The automotive world is in a phase of transition towards sustainable mobility and all companies are in a constant race to lead this change. One of the last companies to enter this competition has been Aptera. It does not bet on electric cars or hydrogen. In their case, all the energies are put into cars powered by solar energy. Their latest designs include a solar car that has come to a full stop in three minutes. The last test took place in the Mojave Desert in the United States, with results that augur a not too distant future of solar cars on the market.
Cars of the future
The latest advances in automotive technology are mostly focused on electric, hybrid and hydrogen cars, leaving behind solar-powered car designs. In addition, the consumer’s interest in purchasing a vehicle powered by alternative energies is increasing. Brands such as Tesla, BYD and Cupra are at the forefront of this competition for being the leader in sustainable innovation, although all three respond to the needs of a market niche interested in electric cars and hybrids with hydrogen. It seems the time has come to say goodbye to fossil fuels.
Hydrogen and electric cars
It is increasingly common to come across electric cars on the road. Interest in them has grown in recent years and both Tesla, Cupra and BYD have been able to take advantage of it. Although some brands are more expensive than others, the purchase of electric vehicles involves an initial outlay somewhat higher than fossil fuel cars, but it is only paid for by their maintenance and emissions. However, the volatilization and difficulty in making and recycling the lithium batteries they use is a handicap compared to other options.
The hydrogen cars, however, suppose an alternative practically 100% clean. It does not pollute and both the combustion engine and the hydrogen stack that enable its operation are sustainable. They have definitely become the option chosen by those who are not convinced by electric vehicles. What is its problem? the infrastructure for production is still under development.
Aptera and solar energy
Aptera is an American start-up that , after analyzing the market, has chosen to bet on solar energy applied to the automotive industry. The company has tested its solar model in the Mohave Desert, USA and the results have been jaw-dropping, even when in its first stage of development. According to the tests, the results indicate that the car has been able to reach a full stop within three minutes when it slides, which means very good news. The powertrain losses and the aerodynamics of the vehicle were the focus of this test, which passed successfully.
When could we see them on the road?
Although the test results are very promising, we still have to wait. The project is still in development and Aptera has work ahead of it. However, the idea of driving a solar-powered car is closer to becoming a reality. Perhaps sooner than we expect. As soon as the star-up has done more tests and if they continue to get these wonderful results, we will be able to see models of cars in stores.
People are increasingly exhausted from the comings and goings of electric vehicles. Exorbitant purchase prices, the installation of charging points, the lower autonomy and the high level of pollution generated by their batteries are the drops that have been filling consumers’ glasses, while the hydrogen model is not yet a real option. This is why this solar alternative is so interesting and attractive, which promises to be well received in the market when the time comes.
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