Aptera Autonomous Driving - openpilot™

[@pronouncehsu]

As a designer who's been in the advertising industry for most of my adult life, I really dig the down to earth marketing you guys have going. There's something nice and relatable about seeing real employees reading off a teleprompter and then demoing the tech. The thing that made me comment is how amazingly relaxed Chris was in the test vehicle. I can't think of a more reassuring thing to watch than an employee in a test car without doors happily narrating (and showcasing) how awesome the system functions. Great job guys! I really hope to see this vehicle on the road someday.

[@Guerreropowerr]

agree!

[@Okurka.]

It's not a car.

[@squidbeard492]

@@Okurka. probably why he said "vehicle"

[@Okurka.]

@@squidbeard492 He said "an employee in a test car".

[@popefacto5945]

@@Okurka. Your semantic quibble contributes nothing to the discussion.

[@Vealo]

Very smart to be outsourcing this already-proven technology to leverage what you're best at. This is in my opinion the best approach to entering the market while offering so many great features. Props to the team and your continued communication!

[@FinnishArmy]

Best thing about it is that it's open source!

[@victorurquiza93]

Welp. This does it. I'm buying one. I've loved openpilot since day 1. I've loved aptera since I heard of it. It's my dream car.

[@ApteraMotors]

We can't wait for you to get your vehicle!

[@Okurka.]

It's not a car, though.

[@yllcoat]

@@Okurka. the design of the car is enough to call it a unique one.

[@Okurka.]

@@yllcoat It's not a car nor is it a unique design.

[@TheScottShepard]

I was a bit concerned about leaving my Tesla for Aptera because I love the autonomy. It’s really great to hear Aptera is still committed to OpenPilot and that they are integrating it.

[@garrettedmondson]

I have both and for longer trips (>1 hour) I strongly prefer the openpilot. The ability to completely remove your hands from the steering wheel and just look forward while mediating or listening to podcasts etc... is subtle but makes for a much more chill driving experience.

[@evnewstoday9410]

@@garrettedmondson strongly agree!

[@Gloppy]

As someone that already uses openpilot in their current car, this is absolutely an amazing step to take. Looking forward to see what happens in the future.

[@ManuelCSenn]

Going open source is the right way. Perfect choice, Aptera!!!

[@MikeTrieu]

The confirmation of OpenPilot integration has made changed Aptera from a want-to-have to need-to-have, in my book. I am so unbelievably stoked to buy this now!

[@brandoncampos2452]

I have open pilot for my Ioniq 5and I have to say it's freaking awesome!!! I predicted this would happen about a year ago! I'm glad I'm right!!!

[@ErichMoraga]

OpenPilot + Aptera = perfect commute experience🥳

[@Khari99]

This is absolutely amazing. I'm a software developer who has been following the progress of OpenPilot and Aptera and this announcement couldn't have made me any happier. So glad I reserved an Aptera. I'm probably going to reserve another one now!

[@glebdegen8791]

Sure. One to drive and one to follow the one you drive :D

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

I already have 2 reservations and an extra one on referral bonus, but none on the Accelerator group. Sad😢

[@Kimbrough87]

Paid Actors yeah ok 😂

[@billman5379]

@@Kimbrough87 Aptera employee, not an actor.

[@LarryDickman1]

@@Kimbrough87 You damn fool, he works for Aptera. Pay attention.

[@garrettedmondson]

As an ML Engineer and someone who been using openpilot in my Prius for a couple years this great news! I love the level 2 "just drive & chill" experience of using openpilot. This will only make Aptera more unique in all the best ways :)

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

You mean the best among the best.

[@evnewstoday9410]

in a league of its own really

[@marcmayou1422]

Go Aptera, I have been following for years and now I am investing in the company and have ordered launch edition

[@ApteraMotors]

You're awesome!

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

Yeah, but you may need to go into the Accelerator program in order to hope to get it any time soon.

[@marcmayou1422]

@@adimchionyenadum2962 I have joined Accelerator program as a two or three year wait not a good option. Should stay under 1000. I hope time will tell.

