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Aptera Partners with Inmotive to Boost Solar EV Efficiency

by | May 6, 2025

A two-speed system is being tested to boost EV efficiency and solar use. The goal is to lower energy demands, reduce battery size, and make clean, everyday driving more practical.
Image: Aptera

CARLSBAD, CA, May 6, 2025 – Aptera Motors has entered into a partnership with Inmotive Inc. to assess the potential of integrating Inmotive’s Ingear two-speed transmission into upcoming solar-powered vehicles. The collaboration aims to support efficiency improvements and explore sustainable drivetrain technologies.

Image: Aptera

Aptera’s solar EVs are designed to maximize the use of renewable energy, allowing drivers to travel up to 40 miles per day on solar power. With the addition of Inmotive’s two-speed transmission, Aptera plans to improve its powertrain to consume less energy per mile. This reduces reliance on the grid and lowers the carbon footprint of its vehicles. This change supports global efforts to reduce transportation emissions and promotes the shift to cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions.

Driving Sustainability Through Efficiency

Efficiency is central to Aptera’s design. The vehicle uses an aerodynamic shape, lightweight materials, and integrated solar panels to reduce energy use in transportation. Through the new partnership, Aptera and Inmotive are exploring how advanced transmission technology can enhance efficiency and sustainability. Potential benefits include:

  • Lower Energy Consumption – Reducing electricity usage translates to lower emissions from power generation when charging from the grid.
  • Smaller Battery Requirements – An efficient drivetrain reduces strain on battery packs, extending their lifespan and minimizing the need for raw material extraction.
  • Greater Renewable Energy Utilization – Lowering energy demand per mile increases the distance vehicles can travel on solar power alone, emphasizing their role as true zero-emission vehicles.

A Partnership for a Greener Future

“Our partnership with Inmotive represents an exciting opportunity to leverage technology that could further enhance the efficiency of our vehicles,” said Chris Anthony, CEO at Aptera Motors. “As we implement this technology into our next production-intent vehicle, we will be closely monitoring the efficiency impacts it has on our vehicles. We’re optimistic about the possibilities it could unlock for cleaner, more efficient transportation.”

Paul Bottero, CEO of Inmotive Inc., added, “No better place for the world’s most efficient transmission than on the world’s most efficient EV. We’re excited to work with Aptera to demonstrate how transmission solutions play a major role in the low-cost EV era.”

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.

About Inmotive Inc.

Inmotive Inc., founded in 2010 is an automotive technology company specializing in the development of the Ingear two-speed transmission for electric vehicles (EVs). This system enhances EV efficiency, range, and performance while reducing costs by enabling smaller motors and batteries. Inmotive serves the electric mobility sector, including passenger cars, two- and three-wheel vehicles, and solar-powered EVs. The company has formed strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers such as Suzuki and Aptera Motors to integrate its technology into future EV models. With an estimated annual revenue of $12.1 million, Inmotive operates additional engineering and sales offices in Bengaluru, India, and Shanghai, China, respectively. The company’s mission is to accelerate the global transition to affordable, zero-emission transportation through its patented transmission solutions.