solar
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In a long-awaited update, Aptera showed how it's nearing final validation in key aspects. Production and deliveries will follow, but the company didn't highlight how much longer that will be.
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AI could boost efficiency of solar EVs, make them viable
Research suggests AI might enable more from solar by optimizing output for the full range of lighting conditions and other variables.
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono Sion solar car project goes dark, though firm seeks to sell it
The company is shifting to a "capital light" model and aiming to pitch its fleet-oriented solar retrofits instead.
Bengt Halvorson -
Sono crash-tests its Sion solar EV, says panels "behave as predicted"
The Sion is likely the first car due for mass production that will use every body panel as a solar panel, so it's a first test for a range of materials and techniques.
Stephen Edelstein -
US shift toward wind and solar will cut coal, make EVs cleaner
The EIA forecasts that wind and solar will together account for 16% of total electricity generation in 2023, up from 14% in 2022 and 8% in 2018.
Stephen Edelstein -
Aptera solar EV Launch Edition: 400-mile range, no Supercharging yet
The initial version of Aptera's three-wheel, super-efficiency solar EV may go 400 miles from just 42 kwh.
Stephen Edelstein -
The Lightyear 2 will have a real-world range near 500 miles, according to the company—and, likely, the same level of emphasis on reducing dependence on charging infrastructure.
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$6,250 Squad solar EV coming to US—wherever 25 mph is enough
Squad estimates the solar panel will provide up to 19.2 miles in Las Vegas. Range starts at 31 miles, exclusive of solar, but can be upgraded to 61 miles with swappable modules.
Stephen Edelstein -
Aptera confirms Tesla charge port for its solar EV
It’s likely that Aptera is one of the “low-key” agreements for Supercharger accessibility that Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously confirmed.
Bengt Halvorson -
Lightyear 0 production starts, claims to be first solar car to market
Contract producer Valmet has made the first Lightyear 0 solar car, although production will be kept to about one a week into early 2023.
Stephen Edelstein -
1000-mile Aptera solar EV will get Italian carbon-fiber body
Italian carbon fiber composite bodywork helps offset the weight of the batteries and solar cells and gives the Aptera something in common with exotic sports cars.
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono takes Sion solar EV on US tour in bid for fleet business
The Sion's body panels are solar panels; now, the company is hoping to apply some of that know-how to trucks and buses.
Stephen Edelstein -
Power from the sun could save up to 396 gallons of diesel per bus, annually, or 50% of the additional energy needs for refrigerated trailers.
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Lightyear 0 is the most aerodynamic production car in the world, wind-tunnel testing verifies
Lightyear's claim of 0.175 is an impressive achievement for even a low-volume production car.
Stephen Edelstein -
Solar car maker: "High-volume" Lightyear 2, international expansion spurred with new investment
Funds will also be used for a planned international expansion; Lightyear hasn't confirmed plans to enter the United States market, however.
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono hits 20,000 reservations for its $30,000 Sion solar EV
The Sion promises around 70 free miles from the sun per week, plus home power-bank functionality with bi-directional charging.
Bengt Halvorson -
Mass-market Lightyear 2 solar car aims for efficiency boost with tech from supercar maker Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg is also investing in Lightyear, and the move follows a long pursuit of solar and efficiency tech by the Swedish niche supercar builder.
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono Sion EV production form revealed, claims up to 152 miles a week from solar
While the Sion's LFP battery pack provides 190 miles of range, solar power will add an average of 70 miles per week—or more than 150 miles in ideal situations, Sono anticipates.
Stephen Edelstein -
In sunnier climates and summer months, those with a 22-mile daily commute could go seven months between charges, Lightyear claims of this 388-mile solar EV.
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Toyota's Powerwall alternative is designed to work with solar, plug-in hybrids
The system is intended for home use and can harness emergency backup power from hybrids, PHEVs, or EVs and help manage solar.
Stephen Edelstein -
Stella Vita electric RV aims to get the most miles from solar
With solar panels, aerodynamics, and lightweight materials, the RV only needed two charging stops en route across Europe. Is such a design the future of the eco-conscious RV or van life?
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono Sion solar EV will be built in Finland, not Sweden, in change of manufacturing partners
Valmet Automotive will start making the Sion in the second half of 2023, according to Sono Motors—at the same facility as the Lightyear One solar car.
Stephen Edelstein -
Sono Sion solar hatchback on track for 2023 production, company says
The Munich-based fledgling solar-car maker is working toward a finalized design, with complete and test vehicles, and it still plans to make the Sion in 2023.
Stephen Edelstein -
Lightyear Two: More affordable solar-supplemented EV coming in 2025 with subscription options
The Lightyear One solar-supplemented electric car hasn't started production, but its Dutch maker is already planning a second, more-affordable model. In a keynote presentation earlier this month, Lightyear confirmed plans to launch a second EV, appropriately dubbed Lightyear Two, in late 2024 or...
Stephen Edelstein