Aptera Begins REAL World Tests!

[@theninjineer]

Another bit that I found out while here is that the place where they parked the Aptera when it wasn't driving around was very shaded. So much so that we were all very pleasantly surprised that it was getting any sort of solar charge at all. The test mule was surrounded by buildings and shadows on every side for most of the day and still achieved an increase in range. I'll talk about it in more detail on my video. But thank you for putting this out and getting the word out!

[@dennisfahey2379]

Optimal climate - 65 degrees in very bright sunny Las Vegas day. So bright the direct feed premiere video was washed out by the brightness. The Aptera fully shrouded solar array should produce some trickle current - the question is how much. And of course is that in line with calculated vs real (estimated E-MPG). The reality is the curvature of the panels will mean variable current as the sun crosses the sky. And then of course the duration of that time per location and season. So yes a solar panel will have output as long as there is direct light. No surprise.

[@madmotorcyclist]

@@dennisfahey2379 I live in So Calif. and I ran the blender app that simulates the Aptera solar layout and for a year round run given lat/long and weather estimation it came out with an average of 27 miles/day.

[@vic321344]

the solar had an embarassing yield of 70Watts standing in he LV sun. Just enough to charge an IPhone.

[@netscrooge]

​@@vic321344 Those of us who watched video from the event know that you're wrong about that. I saw 70W in the shade and around 250W in the sun, sometimes more.

[@netscrooge]

​​@@vic321344 More of your lies. That reading was in the shade. And 70W isn't "just enough" to charge a cell phone. Five watts is just enough. Seventy would be very fast, high-power charging.

[@DemaGeek]

We always appreciate your clear and easy to understand descriptions, Drew. Thanks for your great 'remote' coverage!

[@noelhwang9359]

It looks SO MUCH more beautiful in person!!! I'm glad I could attend Aptera's unveil day at CES2025. 🌞😎

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Lucky you! 😃

[@johnhayes3314]

It says a lot when Steve, Chris and Jason are at the booth throughout the show. That shows how passionate they are about the companies success. Many others would have just sent their sales and marketing teams

[@ThePgkessler]

I hope the enthusiasm you’re generating over this cutting edge transport gets you a deep discount! Deeply appreciate your coverage. Paying $40k for one of the most important breakthroughs in sustainable transportation is a bargain. Having even near a 400 mile range that you can maintain overnight with an outdoor wall outlet is priceless. An electric drive train that lasts way longer than a gas car…ANY miles gained by solar…AMAZING

[@stix2you]

If I take delivery for $40K, I wouldn't even sell it for a profit. I want this car. Brilliant piece of engineering.

[@dennisfahey2379]

Get two so you have spare parts!

[@vanrozay8871]

What matters to me is that it's finally produced. Waited for years now. Come ON!

[@vic321344]

If they really produce it, it will cost $49K.

[@falcosparverius1]

They’ve been saying this since 2005, “We’re so close, we just need more time and funding.”

[@ZaphodTube]

Wish you all the best, hope they don’t get bankwupt and everybody gets their car!

[@pavanbiliyar]

I chose the 250-mile model, and the estimate rose by $1,000 - not a big deal.

[@chrisroger2000]

I love the concept of APTERA. Been following them forever though. Can’t wait to see the vehicle out in the wild and to test drive one.

[@pranshukrishna5105]

sorry to disappoint, won't happen

[@barnabasseadog7660]

You are sorry AF. Thanks for the motivation FUDmonger.

[@gr8dvd]

@@pranshukrishna5105 Hope you’re not too heartbroken if wrong. Note-to-self: invest in Kleenex - so many Aptera haters 😂

[@ashisdas4971]

@@pranshukrishna5105Please enlighten us with your automotive EV engineering and business knowledge on why it won’t happen?

