The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has become something of a showcase for new automotive technology over recent years with car makers using it to spotlight their latest innovations. It is also a place where new companies can cause a stir and this year one of the biggest disruptors was Aptera Motors displaying a production ready solar electric vehicle. 

The company says the solar-powered EV is designed to eliminate the need for plugging in for most daily driving needs and can offer up to 400 miles of range from a single charge in under an hour and up to 40 miles of free driving per day powered entirely by sunlight. 

Aptera believe that in a sunny climate its car could provide over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving, significantly reducing reliance on grid charging. 

The car has four panels strategically placed on the bonnet, dash, roof and hatch of the vehicle. It is built from carbon fibre sheet moulding compound, which means it requires fewer than one-tenth of the parts of traditional vehicles, resulting in a lightweight yet robust design.  

Aptera Motors says it already has some 50,000 advanced sales for the solar vehicle.