Aptera Motors Corp. has announced a strategic investment from Launch Design, the Shanghai-based design-for-manufacturing company, as part of a production programme valued at up to approximately $44 million (RMB 300 million).
The partnership covers assembly fixtures and tooling, vehicle testing, pilot production and high-volume manufacturing activities for Aptera’s solar electric vehicle. The companies are targeting the start of production of Aptera’s first 40 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Launch Design employs more than 3,000 people and operates multiple production bases, with experience across more than 400 vehicle models developed for global automakers.
Under the partnership, Launch will also provide Aptera access to its international supplier network, enabling the solar vehicle company to source parts and tooling at lower costs. The supplier network is expected to provide finished subassemblies directly to Aptera’s final assembly facility in California.
Aptera said the partnership has already contributed to reductions in its projected bill of materials, which the company expects to improve vehicle unit economics as production scales.
“This strategic investment enhances our resources, allowing us to bring proven design-for-manufacturing expertise and a global supply chain to Carlsbad without taking on the capital burden of building that expertise from scratch,” said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera.
The agreement also provides Aptera with access to Launch’s production capabilities and supplier relationships for potential expansion into international markets.
Aptera will fund two-thirds of the approved programme costs in cash, while the remaining third, up to approximately $15 million, will be paid through warrants to purchase Aptera stock. The structure is intended to preserve Aptera’s cash resources while aligning Launch’s interests with the company’s production growth.
The detailed terms of the agreement and the warrants will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Aptera expects to fund its share of the production programme through existing capital resources, previously announced financing arrangements and potential future debt or equity financing.
The partnership is expected to support Aptera’s transition towards production while providing access to manufacturing expertise, tooling capabilities and a broader global automotive supply chain.