[@craigmerrow225]

I added Safety Pilot to my preorder when I spec'd my Aptera back in December; this is the icing on the cake!

[@charangohabsburg1]

Althouh there have been clear hints to that Aptera will use Openpilot I feel a great relief seeing this now officially announced. Thank you Aptera!

[@reru_personal]

THANK YOU, thank you guys for using a neural network based "autopilot". A lot of other companies are doing it where they have to preprogram the roads which makes the implementation very limited... also, thank you to openpilot for being opensource, this is amazing and I love the work you are doing and for supporting and using things like this. You guys being right to repair focused and using open source programs is so different to other companies that lock everything down and it gives me even more confidence than I already had for you guy.

[@david.e.h.]

Chris, this is great to hear!!! Looking forward to having my Aptera with OpenPilot!!!

[@raddaks2039]

OpenPilot is good. We like OpenPilot. I'll mirror what Chris said here and say I can't wait to get mine either. Good luck in production!

[@Lovesome_Thing]

Another big win for Aptera, I intend on making several road trips in my Aptera! This will be a much welcome feature for sure. I currently have assisted driving in my Honda, and would hate to loose that feature, so big win for me here. Travel on!

[@Rich1Rodriguez]

Good news, thank you. The entire Aptera team is doing fabulous work. Charge on!

[@BartCunningham]

I was thinking I was going to miss my assisted driving features when I received my Aptera but this is even much better than what I have now. Very excited for this feature! Thanks!

[@my2cents795]

Amazing, now I know for a fact this car is future proof. It will be passed down through generations.

[@Okurka.]

It's not a car.

[@Skylancer727]

That's the one I was hoping for. Openpilot has been rather openly praised. Kinda suprised everyone is actively making their own when Openpilot has been a thing since basically the same time Tesla started making their own.

[@bnjmnalan]

Best news I've heard in a while! Very happy to see this implemented and looking forward to better news re: funding in the near future! Reserved and invested and confident in Aptera!

[@smokindauberdoo4208]

Proud Investor 😇👍👍

[@ApteraMotors]

We're proud to have your support.

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

Awesome presentation! I could watch and listen to him all day.😊Thank You

[@The-Rest-of-Us]

Awesome, love the OpenPilot integration - great move, right choice!

[@DemaGeek]

Fantastic news Aptera!! Thank you Chris!

[@fatboy19831]

Great system. I hope Aptera gets their funding.

[@itzKal]

Anyone familiar with Chris from his time at Comma, had a hunch that openpilot would potentially be integrated when he joined Aptera. This is gonna be a big deal, hope they're able to not just meet but exceed expectations.

[@Flawtistic]

I remember tweeting about you guys should be partnering with Comma. I was probably a step behind, but glad you chose them. It drives my Toyota RAV4 very well

[@SuperBlankTube]

I clicked on this video so fast I broke my mouse! THIS WILL BE THE BEST CAR IN HISTORY!!!!

[@MF-et5nk]

If they can make it.

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

I personally break a mouse each time Aptera Motors posts anything😂

[@Okurka.]

It's not even a car.

[@SuperBlankTube]

@@Okurka. okay, automobile. Still will be the best

[@Okurka.]

@@SuperBlankTube It's an auto-cycle.

[@jewelrycasa]

Wow! Thank you so very much Chris for presenting all the info on Open Pilot and even better - Real time footage of Open Pilot controlling Beta - Sweet. You looked soo relaxed. Open Pilot did an amazing job driving for you. Thanks for sharing this incredible video of how amazing the Aptera is and will be.🚗🚗🚗

[@ApteraMotors]

Openpilot is amazing, I've been using it since 2017. -Chris M

[@Kimbrough87]

@@ApteraMotors ok lets hope your crash test reports come back in this order.

[@KyleBurtonAI]

This looks awesome! Great job integrating this into Aptera's roadmap.

[@ArchangelMichael94]

Was already excited for mine, but so stoked now!

