It has been a busy 2025 already for Aptera Motors Corp. At CES 2025, the solar-electric-vehicle startup unveiled its production-intent car to the public outside the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Central Plaza near other electric vehicle startups Scout Motors and Lightship. The occasion coincided with partner news from Pininfarina on design and aerodynamics and a deal with LG Energy Solution Ltd. and CTNS Co., Ltd. on battery cells, and that was followed a week later by a solar panel supply deal for Telo Trucks.

Aptera’s groundbreaking SEV (solar electric vehicle) embodies the next step in energy-efficient mobility. Equipped with 700 W of integrated solar cells, most drivers can enjoy daily use without ever needing to plug in to charge. The vehicle features up to 40 mi of solar-powered driving per day and the ability to travel up to 400 mi on a single charge.

Aptera’s partnership with Pininfarina provided valuable insights into achieving the vehicle’s revolutionary aerodynamic performance. Using Pininfarina’s Wind Tunnel in Turin, Italy, Aptera has refined its design to achieve one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production passenger vehicle, with a reported value of just 0.13, setting a new standard for energy efficiency in the automotive industry.

“Aptera has truly pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle design and efficiency,” said Giuseppe Bonollo, SVP of the Mobility Business Unit at Pininfarina. “We have always made aerodynamics an essential component in design at Pininfarina. We are therefore thrilled to have supported the aerodynamic validation of the Aptera vehicle with truly unique results.”

Pininfarina’s collaboration with Aptera began during the initial stages of the company’s aerodynamic design validation.

“We are proud to have played a role in validating Aptera’s aerodynamic design,” said Alessandro Aquili, Head of Wind Tunnel at Pininfarina. “Aptera’s commitment to innovation mirrors our own, and we are excited to support their vision for a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We look forward to expanding our collaboration as Aptera’s production-intent vehicle progresses toward production.”

 

Battery MOU

Aptera signed an MOU with LG Energy Solution and CTNS at CES 2025 that establishes LG Energy Solution as an exclusive supplier of advanced battery cells for Aptera’s SEV, leveraging CTNS’s expertise in battery module and pack manufacturing. Together, the companies aim to enhance Aptera’s production capacity through a reliable and scalable battery supply chain, solidify LG Energy Solution’s market presence as a trusted supplier, and strengthen CTNS’s reputation as a key manufacturing partner in the U.S. market.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in bringing our solar electric vehicles to market with the reliability and performance our customers expect,” said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera Motors.

Under the MOU’s terms, LG Energy Solution will supply its 2170 cylindrical battery cells from 2025 to 2031, while CTNS will manufacture battery modules and packs tailored to Aptera’s proprietary design and specifications.

“This partnership with Aptera is a testament to our mission to empower every possibility, supporting the realization of solar-powered transportation while delivering advanced battery technology that ensures practicality and flexibility for drivers,” said Glen Choi, Head of Marketing Department 1 of LG Energy Solution.

LG Energy Solution will exclusively supply 4.4 GW·h of its 2170 cylindrical battery cells to support Aptera’s production ramp-up from 2025 onward.

“This strategic collaboration will not only strengthen Aptera’s production capabilities but also marks a pivotal milestone in CTNS’s journey to become a leading manufacturer of advanced batteries in the United States, furthering our commitment to building a sustainable future through smart green technology,” said Ki-Jeong Kwon, CEO of CTNS.

Production intent timeline

At CES, about 1000 Aptera community members from around the world gathered to see the production-ready solar-powered vehicles. Throughout the week, the company gave test rides to media outlets all while charging with the power of the sun. The panels peaked at 395 W in the Las Vegas winter.

In early October, Aptera announced production-intent vehicle assembly for its nearly 50,000 reservation holders and 19,000 investors.

Later that month the company reached a major milestone, with its development team successfully completing the low-speed function test on the first in its series of production-intent vehicles. For the first time, Aptera’s production composite body structure was spinning its production drivetrain under code developed in-house with power from a proprietary battery pack, marking a critical step in real-world testing and validation of the solar electric vehicle.

The production-intent vehicle integrated three major components of the production design for the first time—the body in carbon (BinC) structure, the recently adopted Vitesco Technologies (now part of Schaeffler AG) EMR3 drivetrain, and the proprietary battery pack. It was made possible by code developed in-house, which Aptera believes is a testament to the team’s engineering agility and vertically integrated manufacturing approach.

The company says its production-intent vehicle will continue to evolve, with additional production parts and functionality integrated and tested over time. Next up is the integration of solar technology, production-intent thermal management system, and exterior surfaces. Once those are installed, the vehicle will undergo high-speed track testing to validate its general performance characteristics and confirm core efficiency figures, including W·h per mile, solar charging rates, and estimated battery range.

The Aptera SEV Launch Edition, with a target price of just $40,000, can be reserved for $100, with delivery date still to be announced.

Supply for Telo

Just after CES, another electric vehicle startup, San Carlos, CA-based Telo Trucks announced a partnership with Aptera to introduce integrated solar panel options for its MT1. Its buyers will be able to select up to three solar-panel kits, enabling charging on the go and enhancing energy independence, even in remote locations. The available options are for cab rooftop, truck bed tonneau, and camper shell solar paneling.

“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 and 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,” claimed Jason Marks, CEO and Co-Founder of Telo Trucks. In addition to Marks, Telo was co-founded by Forrest North and Yves Béhar, with design input from Behar’s Fuseproject.

The Aptera solar panels for Telo generate up to 200 W each at peak sunlight, delivering 1-2 kW·h per day based on location and season. Using a glass-glass configuration ensures optimal efficiency and durability. Telo vehicles consume just 200-300 W·h/mi, significantly reducing energy needs and extending vehicle range with the solar options.

“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 says it is continuing to redefine the possibilities of EV ownership. Buyers will be able to tailor their pickup truck by selecting their desired solar configuration during the time of pre-order later this year.

A Telo Truck can be pre-ordered now for only $152—the length in inches of the compact vehicle—by visiting www.telotrucks.com. Since it launched in June 2023, the company has secured over 4550 pre-orders.

The drivable prototype is currently in production at Aria Group, which joined forces with Telo in 2024 after a successful $5.4 million strategic funding round led by Neo and Spero Ventures.