Aptera Motors has inched closer than ever to customer deliveries of its flagship solar EV donning the company name. During a webinar presentation earlier today, the California-based startup unveiled new details its Launch Edition solar EV – a unified configuration that includes all-wheel drive and 400 miles of range, but Aptera still has a few financial and infrastructural hurdles to overcome before it can start delivering these solar EVs to the masses. More below.
Since first unveiling its flagship solar EV, Aptera Motors has been continuously working to deliver it to its growing number of loyal reservation holders, some of which were fans of the company during its first attempt at scaling solar EVs back in the late 2000’s.
During its second go around, Aptera has been doing a lot of things right. In the past two years alone, we’ve ridden in an Alpha prototype, watched the Beta destroy a Tesla and an Audi R8 Spyder in a drag race, and have gotten transparent monthly check-in videos from cofounder Chris Anthony on YouTube.
Last September, we got to see the Gamma version of the Aptera solar EV up-close and spoke with the team about its plans for the production-intent Delta design. Aptera unveiled video footage of Delta a couple weeks ago, ahead of today’s presentation promising to deliver more exact specifications.
More specifically, today’s news pertains to the Launch Edition solar EV that will kick off the first of many long-anticipated customer deliveries… if and when production begins. According to the startup’s founders, that moment could still be a year away.
Aptera shares specs of new solar EV, production timelines
Following today’s live webinar from Aptera HQ led by cofounders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, there is a lot to be excited about in regard to the Launch Edition solar EV and Aptera vehicles in general. However, it comes with a tinge of caution ever-present in the rollercoaster world of EV startups.
Let’s focus on the positives to begin.
Aptera is reporting that it is essentially “pencils down” on the overall design of its flagship solar EV, aside from some lighting and other validations. Additionally, the method for how the SEV will be produced and scaled is also locked in, another check mark. Supply agreements are also being worked out.
To begin, Aptera has been advised to start with one product, sell the hell out of it, homogenize the supply chain, and scale from there. Smart. Exhibit A and why we all gathered online today, is the Launch Edition.
This unified, preconfigured design will be the first Aptera solar EV to be delivered to customers (current reservation holders can easily switch to the Launch Edition now for an earlier delivery, more on that in a bit). Here are some of the more pertinent specifications that will be present in all Launch Editions (no customizations):
0.13 drag coefficient
40 additional miles per day from solar panels whether parked or driving
Codex color interior with rose gold accents
Luna (silver) exterior wrap which offers UV protection, is cost effective, enhances body longevity, and is more sustainable
42 kWh battery pack that delivers around 400 miles of range per charge
13 mi per hour or 150 miles per night on an 120V charger (Level 1)
Tesla NACS plug capable of 57 miles of range per hour (240V Level 2)
Notice no mention of Level 3 charging? So far, Aptera’s founders believe the solar EV does not require DC fast charging capabilities thanks to its additional range gathered from the sun each day. Furthermore, that capability adds complexity to the vehicle itself including robustness of the battery pack required to handle such charge rates.
That being said, the team said they are still exploring the possibility of DC fast charging capabilities in the future and could one day add it. Don’t expect to see it in the Launch Edition Aptera, however.
Aptera intends to build 5,000 Launch Edition solar EVs to begin, but said it’s open to expanding that number should the startup see overwhelming demand for its first model. Cofounder Steve Fambro spoke during the presentation:
The production of our Launch Edition vehicles symbolizes a dawn of a new era. It’s about introducing Aptera’s unique and revolutionary capabilities to the world as quickly and as safely as we can, because we all know time is of the essence when it comes to saving the planet.
Fellow founder Chris Anthony then chimed in as well:
It’s also the foundation of our shift as a company toward manufacturing and production. It’s about building the team and the processes to ensure we get solar technology to the masses. It’s our desire as a movement to show the world the capabilities of Aptera.
According to Aptera, it intends to have its assembly lines operational nine months from now, followed by vehicles that are ready for solar panels and interior components about 12 months from now. Before then, however, Aptera will need to re-up on cash to ensure it can meet customer demand and finally deliver.
Aptera continues its success, but will require more capital
Aptera’s movement is certainly growing as is its list of reservation holders following today’s presentation. However, Aptera’s founders admitted that the startup is in need of at least $50 million in additional capital this year to reach merely the first gate of volume SEV production.
To date, the company says it has raised $85 million from over 15,000 investors, including previous crowdfunding campaigns, explaining that it has been quite nimble with its money. That said, it will need more to implement the necessary tools and machinery to mass produce its vehicles.