[@wyattnoise]

Aptera is everything I actually wanted in a Tesla, except actually affordable!

[@daveinwla6360]

Wait until the Chinese cars get here...

[@Okurka.]

You wanted a Tesla with 3 wheels?

[@daveinwla6360]

@@Okurka. - :-)

[@peteroffpist1621]

Been following open pilot for many years. Great product, good choice

[@B0A2]

Super cool, I’ve been following comma for awhile great to see it integrated so well

[@ronnw8153]

Hell yeah! Awesome news! Autopilot is a very big deal for me. Even more of a big deal than being electric. I'm so happy that you all went with Open pilot! Keep up the good work

[@RazberryTech]

Awesome work! Can't wait to try it in mine when it comes! :D

[@joelo7135]

I love all the updates. Keep em coming!

[@ggboyden]

I love the embrace of open-source. Thank you Aptera!

[@swanny6627]

Thank you. No better option. Couldn't be happier

[@rngalston]

I've opted for this with my reservation: it just makes sense for ease of travel.

[@ApteraOwnersClub]

Openpilot is a great decision! Love it.

[@MikeTrieu]

It was Aptera's worst-kept secret, but I'm glad they've made an official announcement about it 😅

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

Hey guy, you haven't made a video on this yet. What the heck?😂

[@chrisbarrett2512]

Only the best. Hope the Launch Edition can be upgraded to incorporate open pilot.

[@michaelmay9958]

@@adimchionyenadum2962 Steve's on vacation, I'm sure he'll do one as soon as he returns 😄

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

@Michael May I know. He shouldn't go on vacation while the rest of us are here waiting. Vacations in summer!😂

[@DrTeeHenry]

Fantastic news! My Aptera smile is just getting wider and wider. If this keeps up, I'm going to have to order more face. 😁

[@jdlutz1965]

I wasn't expecting autopilot but happy to have for road trips!

[@JasonCarmichael]

I've used Comma AI and Open Pilot, it is better than Tesla, no doubt. Hard to believe, but when you do one thing and only one thing, magically you become the best. Can't wait to get my LE with Open Pilot.

[@ccibinel]

Can it operate in snowy conditions when road lines are not always visible?

[@ApteraMotors]

End-to-end machine learning means openpilot can do well in all conditions, even rain or roads with no lane lines. That being said, don't engage any Level 2 system where you wouldn't be comfortable to engage regular cruise control.

[@arthurcooper3258]

Thanks for the update. This was great to see and thanks for the ride along!

[@jerrymcintire7902]

Great choice, open source driving software! Aptera continues to check all the right boxes. Now if someone would just sell Twitter so that I could get back on it and share this there...

[@MsAjax409]

I'm so pleased to hear that Aptera will offer a semi-autonomous ADAS. It have Tesla's Navigate on Autopilot on my Model Y and can't imagine taking a long road trip without it. The reduction in driving stress and fatigue is remarkable. I haven't yet used OpenPilot, but I hear it works well for highway driving with some limitations, e.g., it doesn't automatically change lanes to pass slower traffic or handle exits and interchanges. On the other hand, comma 3 is less expensive than Enhanced Autopilot ($1700 vs $6000). It would be nice to integrate OpenPilot with Aptera's UI instead of depending on the small OLED display on the comma 3. The hands-free feature of OpenPilot sounds nice, but I prefer to keep a hand resting on the wheel for instantaneous tactile feedback of any change in trajectory.

[@Sqeptick]

Love this. Definitely waiting for Level 2 integration.

[@leokawamura]

Chris already worked for comma AI , the company that develops openpilot

[@deanmcmanis9398]

This is truly great news! I had originally spec'd to have Safety Pilot on my Aptera, but then took it off my order when I heard that it wouldn't be available at first. This promises to make both daily commuting and longer drives far less tiresome. Thanks for the encouraging update Chris!

[@JacobTJ1]

Congratulations on your collaboration

[@wasteofspace9184]

This is perfect! hope to have a longer aptera with 4 seats total and have the perfect tear drop wagon, or just an additional seat someday that folds down.