[@pranshukrishna5105]

@@ashisdas4971 its too good to be true, and especiallly since its a silicon valley startup

[@deanmcmanis9398]

The price hike was inevitable. But seeing the Production Intent model gives me a renewed sense that Aptera may start production later this year! I am exited to get mine! Thanks Drew for your positively biased perspective and important points, as usual.

[@nicholasaikens2689]

Aptera wisely invested in Drew's Australia vacation so he didn't drive off with the PI.

[@robertkirchner7981]

Okay. This was good.

[@DemaGeek]

That's funny.... and a good move on Aptera's part, lol!

[@gr8dvd]

You may be underestimating him… I know 1 potential accomplice who had to bail (previously scheduled pedicure).

[@MarcoLandin]

Fun times had by all. I look forward to mine finally arriving sometime next year (sigh) It's been a long wait but I believe in the company and the car

[@richpate9436]

Amazing. The future for EV design is being explored here -- ultra high efficiency and solar assist. Glad I reserved one.

[@Mr.deadpoint]

I really hope aptera does well and I can consider them as an option when I need a new car in 5+ years.

[@shanefiddle]

Thrilled to see Aptera content on your channel! Thanks for posting!

[@ColeBlack2]

Driving down to Vegas for CES as I watch this! Hopefully I can go get a ride!

[@TechnikReviews]

Aptera rocks! I wish them all the best

[@nickavisa]

Great breakdowns, even from down under! Thanks

[@IDNHANTU2day]

I missed CES. I had a Ticket and all. But the Fire came within 3 miles of my house. I had to forgo CES and took up firewatch instead. But watching CES on YT, it is exciting to see how far the car has come. #1501 here. I can't wait.

[@peterstasinaki642]

I will be waiting for my 600 mile AWD version to come. I hope they figure out the rear motor situation.

[@gr8dvd]

Exactly what I preordered… anxious to see what investment is generated by CES and the validation testing purportedly to follow (importantly) in weeks not months.

[@ben-l8g2n]

@@gr8dvd +1

[@AverageJoe928]

Yep, I think that's the sweet spot. They get the kinks out and you get AWD and longer range. I also hope they have a mode where you can use just the rear hub motor while cruising on the highway to maximize efficiency.

[@peterstasinaki642]

@@AverageJoe928 I would hope it’s not a mode, it should just do it automatically.

[@AverageJoe928]

@@peterstasinaki642 I didn't mean mode as in a manually selected mode, I just meant that they'd design it with the intention of maximizing highway cruising efficiency. That way you get the punchy front motor for city driving and fast acceleration and the hub for low torque cruising, along with AWD.

[@stix2you]

The vitesco drive unit seems to be working well. No one talking about it, and haven't seen the hood open yet. But fr9m the test drive footage it appears to be strong, smooth, and free of NVH. But would love to see some closeup of the installation in the PI and accessibility with everything packed in.

[@dennisfahey2379]

Especially the cooling and Climate Control system. That's been vacant from the videos. I have seen their patents but not the real deal. As we learned with Tesla (and Toyota) maintaining battery temperature is critical. Tesla has the Octopump that will cycle warm or cold fluid to condition the battery even when the car is parked (thus draining it though). The Toyota has a thermos that stores heated fluid and will tap that thermos for warm fluid when needed. It will blow air (convection cool) the battery as needed as well.

[@jackstrange6360]

One thing that I enjoyed about the CES showing is that Chris confidently said that the 1k version will be shipping 1 year after the LE. That bodes well for my 600 range. Still waiting to hear about AWD.

[@vic321344]

He said the same thing confidently in 2019.

[@jwvandegronden]

Thanks! I love the glass hatch!! I hoped they would, for a moment some months ago it seemed the glass hatch had to make way for the solar panel, but wow! Happy with the glass hatch!!!

[@darthsirrius]

When Steve said that it came back with more charge than it left with after driving around, I burst into Happy laughter, and started cheering in my living room lol.

[@killr0y]

I do that too when I'm being lied to.

[@dennisfahey2379]

I think that was Chris who said that. Looking forward to the full reveal.

