Electric vehicle drivers can enjoy the fact that charging networks overlap to provide the necessary juice along roads and highways.

But they might even enjoy not having to make many recharging stops along the way, as their electric vehicle soaks up the generous energy that comes straight from the sun.

That’s the bet of Aptera Motors, a California-based maker of solar-powered electric vehicles.

Aptera just says COMPLETED a successful test of ‘PI-2’, the first production version of its futuristic-looking two-seater three-wheeled solar electric vehicle. The latest version of the EV was designed to rigorously test performance parameters such as range, solar charging capacity and efficiency, Aptera says.

“Driving our first production-intent vehicle marks an extraordinary moment in Aptera’s journey,” said Steve Fambro, co-founder and co-CEO of Aptera. statement. “It demonstrates real progress towards delivering a vehicle that redefines efficiency, sustainability and energy independence.”

Aptera says it already has more than 50,000 bookings for the EV, which they are programmer to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2025. Last year, this disclosure a $33,200 entry-level version with a 0-60 mph time of less than 6 seconds, a battery pack that offers 400 miles of range, and 40 miles of solar-charging range per day.

The Aptera EV also features Tesla’s North American charging standard (NACS) to charge its battery.

The company said its production intent models will continue to evolve over time as they undergo additional testing, including for key metrics such as solar charge rates and watt-hours per mile.

Other versions of the Aptera EV they said to provide up to 1,000 miles of range with 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Aptera has raised so far over $100 million since launching a crowdfunding program three years ago.

Solar-powered electric vehicles are also being developed by companies such as Sono Motors in Germany and Lightyear in the Netherlands, as well as major automakers such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz.