Vaporware or not? Aptera assembles its first five validation models.

Aptera says it has built its first five validation vehicles for its solar-assisted, two-seat, three-wheeled EV.

The startup claims up to 400 miles of range and continues production testing on the unusual design.

The milestone suggests Aptera is moving closer to production after years of redesigns and resets.

But the vehicle’s performance claims still need real-world validation before they can be taken at face value.