Aptera pushes SEV deliveries as it seeks additional funding, timelines remain ‘moving target’
While Aptera Motors continues to push forward with its production-intent (PI), solar EV builds ahead of production plans (hopefully) next year, and its timeline for initial customer deliveries is as cloudy as ever. The SEV startup quietly updated the estimated delivery timelines for all reservation holders, giving us an idea of where it stands in terms of scaled production. However, in speaking with Aptera, a lot of these numbers (for better or worse) depend on vital funding that has yet to be secured – a common theme in the startup world.
Aptera Motors is the last of the living solar EV startups and one we’ve followed closely for several years because its unique approach to sustainable mobility has the potential to one day reimagine and elevate the entire automotive industry.
To get there is no small feat, and Aptera Motors is already on its second life in reaching the holy grail of scaled solar EV production. Through our coverage and consistent, transparent updates from Aptera Motors directly, we’ve learned just how much progress the startup has made in the last few years and, conversely, just how much further it will need to go to prove viable.
As it is with any startup, the biggest hindrance to quick development has been funding. For a long while, Aptera leaned on its loyal base of fans and reservation holders, who invested their own money for a chance at one of the first 2,000 Launch Edition solar EV deliveries. The company ended up raising an inspiring $135 million from over 17,000 investors – the most successful crowdfunded raise in history.
While that funding has helped keep Aptera going, entering pre-production body in carbon (BinC) builds ahead of production-intent testing, it will still need more money to get Launch Edition deliveries to those loyal investors and beyond. To help this need, Aptera Motors announced a partnership with US Capital Global this past July, which is helping raise an additional $60 million in capital.
However, three months in, that desired total has not been achieved. Furthermore, that round of funding is a mere stepping stone to low-volume production, and more funding will be required to scale (see graphic below). With so many unknowns surrounding future funding, Aptera has amended its estimated deliveries while it sorts out its financial future.
Aptera deliveries are limited in 2025, 2026 numbers TBD
We first caught wind of the revised timelines for SEV deliveries from the Aptera Owners’ Club Discord page. Many users who are investors in the Aptera Accelerator Program were reporting the timelines listed on their accounts have changed from the first half of 2025 to 2026.
I myself am a reservation holder but not an Accelerator, and my reservation changed from 2026 to “TBA.” However, a lucky few who invested big bucks during the crowdfunding campaign are still secured for deliveries before the end of 2025. However, following the threads on Discord and comparing those numbers to previous Aptera statements and estimates in its US Capital Global investor deck, the delivery numbers get quite jumbled.
Chris McCammon, Aptera’s Head of Content, was present on the Discord page and estimated Aptera is targeting 60 Launch Edition builds that will see deliveries to customers in 2025. That means only the top 60 Accelerators will receive their Launch Edition SEV next year. The other 1,940 Accelerators will have to wait until 2026 at the earliest.
We reached out to Aptera directly for more insight, and its team was able to confirm that 60 customer builds are the target for 2025 but that low-volume production, as well as the scaled production to follow, will rely heavily on the $60 million US Capital raise as well as further funding rounds thereafter. Per a representative for Aptera:
At this point, our primary focus is securing the necessary financing to ensure we remain on track with our production schedule. As previously mentioned, we are actively pursuing $60 million in funding, which we aim to complete in multiple transactions over the next 3-6 months. This funding is critical for advancing to low-volume production, and once secured, we expect to enter production within 9-12 months.
Chris (McCammon’s) estimate of 60 Launch Edition Accelerator deliveries in 2025 aligns with our goal for the initial low-volume production. However, the total number for the year is dependent on securing the $60 million in funding and therefore, will be a moving target.
While some reservation holders may be disheartened by the news of having to wait longer for Aptera deliveries, the latest update to reservation pages shouldn’t really come as a surprise based on what we already knew following the US Capital Global announcement. Even back in July, we warned reservation holders that 2026 would likely be the earliest they would see any substantial SEV deliveries, and that was when Aptera was predicting to build 371 units in 2025. That number is probably closer to 100 now.
There should be no cause for alarm based on the revised delivery timelines. Aptera is continuing to make progress through production intent builds and could still scale fairly quickly in 2026 and beyond. What is worrisome is that low-volume production and those scaled SEV builds in 2026 and beyond will rely on a hefty influx of funding. We asked Aptera about that progress and about its long-teased IPO. Per a representative for the company:
Looking ahead, we aim to ramp up production through 2026, though the scale of this ramp-up will largely depend on when we secure the current $60 million target. Our ultimate goal of producing 20,000 vehicles annually will require approximately $195 million in additional capital, which we plan to raise through a combination of financing strategies, including equity, debt, and potentially an IPO, as you mentioned.