[@TechnikReviews]

This is huge!! Even more excited for the launch editions

[@jayman94fly]

I absolutely wish I could get my hands on one of their amazing vehicles, but money is tight unfortunately. But I believe in you guys! The moment I can purchase one I will!

[@solosailorsv8065]

I think You & I would have bought a Beta ....but SHIPPING a "Consumer Grade Car" is SO incredibly ridiculously demanding, I wish Elio and Aptera would have allowed a KIT version to us DIY Guys. That would have provided Alpha funding and Beta feedback instead of catering to the 'KARENS' (read:totally zero Product Liability risk) who want one too.... sorry, i speak only for myself, yet identify with your frustration on Price & Delivery-cheers

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@solosailorsv8065 I was interested in Elio back in the day, but when I started my due diligence, I discovered they were lying abut the engine they said they were going to build. Aptera has solid, well known supply partners with master supply contracts for at least 92% of the components so far. Aptera is proceeding with much more financial planning and stability than what Tesla showed during its startup phase. I think they are doing what is prudent.

[@daveinwla6360]

@@n.brucenelson5920 - That is all true about Aptera vs. Elio. It's sad... Elio has also recently murmured about an electric motor! But neither has mentioned that a 3-wheeler is half-way between a 2-wheeler and a 4-wheeler in stability and safety.

[@VedaSay]

That was excellent update!

[@ApteraMotors]

I agree! -Chris M

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@ApteraMotors Chris, so proud of the work you are doing - and a little jealous ;).

[@kingphiltheill]

All the best to you guys!

[@kingphiltheill]

And Girls of course!

[@KnightMD]

For a content specialist, you really should have had more B-roll for this video, so we don't have to look at someone talking at a camera without knowing what to do with his hands while not bothering to edit out the pauses and stutters.

[@calvinlim9485]

Excited for this. Was waffling a bit on my order but this tips the scales, even if my commute is about to be way shorter now

[@markfinley3703]

Anyone who lives in New Mexico, please write your state legislators and the Governor to support House Bill 412. It would give a $2500 rebate on electric vehicles. People in other states, don't be jealous. Hit up your state government to do the same.

[@dankind64]

I just went from a Honda Fit w/ Open Pilot to a Telsa Model Y and I can honestly say that OpenPilot was a FARRRR superior experience. Maybe FSD will be good one day but right now OpenPilot is a batter product. Even with random 3rd party power steering racks and no stop-and-go situations.

[@danam0228]

The vehicle sounds extremely quiet e en with open cabin which is great, signifies extremely good aerodynamics that have been.promoted

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

Wow! I can't wait. Go, Aptera!

[@davidallyn1818]

YAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZ!! Every time I question whether my next vehicle is different than Apetera, you crush it with another reason for me to buy one!!

[@squidbeard492]

I'm amazed they're still showing off the beta instead of the gamma with these "advanced" features

[@sickre]

Looks better than Tesla - great to have no nagging on the wheel.

[@southsidesmoka]

...waiting patiently for my Launch Edition.

[@RaglansElectricBaboon]

Looks like a good choice. I want that development vehicle when you're done with it please, looks awesome :)

[@LightsOnMultiMediaMindArts]

Interesting. I hope it's better than Tesla's Navigate on Autopilot. We have that in our Model 3 and it's unreliable to put it mildly. All I want is some kind of smart cruise control. I'm happy to steer if the software will take care of the "gas" pedal and brake.

[@casylong8383]

pretty cool choice.

[@samtorbert6554]

This is a genius move tbh. Openpiltot already fantastic

[@nickster0007]

Is it just me? Or did that handle taking a left-turn on its own at around 3:35 Or was his just just barely off-screen at the bottom of the steering wheel where you couldn't see?

[@thewheelieguy]

I saw that as well and I think it was all under system's control.

