CARLSBAD, CA, Sep 29, 2025 – Aptera Motors has named Leon Kaunitz as senior vice president (SVP) of engineering, bringing experience from Tesla, NIO, Ford, and other automotive and energy storage companies. Kaunitz, at Tesla, helped bring the Model S into mass production. At NIO, where he was employee #9, he led the U.S. engineering team that delivered the ES8 and ES6 platforms.
“Leon is exactly the kind of systems thinker and builder we need to take Aptera across the production finish line,” said Steve Fambro, co-CEO of Aptera. “He brings not only the technical expertise but also the organizational leadership and startup grit that align perfectly with Aptera’s next phase.”
Kaunitz has worked with both global OEMs and startups. He has built engineering departments, led cost-saving redesigns, and managed production programs. His leadership supported vehicles such as the Ford F-150, Daimler Cascadia, and Tesla Model S.
“Aptera is redefining efficiency for the EV era,” said Kaunitz. “I’ve spent my career transforming advanced concepts into products that are not only innovative but also manufacturable at scale. That’s exactly what Aptera is poised to do, and I’m thrilled to help make it happen.”
Kaunitz will oversee Aptera’s engineering and production functions, focusing on integration, tooling validation, and initial vehicle builds. His role supports the company’s move toward solar EV production. He specializes in turning vehicle concepts into series production while maintaining execution and meeting customer needs.
Source: Aptera Motors
About Aptera Motors
Aptera Motors Corp., headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, specializes in designing and manufacturing solar electric vehicles (sEVs). Aptera’s flagship vehicle is a two-seat, three-wheeled solar-powered EV (sEV) that integrates solar panels into its body, allowing for up to 40 miles of solar-powered driving per day and a total range of approximately 400 miles on a full charge. The sEV’s streamlined design reduces air resistance, allowing it to use less energy than most electric or hybrid cars. The vehicle caters to the automotive industry, particularly consumers seeking sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.