Aptera Motors fights on, and we’re rooting for them, but the biggest beast to overcome in its startup saga has always been and continues to be its need for substantial funding. Completing the $60 million investment round that is currently ongoing will be a major milestone, but the approximate $195 million required after that to deliver more than 60-ish targeted SEV deliveries shows just how much of an uphill battle Aptera continues to face in scaling its technology.
Hopefully, it can harness all that sun’s power and reach the promised land for the sake of the environment and cool-ass EVs. As always, you can reserve an Aptera for only $70; you just may be waiting a while for a delivery.
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Environment
Former Tesla, Lucid execs form new EV brand Longbow, whose first two models are sharp and ultra-light
A new niche EV brand, Longbow, has emerged into the public eye, hailing itself as ” the first-ever British electric sports car manufacturer. ” It has unveiled its first two featherweight models, inspired by British automotive icons and designed with real-road performance and the overall driver experience in mind. Despite debuting today, the limited hand-built production of these two featherweight EVs is expected to begin relatively quickly, and they start at a price that doesn’t just cater to the affluent.
You’re not alone if you haven’t heard of Longbow until today. The young brand was founded as recently as 2023 by Daniel Davey, Jenny Keisu, and Mark Tapscott – three industry veterans with a combined resume that cannot be ignored. Davey and Tapscott worked at Tesla during the development of the original Roadster, followed by senior positions at both Lucid Motors and BYD. Keisu brings experience and leadership from the electrified marine segment as she was formerly the CEO of X Shore – an electric boat developer no stranger to the Electrek homepage.
Although Longbow was only founded two years ago, its trio of founders say the EV brand is the realization of many more years of planning and preparation. They have since expanded their team to include an arsenal of engineers with backgrounds in road and motorsport, including former employees at Aston Martin, Formula E, Lotus, and Tesla.
The Longbow team has tasked itself with delivering world-class BEVs that are “spiritual successors” to the icons of British automotive, such as the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type, reimagined for the modern world with bespoke EV platform technology and supreme dynamics. Their take on this legacy is a lineup of sleek vehicles designed, engineered, and built in the UK as Featherweight Electric Vehicles (FEVs).
The young company hit a milestone today, unveiling its first two EV models – the Longbow Speedster and the Roadster; check them out.
Longbow’s first two EVs set to arrive in 2026 under $93k
Per a press release from Longbow, this is the first look at its first two featherweight EVs, which include a Speedster convertible and a Roadster. As FEVs, both models will weigh under 995 kg (2,193 lbs) and achieve the automaker’s motto, “Celeritas Levitas,” or “the speed of lightness.” Per the company:
Development of the Longbow Speedster and Roadster has pursued a singular philosophy: simplify, focus on beauty and engagement, then relentlessly add lightness, until all that remains is sheer automotive intoxication. Antithetical to conventional notions of what a battery electric vehicle (BEV) can be, Speedster and Roadster are striking, light, nimble, balanced, and engineered for an unparalleled driving experience.
The Speedster and Roadster sit atop an aluminum chassis designed for maximum stiffness while offering as little necessary weight as possible. The EV frame is complimented by lighter and more compact motors and batteries (something Lucid Motors is constantly celebrated for). These design elements combine to deliver what Longbow calls “the world’s first ‘proper’ all-electric sportscar for the modern enthusiast.”
The open-topped Speedster weighs 895 kg (1,973 lbs) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.6 seconds. It has a WLTP range of 275 miles. Longbow shared that the closed cockpit Roadster EV will follow the Speedster, weighing 995 kg while achieving the same 0-100k m/h time. It has a WLTP range of 280 km (174 miles)
As mentioned above, both models will be hand-built in the UK and are expected to hit the market in 2026. The Speedster will start at a price of ₤84,995 ($92,600), including VAT, and only 150 examples will be built. That build schedule will include 10 Luminary First Edition and 25 Autograph Edition models.
The Roadster’s starting price is ₤64,995 ($70,850), including VAT. It will include 50 Luminary 1st Edition models or 100 Autograph Editions. Reservations for both Longbow EVs are available now.
What do we think? Will these FEVs actually get made? Or is this another startup with cool designs that will run out of money before it scales? I hope it’s the former!
