ENGtechnica

Tag: Aptera

  • Aptera Solar Powered Electric Vehicle to Use Tianma Display

    Aptera Solar Powered Electric Vehicle to Use Tianma Display

    CHINO, CA, Jan 27, 2025 – Tianma has announced that it is selected as the supplier of the main touch-screen display in Aptera’s launch edition solar electric vehicle.

    Image: Aptera

    Aptera’s vehicle is equipped with 700 watts of integrated solar cells, that is expected to allow most drivers to enjoy daily use without ever needing to plug in to charge. The vehicle features up to 40 miles of solar-powered driving per day and the ability to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge.

    Aptera selected Tianma’s 12.8-inch Full-HD ultra-wide viewing angle a-Si TFT-LCD module, with normal-black SFT and wide color gamut technologies. The module features a wide operation temperature range (-30 deg C to 80 deg C / -22 deg F to 176 deg F), with 980 nits luminance (typ.) and a 1400:1 contrast ratio. The capacitive touch panel (CTP) surface features anti-glare and anti-fingerprint treatment.

    “Our pioneering solar electric vehicle embodies the next step in energy-efficient mobility,” said Steve Fambro, co-cofounder and co-CEO of Aptera. “We turned to Tianma – the #1 supplier of automotive displays – for the cutting-edge display solution with high-luminance and energy efficiency that we needed.”

    Tianma focuses on advancing technology and is committed towards a clean environment. The company supports low-carbon technologies and applies green management practices throughout product design, production, use, and disposal. Tianma also measures and evaluates product carbon footprints. Led by the vision of “creating brilliant horizons with zero carbon and digital intelligence,” Tianma prioritizes collaborating with global partners to create a greener and sustainable future.

    “Tianma is excited about the promise of solar-powered transportation and working with Aptera in bringing this vision to light,” said Eric Cheng, president and CEO of Tianma America. “This collaboration furthers our ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability.”

    About Tianma

    Tianma America, Inc., headquartered in Chino, CA, specializes in the design, research, manufacturing, and sales of small to medium-sized TFT-LCD displays. Serving industries such as automotive, industrial, medical, rugged, IT, and consumer electronics, the company offers advanced display technologies, including SFT/IPS, transflective, PCAP touch, high brightness, and 3D displays. Tianma America is a subsidiary of Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd., that was founded in 1983 in Shenzhen, China. Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd., the parent company of Tianma America, Inc., reported annual revenues of approximately 32.27 billion Chinese Yuan, or $4.45 billion, for the year ending December 31, 2023. Tianma is a leader in display technology, offering reliable and long-term support to customers worldwide.

    About Aptera

    Aptera’s solar powered EV on display in January at CES 2025.

    Aptera Motors Corp., headquartered in Carlsbad, California, specializes in designing and manufacturing solar electric vehicles (sEVs). Aptera’s flagship vehicle is a two-seat, three-wheeled solar-powered EV (sEV) that integrates solar panels into its body, allowing for up to 40 miles of solar-powered driving per day and a total range of approximately 400 miles on a full charge. The sEV’s streamlined design reduces air resistance, allowing it to use less energy than most electric or hybrid cars. The vehicle caters to the automotive industry, particularly consumers seeking sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

  • TELO, Aptera Announce Solar Panel Options for TELO MT1

    TELO, Aptera Announce Solar Panel Options for TELO MT1

    SAN CARLOS, CA, Jan 16, 2025 – TELO Truck has partnered with Aptera to introduce integrated solar panel options for the TELO MT1. Buyers can choose up to three solar kits and enable portable charging with increased energy freedom, even in remote locations. The available solar panel options include:

    • Rooftop Truck Cab Solar Paneling – Integrated panels over the cab maximize daily energy generation.
    • Tonneau Truck Bed Cover Solar Paneling– A solar-equipped bed cover adds power while preserving storage versatility.
    • Camper Shell Solar Paneling – Panels extending from the cab over the bed increase charging capacity and storage options.

