This founder of solar-powered car company said it can grow faster than a young Tesla
This founder of solar-powered car company said it can grow faster than a young Tesla
Brian SozziTue, March 17, 2026 at 1:34 PM UTC
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Aptera Motors (SEV) is being fueled by the sun — and a lot of hope that it could be the next Tesla (TSLA).
"We're looking to deliver a million Apteras over the next 10 years here. So, it took Tesla 13 years to do it. So we're hoping to do it in 10," Aptera Motors co-founder and CEO Chris Anthony said in a new episode of Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid Unfiltered podcast (video above; listen in below).
Aptera Motors is attempting to scale up production of its first solar-powered vehicle (SEV), the Atlas 1, at its plant in Carlsbad, Calif.
Last weekend, the Atlas 1 made its first public appearance at the 10th anniversary of San Diego Cars and Coffee.
Anthony said the key to ramping up Atlas 1 production so quickly will be to keep processes simple.
For one, the futuristic-looking two-seater is white on the production line. Then the team puts a vinyl sticker on it — saving any paint jobs.
"We designed something that's not just a little fuel efficient," Anthony said. "Our vehicle's about 350 miles per gallon equivalent. So, superefficient first. It gives you great attributes, like quick charging and a solar capability that can charge just from the sun, to cover most of your daily driving needs."
Anthony added that Aptera Motors has about 50,000 orders for its first vehicle.
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But becoming the next Tesla is a lofty goal.
Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have long dominated the electric vehicle industry, and the company has a $1.5 trillion market cap. Aptera's market cap is $83 million after going public on the Nasdaq (^IXIC) last October, and it remains in loss-making mode as it begins ramping up production.
The auto industry is littered with once-buzzy names that promised big innovations, only to go bust, such as Fisker and Lordstown.
Anthony is in it for the long haul, he said.
"We've been able to raise significant capital since then," he said. "And we've got more organized capital coming over the next few months here ... I think we're well on our way to pushing into manufacturing by the end of the year. But the pitch meetings [with potential investors] are interesting because we're so unique."
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Each week, Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi fields insight-filled conversations and chats with the biggest names in business and markets on Opening Bid Unfiltered. You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service.
Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor and a member of Yahoo Finance's editorial leadership team. Follow Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tips on stories? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com.
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