Solar EV startup Aptera Motors recently announced a major milestone in bringing its long-promised model to production. Solar cell production is now underway with the help of Maxeon Solar Technologies – Aptera’s newly announced cell supplier as part of a “cross-company collaboration.”

Since first unveiling its flagship solar EV that gave the company its name, Aptera has worked endlessly to deliver it to its customers. We know this because the startup is quite transparent in its development, which has increased the number of reservation holders and fans alike with video updates at least once a month.

In its second go-round as an SEV startup, Aptera is doing things differently this time around, naming several suppliers to help contribute components to solar EVs while assembling them itself in a new 130,000 square-foot facility in Carlsbad, California.

As the Aptera SEV moves through the gamma phase before entering a production-intent delta phase later this year, the startup has locked in one of the most, if not the most important supplies in the rolodex – solar cells. With Maxeon now on board, both companies have begun manufacturing solar panels.

Aptera days
Source: Aptera Motors

Aptera found the solar cell savior in industry expert Maxeon

The solar EV startup announced its newest supply partner in a press release today along with another video update that explains how the unique cell technology works and how the production process will continue. .

Aptera describes this new agreement as a “cross-company collaboration” in which Maxeon will provide its highly efficient Gen 3 solar cells to Aptera, whose solar engineers will integrate the ultra-lightweight, two-axis ( curved) solar panel technology in it. already developed at home in Vista, California. Maxeon’s chief revenue officer and interim-CEO Mark Babcock spoke on the selection of Aptera as its new cell supplier:

We are thrilled to have chosen Aptera to bring this next phase of solar innovation to market. At Maxeon, we provide the highest quality and most efficient solar technology, and Aptera’s mission to pioneer solar mobility is the natural progression of this innovation. The vehicle will feature the same unique cells as found in our high-efficiency solar panels that power homes and businesses – a true testament to our innovation as a solar leader.

With over 35 years of experience in its field, Maxeon Solar Technologies has the know-how to deliver the advanced solar cell technology essential for Aptera’s solar EV to achieve the promised distance of 40 miles per day from in the sun alone. Maxeon’s resume includes access to over 1,000 patents and over 3.5 billion solar cells in use today.

Production of the Aptera SEV is expected to ramp up in the first half of 2023. Several different versions of the Aptera are currently available to reserve for just $100. However, if you use this link, you can get your own Aptera for only $70.

Watch Aptera’s latest video update below, sharing new details on its solar production:

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