Solar vehicle manufacturer Aptera starts validating aerodynamic designs at the renowned Pininfarina Wind Tunnel
San Diego-based solar electric vehicle manufacturer, Aptera, has commenced the validation process for its unique aerodynamic design at the world-renowned Pininfarina Wind Tunnel. The partnership between Aptera and Pininfarina spotlights the vehicle maker’s ongoing dedication to advancing the field of ultra-efficient transportation.
“By simply looking at Aptera, it is evident aerodynamic efficiency is at the core of our design philosophy. The wind tunnel results are a firm confirmation of our philosophy’s success.”
Steve Fambro, CEO and Co-founder of Aptera
Creating the most efficient vehicle possible
Aptera’s aerodynamic design features a distinctive teardrop shape, three wheels, and an efficient powertrain, forming what might be considered the pinnacle of energy-efficient vehicles. This unusual design is expected to help Aptera’s solar electric vehicles (sEVs) achieve a remarkable range of up to 1,000 miles per charge, along with the capability to drive up to 40 miles per day using solely solar power.
Working alongside a storied partner
Joining hands with Pininfarina, a company renowned for its exceptional aerodynamic expertise and a rich heritage of collaborations with iconic brands such as Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Maserati, underlines the importance of Aptera’s commitment to validating its novel vehicle shape.
The legacy of Professor Morelli lives on in Aptera’s design
Alessandro Aquili, Head of Wind Tunnel at Pininfarina, revealed that Aptera’s exterior design draws inspiration from the work of Professor Morelli, the engineer behind the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel. He added, “We are always excited to take part in the development of innovative vehicles, especially when they share such a strong link with our wind tunnel’s history.”
Achieving low drag through careful design
With careful design and validation at the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, Aptera is planning to ensure its vehicle design has the lowest coefficient of drag of any production passenger vehicle. Through correlation testing, the company has already gained insights into the aerodynamic properties of its vehicle and its unique shape.
Specifications and future plans
Aptera’s commitment to innovation is marked by the initiation of its validation phase, wherein the aerodynamic properties of its vehicle will be refined and validated for optimal performance and efficiency. The company will build Delta validation units as the next step in its validation phase, which will be continually tested in CFD, wind tunnel, and real-world environments.
Building towards a sustainable future
In a broader perspective, the collaboration between Aptera and Pininfarina represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable mobility solutions. The work done by these companies not only pushes the boundaries of what is currently possible but also opens the door to a future where high-performance vehicles don’t necessarily translate into high energy consumption. Aptera’s vision to create a vehicle with unprecedented energy efficiency and minimal need for charging could signal the direction in which the auto industry is moving, a more sustainable future.
