Aptera reveals $35K EV with up to 1600km range

Californian start-up Aptera Motors has unveiled its latest 3 EV that will offer owners a range of up to 1600km and cost just $35,000 when deliveries begin towards the end of 2021.

For just $US25,900 ($A34,800), the Aptera 3 comes equipped with a modest 25kWh battery and a 100kW electric motor that drives the front wheels.

The cheapest entry-level three-wheeler is claimed be capable of covering 402km between top-ups.

If that's not enough, the small start-up will sell a larger 40kWh (644km), 60kWh (966km) or a range-topping 100kWh battery pack that offers the headline 1600km range.

The more powerful versions get an extra electric motor, boosting total power to around 150kW and adding all-wheel (three) wheel drive.

Thanks to its McLaren supercar-style full carbon-fibre monocoque, the Aptera 3 weighs in between 816kg and 998kg (depending on the version) that enables even the 100kW version to hit 60mph (97km/h) in just 5.5 seconds, while the 150kW flagship hits the same benchmark in just 3.5sec.

Set to be one of the most aerodynamic vehicles ever made, the Aptera 3 is claimed to have an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.13Cd.

Rumours are afoot that when it launches late next year, the Aptera 3 will be capable of being topped up via Tesla's Supercharging infrastructure. But with a US 110-volt socket, Aptera says an overnight charge will add 250km – far more than any other EV currently available.

With a fast charger, the car-maker claims it adds 800km in range every hour the Aptera is plugged in.

Better still, thanks to its patented Never Charge solar technology, the US start-up claims that on a sunny day in climates like Australia, the car will self-charge in direct sunlight and add up to 70km of 'free' motoring a day – more than enough for most average commutes.

The little Aptera is claimed to offer high levels of crash protection thanks to its carbon tub. It will also come with a variety of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aids that could see it steer, brake, accelerate and remain in its lane without any input from the driver.

Unusually, Aptera claims the three-wheel drive versions are also capable off-road and in low-grip conditions like snow, and the company has also developed an off-road pack that adds a jacked-up ride height and tougher wheel covers.

There's even an integrated tent, rear awning and camping accessories, a hint the car-maker hopes it will appeal to lifestyle buyers in the same way an SUV does.

Available to order now with a $US100 deposit, there's no word yet on if the Aptera will be offered in other markets, although it's worth mentioning that this is the second time the EV-start-up has attempted to bring a car to market.

Back in 2005 Aptera developed a three-wheeled two-seater but was unable to launch it after funding ran dry.

This time, the car-maker claims its efforts are fully funded and that it has exceeded its crowd-funding goal by some 300 per cent.

Once the little Aptera 3 launches, the founders say it will begin readying a four-wheeled, five-seat passenger car that will also be ultra-lightweight with low-drag aero.