of solar range daily, it’s a game-changer, but delays leave many wondering if it will it ever hit production

Aptera Motors, the Southern California-based solar electric vehicle (sEV) startup, has reached a major milestone with its first real-world validation testing. Conducted in February 2025 at a proving ground in the Mojave Desert, this phase of testing confirmed Aptera's claims of unmatched aerodynamic and energy efficiency. However, while the company celebrates progress, public sentiment remains divided between optimism and frustration over delays.

What is Aptera?

For those unfamiliar, Aptera is unlike any other electric vehicle on the market. It’s a three-wheeled, ultra-lightweight vehicle designed to maximize efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Thanks to its aerodynamic teardrop shape and integrated solar panels, Aptera claims its car can achieve up to 40 miles of range per day from sunlight alone, enough to meet most daily driving needs without ever plugging into a charger. The company also offers battery options ranging from 250 to 1,000 miles of range per charge. Classified as an "autocycle" in the U.S., it seats two passengers and aims to revolutionize personal transportation by prioritizing sustainability and efficiency over traditional automotive norms.

Since its revival in 2019 after earlier attempts to launch the brand in the mid-2000s, Aptera has garnered attention for its bold vision of a solar-powered future. However, as Torque News noted in November 2024, while Aptera represents "where the EV market should end up," it remained "too early" for general use due to challenges like weight disparities with other vehicles on the road.

Groundbreaking Efficiency and Testing Results

The February update video revealed key results from Aptera’s testing. One of the most impressive achievements was the coastdown test, which measures how efficiently a vehicle moves through air and road resistance. Aptera’s sEV took over three minutes to decelerate from 60 mph to a complete stop, even while traveling uphill. This result is "significantly more than any other vehicle on the road today, gas or electric," according to Aptera.

Steve Fambro, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Aptera, expressed his excitement: “Our validation testing confirms that we’re on track to achieve our target energy consumption of roughly 100 Wh/mile, unlocking a level of efficiency that makes solar mobility possible in a way never seen before.”

This level of efficiency has practical implications for drivers. As one comment on the YouTube announcement noted: “100 Wh per mile is crazy. A standard house outlet would give you about 14-15 miles per hour charging, which is a dream. Ten hours overnight will charge more than I drive in half my work week, not including the solar panels that are built into the car. I hope they get this vehicle into production someday.”

Aerodynamic Validation and Highway Testing

In addition to coastdown testing, Aptera conducted aerodynamic tuft testing, where tufts were applied to critical areas like wheel fairings to confirm airflow behavior matches computer simulations. Engineers also performed extended highway drive cycles covering hundreds of miles while monitoring energy consumption in real-time. The results aligned closely with mathematical predictions, validating the vehicle's design.

Fambro emphasized: “What started as Matlab calculations is now coming to life on the road. This is the future of transportation.”

This aligns with earlier reports from Torque News in January 2023 when Aptera revealed its Delta production-intent design. The Delta model incorporated continuous improvements from earlier prototypes and was expected to pave the way for launch editions.

Public Sentiment: Optimism Meets Frustration

While many fans remain excited about Aptera's progress, others voiced concerns about delays and skepticism over whether production will ever begin.

One commenter expressed their unique perspective: “Never had a car in my life... You guys will be my first ever car and that says so much about y’all considering how I feel about driving. You’re the reason I got a driver’s license at all.”

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Another remarked bluntly: “Sad this product has continued to be vaporware for so damn long.” While yet another commenter echoed similar frustrations: “I love the car and the concept... just not the founders and that it will never get built. I have to write off all the money I invested.”

These contrasting sentiments reflect broader concerns raised by Torque News in February 2024 when it reported that Aptera had yet to commit to any firm delivery dates despite securing $33 million in funding through its Accelerator Program.

A Global Perspective

The appeal of Aptera extends beyond U.S. borders. Commenters from around the world shared their enthusiasm for its efficiency-focused design. For instance, one wrote: “This vehicle is about the exact opposite to the average oversized SUV common in the U.S. As a German, I like it 😊.” Similarly, a user from across the globe noted: “As a Costa Rican, I like the nature-inspired design and efficiency. It will work well here with short drives and lots of sun 😊.”

However, others pointed out challenges for international markets. @leneanderthalien commented: “The Aptera looks good for America but not for Europe (front wheels are too exposed and connector location unadapted for combo CSS [Combined Charging System, the European standard]).”

What’s Next for Aptera?

Aptera is already developing its next validation vehicle with refinements such as reduced body gaps and optimized parts. Future tests will include a full-range evaluation from 100% to 0% battery capacity and assessments of real-world solar charging capabilities.

Despite these advancements, many supporters are eager for tangible progress toward production. As this user succinctly put it: “It’s perfect—just start producing it already.”

Aptera has nearly 50,000 preorders for its sEVs but must overcome significant hurdles in funding and scaling production before deliveries can begin. While some remain hopeful that Aptera will redefine sustainable transportation, others are growing weary of waiting.

As one longtime follower reflected: “I live a few miles away from Aptera in San Diego County and I want this product to succeed so badly... but always so close. We won’t see a production car this year either, will we?”

Torque News summarized this frustration aptly in November 2024 when it stated that while Aptera’s vision is compelling, its long delays have left many wondering if it will ever deliver.

Mikey Garcia has been passionate about cars and alternative fuels long before they were mainstream, from closely following the GM EV1 to running biodiesel in his Volkswagen Beetle TDI and Mercedes 300SD. As an early EV adopter, he drove a 2015 Fiat 500e and now owns a 2017 Chevy Bolt, showcasing his commitment to accessible electric mobility. With nearly a decade of tech experience at Apple, Mikey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of automotive innovation, sustainability, and technology. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn to follow him, or to send him news tips.