[@golfish8589]

The car was driven 20 miles during the day. And sat outside all day. It didn't gain 20 miles of range from solar during the driving time it took to drive 20 miles. Thus braking even.

[@richardryley3660]

Of course the vehicle did not gain 20 miles of charge while it was driving 20 miles. It goes without saying that the test drive model was probably sitting idle more than it was driving. That being said, the vehicle was probably not driven very fast. Which means it did not use that much energy. If it drove 20 trips it would have driven a mile per trip. Another 20 trips would just be 40 miles. You can probably still recover 20 miles while it is moving, it just won't break even. We will have to see how it did today.

[@wulf0123]

There were a number of people who never heard of Aptera there. Definitely a bunch of interest. Overheard one group doubting the price and saying they’d be surprised it’s under 60k. So if they can keep their bom down it’s going to be a huge surprise

[@willstreckfus4248]

Chris A said they got 28 miles of charge. Not bad for the dead of winter.

[@garywozniak7742]

@willstreckfus4248 that is better than I expected. I'm wondering if they were using less than 100 wH/mile at those speeds ?

[@dennisfahey2379]

in 65 degree clear sky sunny Las Vegas. It gets VERY bright there. Just look at the videos - the cameras are autodimming.

[@golfish8589]

Doesnt solar prodce more electricity when the panels are cold compared to hot

[@garywozniak7742]

@dennisfahey2379 still January is the second lowest solar energy month. I think it out performed what I would have guessed.

[@willstreckfus4248]

@@garywozniak7742 I thought I heard someone say it hit 110 in the shade.

[@andremcamara3120]

Great Video, thank you Drew Enjoy your travels, down under.

[@MoreOnEVs]

You guys should make a solar bed cap for the Telo! Factory upgrades can help with margins

[@Ingo.Mclean]

This!!

[@stephensullivan1011]

Frr

[@michaelbramel5771]

Besides the perks of the Accelerator program, I think another benefit of an early purchase is an opportunity to get referral credits more easily while the vehicle is only just starting to hit the roads.

[@dennisfahey2379]

MLM?

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@dennisfahey2379 No, they are just copying the program Tesla used when they started out.

[@willstreckfus4248]

@@michaelbramel5771 That’s exactly why I wanted to get in the top 300. I’m gonna be spending a lot of time at Cooks Corner (popular motorcycle bar) near my house. 🤓

[@CalvinJordan-b1c]

Aptera design is what an EV should be ,simple

[@Chainyanker007]

It’s got a NACS plug and Supercharger station access. Nice.

[@GNiessen]

It looks awesome.

[@stevemontana1878]

$33,000 in 2019 is worth $40,500 today. That is not a price increase. It’s the same price adjusted for inflation

[@danam0228]

I don't understand the complaints about price when they have been consistent on quotes of low 30s for base 250 mile model and mid to high 30s for LE. The increase can be attributed to making solar panels being standard on the hatch. The vehicle is a great value at $40k

[@richardryley3660]

The solar isn't actually that much of a cost factor. Battery range appears to be the main factor in the price. I don't want to get into what might have raised the price but it's a fact that most of the parts are currently being made overseas. Maybe that won't turn out to be a problem. I guess we'll see.

[@charlesbeane8795]

Well when they were crowdfunding they were sticking with the lower pricing. When they had to fess up when dealing with US Capital, $30k went to $40k , but only on the proposal to US Capital. They were still saying Low $30s when everyone already knew it was BS because they had told US Capital $40k. As for the $28k price for the 250 mile version, by the time they make those you will have forgotten they were once priced at $28k. BTW. when I made my reservation the solar panels were a $600 option. I think they really wanted to steer people that way. Maybe a problem with such a big window?

[@vic321344]

Whenever it gets produced, it will cost 49K. For that money you will get a Model Y Performance. Not a great value, really.

[@danam0228]

@vic321344 you are privy to the pricing, work for aptera?

