Aptera Motors announces EVE Energy Co., as a lithium-ion battery cell supplier. Specifically, Aptera will utilize Eve’s 21700 NMC 811 cylindrical cells in its vehicle’s structural battery packs. These structural packs will be produced in San Diego.
The impetus for 21700 NMC 811 cells–as opposed to other variations– remains Aptera’s efficiency-first ethos. For instance, NMC 811 cells are one of the lightest–most energy-dense– available. The result is an ultra-lightweight vehicle, capable of high performance, and extended range with proportionally less battery mass.
This announcement illustrates positive momentum, as Aptera continues to finalize crucial supply agreements with leaders of industry. Founded in 2002, EVE Energy is a world leading lithium battery company which uses its core technology and solutions for consumer, power, IoT, electric vehicle, and energy storage system applications.
EVE uses state of the art Lithium-based chemistries to produce a wide range of battery cell products: Lithium Primary batteries, Li-ion rechargeable Pouch cells, 18650/21700/46950 series cylindrical cells, and large format prismatic LFP/NMC cells. EVE is also currently one of top listed EV/ESS Lithium Battery suppliers for first Tier EV/ESS customers worldwide.
Aptera Co-CEO, Chris Anthony notes, “It’s an honor to work with yet another leading supplier with an impeccable reputation and product to match. The decision to move forward with lithium-ion 21700 NMC 811 cylindrical cells enables us to maximize efficiency in Apterae capable of over 1,000 miles of range per charge. As we continue to drive solar mobility forward by designing the most efficient vehicles, this partnership with EVE Energy represents all that our team has accomplished. We’re very pleased to utilize EVE’s cells in our battery packs.”
In a related news, Aptera announced deal worth several hundred million euros to source distributed drive platform technologies from Slovenian in-wheel powertrains company Elaphe. The arrangement includes a detailed plan to scale production in Slovenia, and then extend production to the US.
The deal adds positive momentum to Aptera’s rapid development toward the final vehicle production stage and fortifies the existing relationship between Aptera and Elaphe, formalizing the process of incorporating Elaphe’s advanced in-wheel motor technology within Aptera. A major part of the plan is the establishment of a new 160,000 square foot R&D and production center where Elaphe will begin to ramp up motor production for Aptera, leading to a 100,000 unit annual capacity.
Elaphe’s technology allows Aptera to effectively innovate and build its cutting-edge vehicles at a rapid pace. With the competencies in holistic integration, Elaphe’s experience and technology facilitate Aptera’s innovative features and ensure vehicle design freedom. With Aptera’s focus on packaging and vehicle efficiency, these in-wheel motors offer a compact, high-torque solution, allowing for the vehicle’s enhanced aerodynamics, lighter overall vehicle weight, and improved handling — resulting in better mileage and safety.