    Aptera’s solar panels generate up to 200 watts each at peak sunlight, delivering 1-2 kWh per day based on location and season. Using a glass-glass configuration ensures optimal efficiency and durability. TELO vehicles consume just 200-300 kWh/mi, significantly reducing energy needs and extending range with solar options. Ideal for adventurers and daily drivers alike, the technology enhances TELO’s sustainability and delivers freedom from the grid.

    Car buyers will be able to tailor their pickup truck precisely to their needs by selecting their desired TELO solar configuration during the time of pre-order. These options support TELO’s goal of creating efficient, sustainable vehicles for work and recreation purpose. Aptera, a trailblazer in solar-powered commuter vehicles, unveiled their groundbreaking technology at CES 2025. This partnership merges Aptera’s expertise with TELO’s design, boosting compatibility and performance.

    “Our unique curved solar cell design makes it the perfect application to propel automotive utility further than ever before,” said Steve Fambro, co-founder & co-CEO of Aptera. “Together with TELO, we’re harnessing the power of the sun to make life off the grid a reality for everyone by putting the sun to work for them.”

    Thanks to TELO’s newest offering of solar power charging, the company continues to redefine the possibilities of EV ownership.

    Jason Marks, CEO and co-founder of TELO Trucks – adds, “Whether buyers are looking for a commuter vehicle, a safer, more sustainable option to serve their family’s needs, a rugged, dependable pickup truck for outdoor adventuring, or a highly-functional fleet vehicle that increases their business’s efficiency, TELO continues to be a first-in-class automotive option to satisfy the many needs of car buyers.”

    TELO and Aptera will make these solar panel options available for pre-order later this year. The fully realized drivable prototype is currently in production at Aria Group, which joined forces with TELO in 2024 after a successful $5.4M strategic funding round led by Neo and Spero Ventures.

    Source: Aptera

  • Aptera Unveils Solar Electric Vehicle at CES

    Aptera Unveils Solar Electric Vehicle at CES

    LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan 9, 2025 – Aptera Motors has introduced its production-ready solar electric vehicle (sEV) at CES 2025, marking a significant advancement in transportation. Transitioning from prototyping to validation vehicles, Aptera’s sEV offers energy efficiency, freedom from conventional charging, and a zero- emission driving experience.

    Aptera has introduced the first solar-powered EV designed to eliminate the need for plugging in for major daily driving needs. Aptera’s sEV combines cutting-edge engineering with capabilities:

    • Up to 400 miles of range from a single charge in under an hour.
    • Up to 40 miles of free driving per day powered entirely by sunlight.
    • Over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving in sunny climates, significantly reducing reliance on grid charging.

    CES 2025 marks the first public showcase of Aptera’s complete solar array, consisting of four panels strategically placed on the hood, dash, roof and hatch of the vehicle, alongside its production body structure, built from carbon fiber sheet molding compound (CF-SMC). The material significantly reduces complexity, requiring fewer than one-tenth the parts of traditional vehicles, resulting in a lightweight yet robust design.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment not only for Aptera but for the future of sustainable transportation,” said Chris Anthony, co-CEO of Aptera Motors. “This vehicle embodies years of innovation and relentless pursuit of energy-efficient mobility. CES is the perfect stage to share our vision and invite the world to join us in creating a cleaner, solar-powered future.”

    Redefining Transportation

    Unlike larger, heavier vehicles that are dependent on fossil fuels or grid power, Aptera’s sEV generates its own energy. It’s a lightweight, independent solution tailored to today’s world and tomorrow’s challenges.

    Driving Demand and Innovation

    With nearly 50,000 reservations and over $1.7 billion potential revenue, Aptera has raised $135 million through equity crowdfunding. At present, Aptera is speeding towards series production, envisioning sun-powered journeys.

    Source: Aptera