[@vic321344]

@@danam0228 I can calculate.

[@chm2]

I would love for this to be a part of the future. We need to move on from every household having 1 F150 and 1 full size SUV in the driveway.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Another new design element is the cooling air intake that is underneath the vehicle. This should have a very minimal drag penalty because air under the car is under a slight bit of pressure, which should make the intake function well for its size. And the exhaust air exits farther back so it "fills" back into the air stream around the vehicle; which should keep things clean and low turbulence.

[@garywozniak7742]

@NeilBlanchard how about on a New England road covered with 4 or 5 inches of snow, slush, road salt, and sand ?

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@garywozniak7742 it will depend on where it is located in relation to the front wheels - my impression is that the intake is behind the low point of the underside so it is probably *not* in the splash zone, so to speak?

[@madmotorcyclist]

@@garywozniak7742 Aptera folks claim that the intake was over designed and it will be smaller when the vehicle actually gets into customer's hands. Also, if the temperature is that low maybe it getting clogged won't effect much. I've been driving a Leaf for 13 years (still on original battery) and it is completely sealed battery back with no air flow.

[@garywozniak7742]

@NeilBlanchard since it's job is to let air in, I suspect it will let winter sludge in as well. It seems like a bad idea to me.

[@garywozniak7742]

I'm worried about water, salt, and road sludge getting in. That can't be good. Water and salt are corrosive and even unprotected carbon fiber can experience galvanic corrosion if it is incontactwith metsl and an electrolyte. @madmotorcyclist

[@SteveBueche1027]

It still amazes me how e that people don’t understand that solar cells charge in the shade as well. It doesn’t have to be sunny. That’s not how they work.

[@dnomyarnostaw]

huh? That is EXACTLY how they work! Solar is waaaay less efficient in shade "A general rule of thumb is that solar panels should produce about half as much energy as they would in direct sunlight."

[@dennisfahey2379]

@@dnomyarnostaw - correct - they convert photons to electrons - its physics. Solar panel output is directly proportional to the light hitting them until saturated at which time the excess (and that which does not hit the junction) converts to heat. Very bad heat. Reflected and refracted light can yield a charge (electron) but its negligible. Point being you need direct ultraviolet light to convert. That is the nature of the chemistry of the materials.

[@SoyElDiabloRojo]

I've been excited for Aptera since the first concepts were shown, what, nearly 20 years ago? This round I put in a reservation for an AWD and was disappointed with the handling of the removal of AWD from Launch Edition as well as the price increase, though I do understand why it was necessary. I'm excited for everyone sticking with the FWD launch edition and hopefully they are able to move quickly once initial orders are fulfilled to secure continued funding and follow through with the AWD system.

[@edwardkeeter762]

I live in northern Pennsylvania, right on lake Erie. The only reservation I have about the Aptera is how well (or poorly) it will be able to handle our winter roads which can get covered with a deep layer of snow, ice and slush. That potential issue notwithstanding, I really think that Aptera has cracked the code on making a practical, real-world, affordable-to-mortals EV.

[@northernsouler]

I'll be driving it in the Alaskan rainforest, which has all the snow, ice, slush, and *inclines* you could possibly ask for. A neighbor of mine had a Smaart EV for years. Said she only had to avoid driving it 3 or 4 days a year (the days that everyone should be off the roads, quite frankly). I fully expect Aptera to be better on snow and ice than a Smaart car, and to at least match my front wheel drive sedan.

[@richpate9436]

The future AWD option, which I have reserved, would certainly help on slick roads.

[@Rhynri]

I think it should be fine - we had a Spark EV which had 50/50 weight distro (and was FWD) and the Aptera is essentially a 3rd per wheel (so 66/33 ish) so it should have even more traction than that had. The Spark was a little winter monster with snow tires and I'd assume the Aptera would be very similar considering the underside is essentially sled shaped so it'll be a lot harder to hang up on snow (and dig out if you somehow get stuck).