[@jackaboodf16]

Yes. That's openpilot working there

[@floydb9100]

I like the subtle detail 😂 green border on thumbnail is the visual indicator of engagement on open pilot screen

[@LaszloPappBerlin]

Wow. Great news. It will be more than interesting to see how it compares to Autopilot in the long run.

[@Robyrob7771]

Our Corrola has lane following. Not fully autonomous it will steer through easy corners. Nice technology to have in a car some days.

[@evnewstoday9410]

this is awesome news! by a factory implementation of open pilot, it will be sooooooo awesome ! I especially love not having to tweak the steering wheel every once in awhile. what a fantastic choice!!! once again, aptera is proving to be THE MOST INOVATIVE vehicle manufacturer. thanks guy!! its going to be a looooooooong wait for my Aptera!!

[@Okurka.]

it's going to be a looooooooong wait for anyone's Aptera!!

[@kenmcclow8963]

One of the things I have liked about my Tesla has been the Auto Pilot that I have used on freeways during road trips, and on beep and creep traffic during commuting. I won't be sorry to lose the steering wheel nag and switch to the eye tracking. I remain skeptical about the car being fully autonomous, but I can't imagine living without any assists. My Tesla is 8 years old and has never been able to see in snow, anything but the lightest rain, or fog, and I think it may be another generation or two for computers to be able to overcome those limits. But maybe they will get there in 4-5 years. Once cars are able to be fully autonomous consider we will be using induction charging and not the plug robot that Hyundai is experimenting with, but we can worry about that as a retrofit once my Aptera is in hand

[@Okurka.]

It's not even a car.

[@graikonungr7502]

Awesome! So excited!

[@99slacker999999999]

How about a video showing the progress towards building the Launch Edition production line? Maybe, something like, "Hey! Look at this cool giant machine we just bought!"

[@n.brucenelson5920]

We have already seen the steel blocks being machined for the body stamping tools, sourced in Germany and shipped to C.P.C. of Modena, Italy, where the body parts will be made.

[@99slacker999999999]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Yes, exactly. Let's see more like that.

[@oplkfdhgk]

is this the one autopilot that is opensource cus if so then that's really cool! :)

[@ApteraMotors]

Yes!

[@Tylerd838]

You said to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery yet the next thing you say is that we have to be situationally aware, meaning that we cannot stare out the window and enjoy the scenery

[@whitakerbennett9310]

I love this

[@macrichardson7904]

If a Ginger Nerd says it's good, then I believe him !!! Thanks for the update and info.

[@Slohnda]

It looks like people are pretty excited about this - I just hope you keep things simple. I don't personally care about autonomous driving, but I do care that cars are way too expensive nowadays, and are packed full of stuff you really don't need. I hope Aptera keeps cost low - don't pull a Tesla/Chevy/Ford/Everycarmaker and promise a 30k EV and it ends up 60k for a base model. I have my Aptera reservation already in, please keep it the price you started with! Love what you guys are doing.

[@noidentity07]

Is this different from the Safety Pilot Package when reserving the Aptera?

[@ThomasWaldmann]

No, I think that is just that. They just did not want to announce what exactly they chose - until now!

[@ApteraMotors]

Safety Pilot is now openpilot. 💚

[@ThomasWaldmann]

@@ApteraMotors [X] updated pre-order! :-)

[@skeptibleiyam1093]

As long as I have to be ready to take over at any moment, it is not ready for use. About as relaxing as letting your 9 year old drive. My hope is that some day the robots will be better drivers, unlike the average human.

[@floydb9100]

Amazing news. Congrats to openpilot team 🎉

[@fluffden]

amazing! wow love it!

[@RamenNSoup]

Can't wait to get behind the wheel on this one. Ultimate nerd flex!

[@AJ31CO]

I hope they pull this off and actually produce it.

[@BudgetGamerz]

Where can I see the report where Open pilot was ranked number 1?

[@ApteraMotors]

We link off to the report on the blog post here aptera.us/openpilot-release/

[@alsjogren7890]

Excellent. My original Aptera order had the option for adaptive cruise control and whatever else was included. I switched to the Launch Edition to get faster purchase. Will Open Pilot functionally supersede the adaptive cruise control option?

