Aptera, the once-defunct startup that rose from the ashes in 2020, has taken a significant step towards realizing its vision of mass-producing a solar-powered car. The company has unveiled a new "production-intent" prototype, designed in partnership with legendary Italian automotive designers Pininfarina. This collaboration brings Aptera closer to overcoming the significant hurdles that have plagued its previous attempts.

The new prototype is an ultra-efficient three-wheeled electric vehicle, powered in part by embedded solar panels. Aptera claims that the partnership with Pininfarina has provided access to valuable resources, including the company's wind tunnel in Turin, Italy. This has enabled Aptera to refine its design and achieve one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production passenger vehicle, setting a new standard for energy efficiency in the automotive industry.

While Aptera hasn't disclosed the exact drag coefficient of the new vehicle, it has previously claimed that past prototypes achieved a coefficient of 0.13, compared to 0.23 for Tesla's Model 3. The vehicle is equipped with 700W of integrated solar cells, allowing most drivers to drive every day without ever needing to plug in to charge. The cells can provide up to 40 miles of solar-powered range each day, and the ability to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Aptera's previous attempts to mass-produce a solar-powered car were derailed when it failed to qualify for the US Department of Energy's advanced technology loan program. The company shut down in 2011 but reopened in 2020 after successfully raising enough money through crowdfunding and other means. Despite this setback, Aptera remains committed to its vision of creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Aptera isn't alone in its pursuit of solar-powered vehicles. German startup Sono Motors was working on a solar-powered electric car but has since shifted its focus to solar buses. Mercedes-Benz's Vision EQXX concept includes a solar roof array of 117 cells. Toyota has also promised an optional solar roof for its recently released BZ4X electric SUV. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly options, Aptera's innovative approach could potentially disrupt the status quo.

However, the biggest challenge facing Aptera remains finding sufficient funding to take its new prototype into production. The company will need to secure significant investment to overcome the technical and logistical hurdles that have plagued its previous attempts. If successful, Aptera's solar-powered car could revolutionize the way we think about transportation and energy efficiency.

In conclusion, Aptera's new solar-powered car prototype, designed in collaboration with Pininfarina, marks a significant step forward for the company. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing environmental and consumer demands, Aptera's innovative approach could potentially play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation. With its sights set on production, Aptera is poised to make a lasting impact on the automotive landscape.