[@dennisfahey2379]

Ask yourself about this weather with a motorcycle because this is a three wheel motorcycle per the VIN. As for off-road - trikes are not great on differential terrain and the travel on the outriggers and the rear wheel is quite limited judging by photos. Being AWD helps for traction but not stability and center of gravity. Looking at the underbody airscoop - in snow that would be problematic. It could ice up and clog. Really I think this is a viable product for the sunbelt and specifically bicycle and motorcycle centric populations.

[@1225KPH]

The third tire will always be rolling on snow and ice while your front tires will spend a lot of time on semi dry pavement in the tracks made by four wheeled vehicles.

[@belugabruh9112]

Great!! ❤

[@david.e.h.]

Sorry you were not at CES. See you at the next show!

[@SmartMart1658]

Would love to see this go into production - go Aptera! Someone in the UK paid £200k for a Cybertruck in the UK. The Aptera is as radical as the Cybertruck. They could probably charge $80k for this vehicle and sell all the ones they can make for the next 5 years IMHO.

[@vic321344]

They will charge at least 49K.

[@normang3668]

What I want to know, how do the driving characteristics differ between the vitesco powered model and the hub motors?

[@dennisfahey2379]

If the software is properly done you should not notice. The rear drive likely did little for the experience. It probably added a lot to regen. But your point is valid.

[@richardryley3660]

Yeah, we will have to see what test drivers report, but the Vitesco motor supposedly has more power than the original three motors. It should have plenty of punch, the only question will be the reduced traction. And it still has front wheel drive so there won't be rear wheel slippage. I will be interested to see if Aptera tries to bring back the hub motors for all wheel drive or settle on a hybrid arrangement.

[@golfish8589]

Torque vectoring would have been great with hub motors. Some have messed around with front wheels that do not turn. Just torque vectoring to turn

[@vic321344]

The difference between 3 times 150kW and a single 150kW motor.

[@richardryley3660]

@@vic321344 The original Elaphe hub motors were 50 kW, not 150 kW

[@jeffg4686]

we need carry along solar panels since they can make them so thin these days. That way, when you stop, you can soak up energy like 3x as fast.

[@ziqi92]

If this thing recharges 40 miles per day on average, I don’t even need a big battery. Give me the 250mi version. This thing will blow the Tesla Model 3 out of the water when it comes to commuting and errands that my ebike can’t handle.

[@netscrooge]

I'm guessing it will be up to 40m/day under ideal conditions, not the average.

[@ciscorodriguez-quijano840]

One caveat, During Cybertech’s test drive, Chris Mcammon said the test vehicle is speed limited, so consumption is still not real life… we’ll see after validation stage.

[@MaxRoaldEckardt]

Tesla did great groundwork in creating the current EV market. I understand they had to generate demand by ICE metrics, fast acceleration, large dimensions, and very conservative design. But I never understood why they stick with it. Even with the latest batteries you will always be limited by the lengthy forced breaks with wasteful designs like their cars. Aptera is so elegant from an efficiency standpoint. While not exactly super affordable measured by used ICE cars with similar dimensions, production is still very low scale. I imagine a huge market for these in Europe, where electricity is much more expensive, the price will come down with scaled production. Personally knowing a product is efficient is a priceless luxury. From an engineering standpoint it brings countless synergistic effects, like component lifetime, service cost, and alleviated range anxiety is a unique selling proposition that ought to boot off ICE engines all together..

[@netscrooge]

Well said. Thank you.

[@elertus]

Very Good Drew… even from “ Down Under “😉 Safe travels! I enjoyed the show and After Hours party. YES Impressive PIs. Very professional events and huge attendance. Shiny dashboard array may be less shiny in production. Wheel pants had 3D printed pants yet ….but what we saw was representative!

[@JEP-Tech]

Also other EV companies don't support right to repair and make you pay extra for "subscription" services. We need Aptera to pave the way, to get OEMs to get away from making cars giants smart phones on wheels that no one knows how to fix. I like to imagine a future where Apteras are common and you can buy third party replacement parts from China for super cheap and fix anything that goes wrong with it yourself.