In addition to more crowdfunding, Aptera’s founders explained they are seeking government loans and grant programs to reach that additional $50M and beyond. They also mentioned that consumers can still get in as an investors “pre-IPO,” whatever that means. We should learn more following Aptera’s webinar with investors next week.
In terms of production timelines, Aptera says the recently revealed production-intent Delta prototypes will continue through crash testing and validation this year. Physical versions of the Launch Edition Aptera solar EVs will debut after that, followed by test drives (sign me up!)
Current reservation holders – You may want to consider changing your configuration to the Launch Edition if you’re absolutely itching to get your hands on an Aptera first. According to the team, here’s the order of priority the SEVs will be built if and when production begins:
First 5,000 (possibly more) Launch Editions
400 mile range battery pack option
250 mile range option
600 mile range option
1,000 mile range battery pack Aptera
You can update your reservation on the Aptera website, or if you haven’t done so yet, you can still reserve an Aptera solar EV of your own today for only $100 down.
Portable power station specialist EcoFlow is kicking off its third annual Member’s Festival this month and is offering a unique new rewards program to those who become EcoFlow members. The 2025 EcoFlow Member’s Festival will offer savings of up to 65% for its participating customers, and a portion of those funds will be allocated toward rescue power solutions for communities around the globe through the company’s “Power for All” fund.
EcoFlow remains one of the industry leaders in portable power solutions and continues to trek forward in its vision to power a new tech-driven, eco-conscious future. Per its website:
Our mission from day one is to provide smart and eco-friendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world.
To achieve such goals, EcoFlow has continued to expand its portfolio of sustainable energy solutions to its community members, including portable power stations, solar generators, and mountable solar panels. While EcoFlow is doing plenty to support its growing customer base, it has expanded its reach by giving back to disaster-affected communities by helping bolster global disaster response efforts the best way it knows how– with portable power solutions.
Source: EcoFlow
EcoFlow and its members look to provide “Power for All”
Since 2023, EcoFlow has collaborated with organizations worldwide as part of its “Power for All” mission. This initiative aims to ensure access to reliable and timely power to disaster-affected communities across the globe, including rescue agencies, affected hospitals, and shelters, to support rescue and recovery efforts.
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This fund most recently provided aid for communities affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, assistance to the Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) in North Carolina following severe hurricanes, and support for non-profits engaged in hurricane preparedness in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Per Jodi Burns, CEO of the Special Forces Charitable Trust:
In the wake of devastating storms in Western North Carolina, reliable power was a critical need for the families we serve. Thanks to EcoFlow’s generous donation of generators, we were able to provide immediate relief, ensuring these families and their communities had access to power when they needed it most. We are so impressed with EcoFlow’s commitment to disaster response through their ‘Power for All’ program. It has made a tangible impact, and we are deeply grateful for their support and partnership in helping these families recover and rebuild.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather and climate events, each causing losses exceeding $1 billion, marking the second-highest annual total on record, according to National Centers for Environmental Information. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the critical need for reliable and timely power solutions during emergencies, much like EcoFlow and its members are helping provide through the “Power For All” initiative.
To support new and existing EcoFlow members, the company is celebrating its third annual Member’s Festival throughout April to offer a do-not-miss discount on its products and donate a portion of all sales to the “Power for All” fund to provide rescue power to those in need in the future. Learn how it all works below.
Source: EcoFlow
Save big and give back during the 2025 Member’s Festival
As of April 1st, you can now sign up to become an EcoFlow member to participate in the company’s exclusive 2025 Member Festival.
As a member, you can earn “EcoFlow Power Points” by completing tasks like registration, referrals, and product purchases and tracking your individual efforts toward disaster preparedness and recovery.
Beginning April 4, EcoFlow members will also be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts of up to 65% off select portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, DELTA 3 Plus, RIVER 3 Plus, and more. However, these sale prices only last through April 25, so you’ll want to move quickly!
Click here to learn more about EcoFlow’s “Power for All” campaign. To register for EcoFlow’s 2025 Member Festival in the US, visit the EcoFlow website. To register as a member in Canada, visit here.
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Tesla is losing another top talent: its long-time head of software, David Lau, has reportedly told co-workers that he is exiting the automaker.
Tesla changed how the entire auto industry looks at software.
Before Tesla, it was an afterthought; user interfaces were rudimentary, and you had to go to a dealership to get a software update on your systems.