[@adimchionyenadum2962]

The original Aptera has a Safety Pilot option. This present thing is the same and replaces it as an add-on in the base model.

[@Trig0r]

Never heard of openpilot tbh, however, how do these systems work when you are driving on the otherside of the road, does the system, via GPS or user input, know which country you are in and then from that determines what side of the road it should be on?

[@solosailorsv8065]

love it.....SHIP IT !!

[@1978rayking]

I would be happy to see data bluetooth or buying on an app or a scantool, for when a chipboard or systems need repaired.

[@LarryDickman1]

I want mine to have an AM/FM radio. Don't want a CB radio though. :)

[@1978rayking]

@@LarryDickman1 well if bluetooth is there it's possible

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@1978rayking Bluetooth will be built in.

[@feederbrian9457]

This is great news. Smart cruise is becoming standard in modern vehicles so it’s nice to see that Aptera will have this feature, especially with the longest range versions. 😄

[@n.brucenelson5920]

As I age, I am becoming aware that this is a vital feature for my safety at the wheel, even though I have more than 400,000 safe miles on motorcycles. I ordered the Safety Pilot when I placed my Aptera order during the first hour they were open (and snagged order #42)

[@daveinwla6360]

@@n.brucenelson5920 - Forty-two!!!! That's so *fortuitous* ! That's the answer to Everything! :-)

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@daveinwla6360 As a long time Doug Adams fan, that is what I thought when I got my order number the first hour pre-orders opened back in December of 2020.

[@charangohabsburg1]

@@n.brucenelson5920 You got really lucky Bruce! I have a hunch that your Aptera will be invisible to the Vogons. 😁

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@charangohabsburg1 I hope that it will protect us in case of an interstellar bypass!

[@dallaspcc3886]

Would love to test out Aptera down Route 66, from one end to another, & see if such a road trip is possible.

[@markfinley3703]

When you get to Albuquerque, give me a call. I'll show you the best restaurants etc.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@markfinley3703 When we pick up our Paradigm, we will almost surely drive through Albuquerque on our meandering way back to Iowa.

[@JZirn]

Appreciate all the coverage on the little things! I would like to see in the future a demonstration of the Aptera driving in snow, ice, and heavy rain scenarios. It’s the only thing keeping me from ordering here in Indiana.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

I live in Iowa, and will be reporting on my experience here with an early model. Aptera has traction control on each powered wheel that can sense wheel slip and adjust torque 32 times per wheel revolution. This is about every 2.5" of tread travel. With proper tires it should be really excellent.

[@JZirn]

@@n.brucenelson5920 I would think that would help tremendously too. I’ve never owned a three wheel vehicle or a vehicle that low to the ground at the wheels though. Would be nice to see them talk about that to clear up that concern.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@JZirn We have some footage of the gamma prototype in snow in Switzerland at this point. Aptera has more clearance than the front air dam of my present Honda, and my wife and I have ridden in an alpha Aptera. The engineer driving hit a steep speed bump at considerable speed with the old suspension. There was a SHARP jolt, but no damage. I am no longer concerned about this or several other concerns I had before our ride. We will find out a lot more once there are production intent vehicles going through their validation trials, including 3rd party crash testing.

[@daveinwla6360]

Do your own test drive, Jacob, as other "test drivers" have been fanboys who want to look the other way about this 3-wheeler's obvious faults. Cornering at speed on rough roads is an Achilles Heel in a 3-wheeler, especially one with the unsprung weight of in-hub motors. An airfoil rear half is also an Achilles Heel in gusty cross-winds, such as the air blast coming off the front of a big rig truck.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@daveinwla6360 Dave's comments come purely from his imagination. Some of us have actually ridden in Aptera prototypes and can compare the performance with other light weight 2 seaters, such as the hybrid original Honda Insight. Our "fanboy" status comes from actual experience with early versions of the vehicle, unlike Dave's imaginary "expertise".