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Environment
Tesla Takedown movement fights back against Musk/Trump after push to label them as ‘domestic terrorists’
The Tesla Takedown movement is fighting back against claims made by Elon Musk and Donald Trump while protests are ramping up.
Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk falsely accused the movement of Tesla protests to be financed by the Democratic Party’s ActBlue PAC, and President Trump tried to tie the protests with vandalism against Tesla vehicles and stores.
Trump went as far as claiming that “violence against Tesla dealership will be labeled as domestic terrorism.”
The Tesla Takedown movement has issued a statement in response to make it clear that they are against violence and destruction of property:
We are a nonviolent grassroots protest movement. We oppose violence and destruction of property. Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed.
Their intention is to continue peaceful protests and they are in no way associated with the destruction of property – nor is there any evidence that they have been.
Tesla Takedown account on BlueSky added:
“We will not be bullied or allow our rights to be trampled on or stolen. If you’re ready to show Donald Trump and Elon Musk that there are no kings in America, join a Tesla Takedown protest in your community this weekend.”
Several more protests are now being organized for the next few days and into the weekends.
There are currently dozens of protests planned at Tesla stores and charging stations in the US, Canada, and Europe in the coming days.
Electrek’s Take
This is a slippery slope. I certainly condemn the destruction of the property of Tesla owners or vehicles and locations owned by Tesla.
It’s dangerous, and it doesn’t help the Tesla Takedown cause, but it seems to be a stretch to label that “domestic terrorism.”
As far as I can tell, the movement has never called for it. They have only called for peaceful protests, and they shouldn’t be associated with actions taken by extremists.
People have reasons to be mad at Musk and Trump, who are targeting social security, calling government officials “traitors” for supporting Ukraine, and alienating entire nations with senseless trade wars.
If they attack things they care about, is it unfair for them to attack things Elon cares about?
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It’s finally here. Toyota unveiled its newest EV, the C-HR+, a surprisingly stylish electric SUV. The smaller SUV will sit below the bZ4X and offer more range, a sleek new look, and faster charging. With an expected lower price tag, the Toyota C-HR+ could just be the affordable electric SUV we’ve been waiting for.
Toyota unveils the new C-HR+ as an EV
Remember Toyota’s compact C-HR? It’s back and better than ever. Toyota discontinued it in the US in 2022, replacing it with the more efficient Corolla Cross hybrid and first electric SUV, the bZ4X.
Toyota is reviving the name as it revamps its EV lineup. At its annual product strategy event last week, Toyota showcased an array of new EVs that are coming soon, including the new C-HR+.
The electric C-HR already looks like a massive upgrade over the discontinued gas model. Its clean, modern look is similar to Toyota’s other updated vehicles, such as the Corolla, Crown, and Prius. It will be available in both front and all-wheel drive configurations.
With two battery options, 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh, the C-HR+ EV has a WLTP driving range of up to 372 miles (600 km).
Outside of its GR performance models, the AWD version will be Toyota’s most powerful vehicle in Europe. With up to 343 horsepower (252 kW), it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.2 seconds.
The FWD model with the 57.7 kWh battery packs 167 horsepower (123 kW) while the larger 77 kWh battery delivers 224 horsepower (165 kW).
Inside, Toyota claims its new electric SUV is a “class above” with an extended wheelbase providing an open, welcoming feel. The C-HR+ features a standard 14″ infotainment with dedicated EV routing.
Toyota loaded it with its latest connectivity and safety tech, including Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems.
Safety features like a Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive High-Beam headlights, and a Parking Support Brake are now standard. Higher trims gain Park Assist and a Panoramic View Monitor.
Although official specs will be revealed closer to launch, Toyota said the electric SUV can achieve DC fast charging speeds of up to 150 kW. The company finally added a battery preconditioning feature for better performance.
At 4,520 mm (178″) long, the C-HR+ EV version is slightly longer than the previous gas model. It’s also a bit shorter than the Toyota RAV4.
Toyota will launch the electric SUV later this year in select European markets, with a full rollout in Europe scheduled for 2026. For those in the US, we’ll have to wait for the official word, but if it does arrive, which would likely be in 2026, the C-HR+ would sit below the bZ4X.
With the 2025 bZ4X starting at $37,070, we could see Toyota’s smaller electric SUV start in the $30,000 range. At that, it could be a true competitor in the US.
How do you feel about Toyota’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one in the US for around $30,000 to $35,000?
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