[@ccibinel]

The vehicle looks good but many 3d printed or incomplete components still to be worked out. A true PI with production processes and tooling for everything still has a lot of outstanding work. Supply chains for producing all the parts is complex and tariff on the parts could add substancially to the prices. The lower air instake concerns me for winter driving and aero. As a canadian from BC (cheap power) the solar is kinda irrelevant any and the changes from IWM, no AWD, no heated seats, air intake and no lite duty towing option are concerning for my use. To me Aptera is a unique all season EV sports car with storage and its yet to be seen how well the early ones can handle that use case. I may end up waiting until AWD returns or plan to sell my initial aptera once it is available.

[@dennisfahey2379]

Agree completely. Congrats to them for at least showing up but its not a brilliant showing. Its far from "first article" ready for release. Quite far. And I do not think this is a winter vehicle at all. Not even sure I'd want to be in one in a tropical downfall in say Thailand. Great to be shrouded from the elements but iffy and if that rear tire slides - crikey!

[@youtubedavidprice]

Drew - Really enjoy your channels. How do I contact Aptera to set up a quick visit to see one? Many thanks!

[@allenmonroe4512]

Great video - it's weird when you hold the phone in different hands the audio switches sides when you listen in headphones

[@thomascorbett2936]

Good job .

[@garywozniak7742]

It looks very impressive. They've done a great job. On the negative side, placing an air scoop on the underside is a bad idea. I will most likely decline to purchase the LE for $40k. I have fairly high reservation number and probably would be lucky to see it come up in 2027. If the 250 mile model is available by then I would consider buying that.

[@michaelbramel5771]

I guess one silver lining about having a higher reservation number is that you can keep your place in line while waiting to see how things shake out.

[@gmv0553]

Having a lower number does not hurt! They said if you do not want to buy one when your number comes up, just let us know when you are ready.​@@michaelbramel5771

[@Miata822]

Where can I see video of a test drive of the PI?

[@justinhaller2055]

Maybe when they build one thats only 6' wide... 7 foot wide car how do you fit that in L.A. or N.Y.????

[@Fairburne69]

I'm hoping Aptera makes it to market and starts selling. Sadly $35k was pushing the limits of what I could afford. $30k is my usual cap for purchase. At $32k I was willing. Even at $35k I was willing to push the limits. At $40k it's just too much for me. Looks like Hybrids will remain in my foreseeable future. Inefficient EV's that I can't charge from home are not good options for me.

[@gr8dvd]

Totally reasonable! But seems Aptera wishes broad adoption so if they can attract ample funds for full high-volume production, expect price reductions after early adopters and lower cost on moderately used ones.

[@Fairburne69]

@gr8dvd I hope you are correct. Whether I buy one or not I want them to succeed.

[@golfish8589]

Calculate fuel and insurance cost savings.

[@stephensullivan1011]

My dad just got a 2019 awesome model 3 for $15,000. Why can't you do that? 🤔 Trust me, they rock and you won't regret it 🤙

[@Fairburne69]

@stephensullivan1011 Can't charge a Tesla at home. And the closest charging station is 10 miles away.My Elantra Hybrid is a 2020. 40,000 miles and paid for.

[@cacogenicist]

Sure seems a very shoestring operation. They need a big cash injection.

[@golfish8589]

Their wish list is a 50 million dollar check to purchase all assembly equipment need to produce at max speed

[@mgxmaddguiness7066]

I wish I could test in the Midwest. Would be a hoot ❤❤❤❤❤

[@aaronbounds1336]

Is the Aptera NACS going to work at all superchargers from day one?

[@battery_wattage]

I saw the price going up. It should be no surprise. Hopefully they can achieve profitability soon and bring it back down because only people who really want it are going to buy it at that price.

