Aptera Motors has announced a production partnership with Launch Design, a Shanghai-based design-for-manufacturing firm, with the Aptera Launch Design programme valued at up to US$44 million (RMB 300 million). The programme covers assembly fixtures and tooling, vehicle testing, pilot production and high-volume production work, with first fixtures targeting Aptera’s first 40 production vehicles in Q4 2026.

Aptera will pay two-thirds of programme costs in cash, with the remaining third (up to approximately US$15 million) settled in warrants to purchase Aptera stock. Launch Design will deliver finished subassemblies directly to Aptera’s final assembly facility in Carlsbad, California, rather than loose parts.

Launch Design employs more than 3,000 people across multiple production bases and has developed a portfolio of more than 400 vehicle models for automakers globally. The partnership gives Aptera access to Launch’s international supplier network and parts at costs the company says would be difficult to reach independently.

Co-Chief Executives Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro said the partnership was expected to reduce materials costs and improve unit economics before first production. Anthony said the company had already seen reductions in its projected bill of materials, while Fambro noted Launch’s relationships gave Aptera a practical path to plan for international markets.

Source: Aptera