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Lightyear 0 solar EV dethrones GM’s EV1 as the most aerodynamic production car ever made

most aerodynamic car

As it sits mere months away from bringing its first solar EV to market, Lightyear is once again showcasing the potential of its Lightyear 0. Following a series of drag-coefficient tests in Germany under WLTP conditions, the Lightyear 0 SEV should hit the market as the most aerodynamic production car ever built. Its test numbers shatter a title held by GM’s EV1 dating back to the late ’90s.

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Aptera publicly debuts the gamma version of its 1,000-mile-range solar electric vehicle

Following the teasing of interior images of the gamma version of its upcoming solar electric vehicle (SEV) last month, Aptera officially debuted the full prototype in front of a crowd in San Diego at Fully Charged Live. The gamma version now marks Aptera’s biggest milestone as it approaches SEV production in 2023.

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Sono Motors is on track to put over 32,000 solar electric vehicles on roads this decade

Sono electric vehicles

Sono Motors is trying its damndest to stay at the top of everyone’s news feed this week. In addition to announcing it has received over 20,000 reservations for its upcoming Sion solar EV, Sono Motors has announced a new partnership for retrofit solar implementation on city buses. Additionally, car subscription platform FINN has upped its previous Sion reservation up to 12,600 units, bringing Sono’s demand for solar electric vehicles up over 32,000 units.

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Lightyear announces Koenigsegg as investor and ‘technology-sharing partner’ for future EVs, like Lightyear 2

Lightyear Koenigsegg

Solar EV manufacturer Lightyear has announced Swedish high-performance sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg as its latest investor. Furthermore, the latter will join Lightyear in a “technology-sharing partnership” in which both automakers will share proprietary and patented information to develop ultra-efficient vehicles like the upcoming Lightyear 2.

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Sono Motors unveils a new and improved production design of its Sion solar EV

During its inaugural “Celebrate the Sun” community event held in Munich today, Sono Motors debuted the production design of its upcoming Sion solar EV. Not to be outdone, Sono Motors followed up with an additional world premiere, unveiling its new “Solar Bus Kit” that can be retrofitted on existing city buses to help reduce carbon emissions.

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Aptera announces two new supply agreements to bring its flagship SEV to serial production

Aptera production

Following news of a strategic deal for electric motors announced last week, Aptera Motors has announced an additional agreement to receive lithium-ion battery cells from EVE Energy Co., Ltd. With two new supply agreements in place, Aptera moves one step closer to serial production of its flagship solar electric vehicle.

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Lightyear launches production version of its flagship solar EV, renamed the Lightyear 0

During an online global premiere today, solar EV startup Lightyear unveiled the final production-ready design of its first vehicle, the Lightyear 0, formerly known as the Lightyear One. After six years of development, the Lightyear 0 is available for order ahead of first deliveries this fall.

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Squad Mobility officially launches its Solar City Car optimized for private and shared EV use

Following three years of development, Squad Mobility has officially launched the SQUAD Solar City Car – a two-seater solar electric vehicle (SEV) that can be driven in several EU countries without a driver’s license. Designed for both private ownership and shared mobility, the compact SQUAD Solar City Car will soon be able to bridge the gap between passenger EVs and electric two-wheelers.

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Sono Motors and Valmet Automotive sign terms to manufacture Sion SEVs in Finland, but will hike prices again

Sono Valmet

Sono Motors announced it has signed a term sheet with contract manufacturer, Valmet Automotive, to produce the latter’s Sion solar electric vehicle (SEV) in Finland beginning in 2023. Due to increased manufacturing costs and a need for additional funding, the Sion SEV will soon see a second price increase in less than six months.

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Many Aptera 2022 reservation holders report delivery dates pushed to 2023-24, company claims to remain on schedule

Aptera Deliveries

Solar Electric Vehicle (SEV) startup Aptera Motors appears to have delayed some deliveries of its flagship vehicle, according to reports from multiple reservation holders. The Aptera SEV recently entered beta phase of development and was previously on track to begin first deliveries late this year. According to Aptera, it remains on track to hit this 2022 delivery target, although it’s unclear how many reservation holders will see Aptera deliveries before year’s end.

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Aptera tests a beta version of its SEV at the track ahead of production later this year

Aptera Beta version

Solar Electric Vehicle (SEV) startup Aptera Motors, recently shared test footage of the beta version of its upcoming SEV. The SEV prototype was seen on a test track alongside the three alpha versions already unveiled by Aptera. The beta version represents Aptera’s last phase before pre-production and deliveries later this year.

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An up close look at the Aptera SEVs and interview with co-founder Chris Anthony

Aptera SEV

Solar EV startup Aptera recently invited Electrek to visit its current headquarters in San Diego, CA, and see the alpha versions of its Aptera SEVs close up. In a sit-down interview with Aptera co-founder Chris Anthony, I was able to gain insight into Aptera’s future plans as it navigates its beta phase of SEV development and looks to begin production in 2022.

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Sono Motors now has 15,000 Sion reservations valued at $385 million, SEV price increase to come

Sono Motors reservation

German EV startup Sono Motors has confirmed that it now has 15,000 reservations for its flagship Sion solar electric vehicle (SEV). Accounting for an average down payment of $3,300, Sono Motors is currently valuing its total orders at $385 million from consumers throughout Europe. The company also shared details of an imminent price increase to its Sion SEV.

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Aptera introduces third alpha version of its SEV, enters beta phase before full production

Aptera Beta

Aptera has once again shared a well-produced video of its third and final version of its solar electric vehicle (SEV). The Luna version of the Aptera SEV now joins the previously announced Noir (black) and Sol (white) design options and features a silver exterior and interior with earth tone accents. With the debut of Luna, Aptera has now moved into Beta phase of development ahead of deliveries in 2022.

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Watch the latest Lightyear One prototype endure durability testing

Lightyear One prototype

EV startup Lightyear has shared the progress of its upcoming Lightyear One solar electric vehicle (SEV) in the form of durability testing with its latest prototype. The video footage shows the Lightyear One prototype navigating a proving grounds track and taxing terrain to ensure the SEV is top quality when it reaches its limited series production next year.

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