![Aptera April update: 'Artemis' feature-complete pushes forward, first solar deliveries, and a new partnership [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Aptera-update-SEV.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Aptera April update: ‘Artemis’ feature-complete pushes forward, first solar deliveries, and a new partnership [Video]
As anticipated, Aptera Motors has shared its monthly progress update for April, complete with new progress across its business strategy. In the video you can view below, Aptera’s co-founder Chris Anthony details the progress of two more production-intent solar EV builds, including codename “Artemis,” and discusses the startup’s latest investment opportunities to secure one of the first production builds.
Aptera continues to trek forward as the little motor that could in the lonely world of solar EV startups. At the end of each month, Aptera shares a progress update detailing its latest milestones. In recent months, we’ve seen the company perform real-world testing, which included the first road trip in one of its production-intent builds, which traveled over 300 miles.
This month, Aptera co-founder and co-CEO Chris Anthony shared progress updates on two more production-intent builds, including PI4, codenamed “Artemis.” Before we dig into that tech, we want to recap some financial news the company shared in mid-April.
As reported in December 2024, Aptera announced a return to a crowdfunding strategy after an unsuccessful attempt at an investment round selling convertible notes with the help of US Capital Global. At the time, Aptera shared that prospective investors could once again purchase shares in the startup priced at $14.80 each, requesting a minimum investment of $1,000.
Last month, Aptera sweetened the deal with a promotional update to its investment program, offering a price-match discount coupon valid toward purchasing a Launch Edition Aptera. For example, if you invest $1,000, you get $1k off your SEV purchase, a $5,000 investment equals a $5k coupon, and so on, up to $10,000.
Additionally, the first 1,000 investors who commit $5,000 or more will be added to a priority SEV delivery waitlist, but that’s after Aptera completes the initial 2,000 deliveries promised through its previous crowdfunding venture, the Accelerator Program.
Chris Anthony shared details of this latest investment opportunity and the progress of the rest of Aptera’s business in its April update.
April ended with several new Aptera updates
During Aptera’s April update video, Chris Anthony shared that over 400 SEV believers have already committed at least $5k to Aptera’s latest investment program, securing priority delivery status (if the startup makes it to that milestone).
While the company still has approximately 600 slots to fill, securing 40% of its desired investors in less than a month shows that there is still a loyal following of everyday consumers who believe in solar EV technology. Speaking of that, the April update also included a closer look at Aptera’s latest production intent model, PI4, or “Artemis.”
In the video below, two employees are working on PI4 behind Anthony, who explained that the company is working to install the complete thermal management system, which was designed entirely in-house, to manage heating and cooling across the solar EV’s components and cabin.
On the software side, Aptera’s team continues to progress in heating and cooling controls on the SEV’s thermal management system and the startup’s proprietary infotainment system, which will be displayed on a 12.8-inch screen from Tianma (seen above). Other features the software team has recently tackled include wiper control, window control, and power steering control.
According to the update video, Aptera is also preparing to begin assembly of PI3, codenamed “Gemini.” Per Anthony, the SEV will include production-weight components that should help achieve even better efficiency numbers than its track vehicle.
Aside from vehicles, Aptera announced that its solar technology venture is currently in production, assembling an order for its first customer. According to an email from Aptera, that initial delivery was recently completed. Per Anthony:
Though this effort is outside of the vehicle program, things like it can help unlock better material pricing and generate early revenue, which helps support our long-term goals as a company. It’s just one of the examples of how we apply efficiency everywhere we can.
To cap off the update video, Aptera’s co-founder shared plans for several road trips across the continental US this summer, beginning in California before visiting the Midwest, followed by states like Florida and New York. Looking ahead, Aptera has promised a video showcasing its thermal management system and a public event involving Artemis.
One last tidbit that wasn’t in the video was news that Aptera had signed a new partnership with Inmotive Inc. to “explore opportunities for increased efficiency and sustainability in solar-powered transportation.” Per a release, Aptera and Inmotive will work together to integrate the latter’s Ingear two-speed transmission into future solar electric vehicles.
That’s all for now. If you’d like to watch the full update video from Aptera yourself, you can do so below!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Last week, we reported that the e-bike world had a new motor claiming to be the lightest and most efficient. Now, we’re already seeing TQ’s new TQHPR40 motor proliferate on more road and gravel e-bikes, including the recently announced E-ASTR from Ridely.