When Tesla launched the Model S in 2012, it all changed. Your car would get better through software updates like your phone, the large center display was responsive with a UI that actually made sense and was closer to an iPad experience than a car.
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Tesla also integrated its software into its retail experience, service, and manufacturing.
David Lau deserves a lot of the credit for that.
He joined Tesla in 2012 as a senior manager of firmware engineering and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2014, he was promoted to director of firmware engineering and system integration, and in 2017, he became Vice President of software.
Lau listed the responsibilities of his team on his LinkedIn:
Vehicle Software:
Firmware for the powertrain, traction/stability control, HV electronics, battery management, and body control systems
UI software and underlying Embedded Linux platforms
Navigation and routing
iOS and Android Mobile apps
Distributed Systems:
Server-side software and infrastructure that provides telemetry, diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and configuration/lifecycle management
Data engineering and analytics platforms that power technical and business insights for an increasingly diverse set of customers across the company
Diagnostic tools and fleet management, Manufacturing and Automation:
Automation controls (PLC, robot)
Server-side manufacturing execution systems that power all of Tesla’s production operations
Product Security and Red Team for software, services, and systems across Tesla
Bloomberg reported today that Lau told his team he is leaving Tesla. The report didn’t include reasons for his stepping down.
Electrek’s Take
Twelve years at any company is a great run. At Tesla, it’s heroic. Congrats, David, on a great run. You undoubtedly had a significant impact on Tesla and software advancements in the broader auto industry.
He is another significant loss for Tesla, which has been losing a lot of top talent following a big wave of layoffs around this time last year.
I wonder who will take over. Michael Rizkalla, senior director of software engineering and vehicle firmware, is one of the most senior software engineers after Lau. He has been at Tesla for 7 years, and Tesla likes to promote within rather than hire outsiders.
There are also a lot of senior software execs working on AI at Tesla. Musk has been favoring them lately and he could fold Lau’s responsibilities under them.
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Kia’s electric SUVs are taking over. The EV3 is the best-selling retail EV in the UK this year, giving Kia its strongest sales start since it arrived 34 years ago. And it’s not just in the UK. Kia just had its best first quarter globally since it started selling cars in 1962.
Kia EV3 is the best-selling EV in the UK through March
In March, Kia sold a record nearly 20,000 vehicles in the UK, making it the fourth best-selling brand. It was also the second top-seller of electrified vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs), accounting for over 55% of sales.
The EV3 remained the best-selling retail EV in the UK last month. Including the EV6, three-row EV9, and Niro EV, electric vehicles represented 21% of Kia’s UK sales in March.
Kia said the EV3 “started with a bang” in January, darting out as the UK’s most popular EV in retail sales. Through March, Kia’s electric SUV has held on to the crown. With the EV3 rolling out, Kia sold over 7,000 electric cars through March, nearly 50% more than in Q1 2024.
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The EV3 was the best-selling retail EV in the UK in the first quarter and the fourth best-selling EV overall, including commercial vehicles.
Kia EV3 Air 91.48 kWh in Frost Blue (Source: Kia UK)
Starting at £33,005 ($42,500), Kia said it’s the “brand’s most affordable EV yet.” It’s available with two battery packs, 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, good for 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles) of WLTP range, respectively.
From left to right: Kia EV6, EV3, and EV9 (Source: Kia UK)
With new EVs on the way, this could be just the start. Kia is launching several new EVs in the UK this year, including the EV4 sedan (and hatchback) and EV5 SUV. It also confirmed that the first PV5 electric vans will be delivered to customers by the end of the year.
Electrek’s Take
Globally, Kia sold a record 772,351 vehicles in the first quarter, its best since it started selling cars in 1962. With the new EV4, the brand’s first electric sedan and hatchback, launching this year, Kia looks to build on its momentum in 2025.
Kia has also made it very clear that it wants to be a global leader in the electric van market with its new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, starting with the PV5 later this year.
Earlier today, we learned Kia’s midsize electric SUV, the EV5, is the fourth best-selling EV in Australia through March, outselling every BYD vehicle (at least for now). The EV5 is rolling out to new markets this year, including Canada, the UK, South Korea, and Mexico. However, it will not arrive in the US.
For those in the US, there are still a few Kia EVs to look forward to. Kia is launching the EV4 globally, including in the US, later this year. Although no date has been set, Kia confirmed the EV3 is also coming. It’s expected to arrive in mid-2026.
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