Aptera's Solar Car Production Moves Into Critical Assembly Phase With $65M Funding Goal

CARLSBAD, California — Aptera Motors Corp. (NASDAQ: SEV) has crossed a significant threshold in its pathway to commercial vehicle production. The solar mobility innovator has now activated its validation assembly line at its Southern California facility, representing a decisive shift from one-off prototype construction to systematic, repeatable manufacturing processes.

This development follows months of preparation and engineering work aimed at establishing the technical foundation for Aptera’s future production capacity. The company’s leadership views this stage as essential before ramping into low-volume manufacturing—a structured scaling approach that allows for continuous process refinement.

Engineering the Aptera Solar Car Production Foundation

The newly operational validation line showcases Aptera’s investment in precision manufacturing infrastructure. A critical component of this setup is an advanced assembly fixture designed specifically for the company’s Body in Carbon (BinC) architecture. This fixture enables technicians to construct the solar car’s body structure with high dimensional accuracy while simultaneously improving production throughput.

“For the first time, our assembly teams will be working through a methodical sequence of defined stations,” explained Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera. “Every process has been jointly developed by our engineers and production specialists to ensure repeatability and quality from day one.”

The fixture serves dual purposes: it optimizes the current validation phase while establishing the technical baseline that will underpin Aptera’s eventual transition into higher-volume manufacturing. This measured approach reflects the company’s commitment to getting production right before scaling significantly.

Supply Chain Progress and Workforce Expansion

Aptera has begun receiving BinC components and chassis assemblies from its supply chain partners, marking another milestone in the production readiness timeline. The company has simultaneously expanded its operations infrastructure, actively recruiting additional engineers and assembly line technicians to staff the validation line and support future growth.

“This assembly line coming online signals the bridge between our prototype era and the production-ready systems we’re building toward,” said Steve Fambro, Co-CEO. “It’s how we transition the Aptera solar car concept into actual scalable manufacturing.”

The validation process will enable the company to systematically optimize each production stage—from component handling through final assembly and quality checks—before transitioning into preproduction and series manufacturing operations.

Funding Requirements and Next Steps

To progress through validation and eventually initiate low-volume production, Aptera has identified a capital requirement of $65 million, aligning with its previously communicated financial projections. This funding will support both the completion of the validation phase and the infrastructure buildout necessary for early customer deliveries.

The company continues executing against its strategic timeline, with the validation assembly line now operational and supply chain partnerships established. Each phase builds toward Aptera’s ultimate objective: delivering solar-powered vehicles at meaningful scale while maintaining the efficiency and sustainability principles core to its mission.

About Aptera Motors Corp. — Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Aptera Motors (Nasdaq: SEV) develops solar electric vehicles designed to fundamentally advance transportation efficiency. Through innovations in aerodynamics, material science, and integrated solar technology, the company aims to redefine what’s possible in sustainable mobility. Operating as a public benefit corporation, Aptera is committed to building a responsible business that benefits stakeholders and the environment.