Aptera Motors Corp. has entered into a strategic production partnership with China-based Launch Design to support the manufacturing and production ramp-up of its solar electric vehicle. The programme is valued at up to $44 million, or approximately RMB 300 million, and is designed to provide manufacturing, engineering and production support as Aptera prepares to move toward commercial vehicle production.
Under the agreement, Launch Design will support several stages of the production process, including the development of assembly fixtures and tooling, vehicle testing, pilot production and preparations for higher-volume manufacturing. Aptera is targeting the production of its first 40 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Launch Design will contribute its automotive engineering and manufacturing capabilities to the programme. The company has experience supporting vehicle development and production programmes and will provide design-for-manufacturing expertise to help Aptera prepare its solar electric vehicle for production.
The partnership is also expected to give Aptera access to Launch Design’s supplier and manufacturing network. Larger finished subassemblies are expected to be supplied for Aptera’s final assembly operations in Carlsbad, California, a move intended to simplify the assembly process and support production efficiency.
Aptera said it expects to pay two-thirds of the approved programme costs in cash. The remaining one-third, valued at up to approximately $15 million, is expected to be compensated through warrants that would allow Launch Design to purchase Aptera stock, subject to the terms of the agreement.
The company expects to fund its share of the programme through its existing capital resources, previously announced financing arrangements and potential future debt or equity financing. Through the partnership, Aptera aims to strengthen the manufacturing, tooling and supply-chain capabilities required as it advances toward commercial production of its solar electric vehicle.
