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A futuristic-looking electric car that can travel over 115 miles on a single charge goes on sale in America next week.

The Aptera Typ-1 has its batteries charged from a regular household socket much like any other electric vehicle, but it is able to more than double its range by harnessing the power of the sun – its roof features a bank of solar cells that top up the car’s batteries.

The three-wheeled vehicle, which is classified as a motorcycle, will be launched in California and sell for the equivalent of £17,000.

‘Sexy’ electric cars

Increases in environmental awareness and the cost of fuel have not altered the fact that the appearance of a car is still a huge influence on its popularity – a fact that has not helped electric cars, which are about function first and foremost. A radical and in marketing terms ‘sexy’ car like the Aptera will do much to change the image of electric cars for the batter.

A hybrid version with a longer range is due to be launched in 2009 for under £20,000.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The electric cars currently on sale cover around 40 miles on a single charge, but in locations that do not have the benefit of Californian sunshine the Aptera is set to improve on that figure.”

Source: ETA