Ridley’s new E‑ASTR brings lightweight electric assistance to its already impressive ASTR gravel platform, powered by the cutting-edge TQ HPR40 mid-drive system. Unlike bulkier e‑bike setups, this system adds just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) at the crank and a discreet 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) and 290 Wh battery hidden within the downtube, keeping the frame’s silhouette nearly identical to the non-electric version of the same bike. According to BikeRumor, riders looking closely might spot only a slightly fatter downtube, internal cable routing, and a handlebar-end LED indicator, giving visual clues without shouting “electric bike.”
What the E‑ASTR gives up in sheer power from the petite motor, it gains in ride feel. The HPR40 is said to deliver a modest 40 Nm of torque and up to 200W of assist, or enough to smooth out climbs or offer a tailwind on gravel without overpowering the rider. With support cut off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), pedal responsiveness remains natural and fluid. Combined with the ASTR’s race-inspired geometry, the bike looks to offer sharp handling and comfort suited to the rigors of modern gravel routes.
Ridley is currently offering the E‑ASTR in three spec levels: a value SRAM Apex XPLR AXS build €7,199 (or approximately US $8,500), a mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version for €8,199 (or approximately US $9,700), and a top-tier Shimano GRX 2×12 Di2 model for €8,899 (or approximately US $10,500). Each features high-end drivetrains, integrated cockpit options, carbon wheels, and industry-standard gravel brakes and tires. With its race-ready frame and stealthy, lightweight e‑assistance, the E‑ASTR is positioning itself as a high-performance gravel machine that stays true to its roots, delivering help when needed, without overshadowing the rider.
Ultra-lightweight motors like the TQHPR40 are quietly reshaping the e-bike industry by making electric assistance almost invisible, both in looks and in feel. As systems shrink and integrate more seamlessly into traditional bike frames, they’re opening the door to new categories of performance-oriented e-bikes that preserve the ride dynamics of analog bikes while offering just enough support when it counts.
For riders who value a natural pedaling experience but still want a little help on climbs or longer days, and especially for aging riders who want to maintain their riding habits despite father time taking an impact on joints and muscles, these minimalist systems are proving that you don’t need a bulky battery or a massive motor to get the benefits of going electric. The result is a wave of stealthy, high-performance e-bikes that are less about replacing effort and more about enhancing the ride.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
After a month off trying to wrap our heads around all the chaos surrounding EVs, solar, and everything else in Washington, we’re back with the biggest EV news stories of the day from Tesla, Ford, Volvo, and everyone else on today’s hiatus-busting episode of Quick Charge!
It just gets worse and worse for the Tesla true believers – especially those willing to put their money where Elon’s mouth is! One believer is set to lose nearly $50,000 betting on Tesla’s ability to deliver a Robotaxi service by the end of June (didn’t happen), and the controversial CEO’s most recent spat with President Trump had TSLA down nearly 5% in pre-morning trading.
Source Links
Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Hyundai is getting ready to shake things up. A new electric crossover SUV, likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2, is set to debut in the coming months. It will sit below the Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its entry-level EV lineup.
Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 2 in 2026?
After launching the Inster late last year, Hyundai is already preparing to introduce a new entry-level EV in Europe.
Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed that the new EV will be revealed “in the next few months.” It will be built in Europe and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2026.
Hyundai’s new electric crossover is expected to be a twin to the Kia EV2, which will likely arrive just ahead of it next year.
It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform, which powers all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9).
Like the Kia EV3, it will likely be available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack option. The former provides a WLTP range of 267 miles while the latter is rated with up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.
Although it may share the same underpinnings as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced new software and infotainment system.
According to Autocar, the interior will represent a “step change” in terms of usability and features. The new system enables new functions, such as ambient lighting and sounds that adjust depending on the drive mode.
It’s expected to showcase Hyundai’s powerful new Pleos software and infotainment system. As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos connects everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System (OS) and the cloud.
Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with new features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
As an Android-based system, Pleos Connect features a “smartphone-like UI” with new functions including multi-window viewing and an AI voice assistant.
The new electric crossover is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400), or slightly less than the Kia EV3, priced from €35,990 ($42,500). It will sit between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup.
Hyundai said that it would launch the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026. Will it be the IONIQ 2? Hyundai is expected to unveil the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike