The new Tesla Killer solar car, which can be charged for free, could replace Elon Musk’s flagship engine

A FUTURISTIC electric car that only needs to be charged three times a year has been hailed as the ‘Tesla killer’.

The solar-powered Aptera has a range of 1,000 miles and costs £27,000 – less than half of Elon Musk’s pricey engines.

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The California automaker claims to have more than 40,000 reservations from buyers who can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

The first 5,000 will be three-wheel Launch Edition models.

It uses innovative “in-wheel motors” with an electric motor driving each wheel.

Experts say that makes the streamlined car super-efficient while also offering all-wheel drive.

Although it only has 171 hp, that’s enough to propel the two-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in four seconds to a top speed of 160 km/h.

The Launch Edition includes a battery rated for a range of 400 miles – nearly three times that of a Nissan Leaf.

Later models will have a range of 1,000 miles using just the battery, Aptera said.

However, the manufacturer assumes that owners will NEVER need to charge it in everyday use.

The car features lightweight solar panels that boost charge enough to add 40 free miles per day, Aptera claims.

For local trips and commutes averaging 29 miles per day, that means drivers in sunny places like California would never have to pocket it.

In grittier places like Chicago, Aptera expects owners to pocket it three times a year.

The company says: “With Aptera’s solar technology, constant access to a charging station or even an outlet is not necessary.

“Aptera’s Launch Edition comes with an integrated solar charging package that allows most people to drive for weeks or even months without ever having to plug in an outlet to charge.”

For longer trips, it can be plugged into a regular outlet to charge the battery.

Steve Fambro, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, said: “We solved the equation for a more efficient way to travel by harnessing the power of the sun and we’re excited to introduce our Launch Edition vehicle to the world.

“Our relentless efforts have resulted in the Aptera vehicle, which can transform you with the creative energy direct from our sun and efficiently into free movement wherever you want.”

Aptera say they are completing the fourth and final phase of product development.

This includes carrying out crash tests and validation.

It is then planned to quickly scale into series production of 10,000 vehicles per year.

From there, Aptera hopes to double production at its California factory and add more production lines around the world.

Chris Anthony, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, adds: “While our delivery time is dependent on funding, our goal is to start production by the end of 2023.

“Our Launch Edition is our chance to show the world something that has never been done before.”

Some have dubbed it a “Tesla killer” as it’s a lot cheaper than one of the high-tech electric motors.

A new Tesla S will cost between £56,000 and £138,000 and has a claimed range of 405 miles, although experts say range could drop to under 300 miles in cold weather.

Drivers also struggle to find a place to charge.

Earlier this month we shared how angry Tesla drivers queued for hours for a charging station in Cumbria.

Other electric car owners have revealed the abuse and grief they have endured as episodes of “charge frenzy” escalated across the country.

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