[@normang3668]

It will be interesting to see how well it sells... On one hand, I think a lot of people with money to burn might buy one purely for the novelty of it. On the other hand, the sheer efficiency/free energy will appeal to a lot of people just for the functionality. Will it be too expensive for the average buyer, and too weird for those with cash to burn? Or will have something for everybody and be a huge hit?

[@dennisfahey2379]

Like the Segways? Seemed like every rich person bought a Segway - they even played polo with them. You know if it was self driving and safe enough to shuttle the kids to school - it may have a utility. But the Robotaxi fills that niche and will no doubt score a five star crash rating.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@dennisfahey2379 Comparing Aptera with a Segway is something I don't understand. But my wife and I have each ridden in a prototype, and we know that it has a great deal of utility for most people in our rural Iowa community.

[@quvanny]

the BIG Question is will that adapt the FSD???

[@Kukaboora]

The question of FSD is really not big. FSD is not the only game in town. If you go to China, there are fully autonomous driving like WeRide, MoveIt, XPeng and BYD system. In the US, there are WeRide, Zooxs and of course Waymo Autonomous driving. I believe Aptera currently use Comma AI AutoPilot.

[@garywozniak7742]

@quvanny I hope not. $8k or $100/month to join the cult.

[@madmotorcyclist]

@@Kukaboora I think one of the Aptera people was part of the Comma AI development.

[@kurt16950]

on my order i ordered with Comma ai ... after driving FSD ... I would never want a vehicle that does not have that option.

[@williamgrunzweig571]

No, it's not a plug and play type of technology. Sorry.

[@robertkirchner7981]

40 km. solar range is good enough for me. $40,000.00 is a lot, but the price increase is less than average total inflation since 2019. Such is the world economy in the last half decade.

[@madmotorcyclist]

You make a good point. I was hoping the batteries getting cheaper would offset it more.

[@MattyFreedom]

They need economies of scale to get the price down. Early adopters get the wow factor for a bit extra.

[@davidmcclaskey6285]

DELIVERY? 50 ,000 orders?? I'm 78 years old. Hope I get one as a LE.

[@madmotorcyclist]

Eight years younger and in the same boat. I'm hoping this is my final vehicle. My 13 year old Leaf has to hold out another 2 years, I hope.

[@cacogenicist]

May biomedical science and engineering proceed at an accelerating pace.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@madmotorcyclist I have more than 1/2 a million miles on motorcycles, and hope to be able to get one in time to use it. My own health at 75 makes that questionable. But my wife runs a completely volunteer ride share program in Iowa, and an Aptera would be perfect for it, even if I don't have much direct benefit - it will make life better for people I care about.

[@madmotorcyclist]

@@n.brucenelson5920 I still ride my Harley but not so much as I used to and get by with my 13 year old Leaf for the grocery and errand runs.

[@DarrylSmith-xz3so]

I was reservation 4284(or something close to that) 15 years ago. I am hoping that they are able to pull this off. My neighbor RSVPed one 3 years ago and was told he would be taking possession last summer, but that was pushed back. Wonder why it continues to be pushed back. 15 years ago - the Economy caused them to discontinue - never got my $500.00 back, but willing to buy one - for sure - if it really happens!

[@n.brucenelson5920]

The founders lost control of the original company, whose president abandoned the plans after kicking them completely off the board and having to liquidate. The original deposits were offered back before the company liquidated, and most were returned. The current company - Aptera Corp. - bought the rights and has organized the company to maintain control this time. I invested because it represents a future I wish to see happen.

[@Harrythehun]

Cybertruck is sales volumes are low, would Aptera also have trouble with selling due to the controversial design and limitations?

[@kurt16950]

most likely that will be an issue.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

It is hard to see why any person would be interested in a Cybertruck other than as a status symbol. Aptera's features are functional.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

I want.

[@matthewmanzi9504]

The increase is for the initial units sold and they hope to lower the price as economies of scale improve. The first units will be more costly but those first 10k people or so won’t cancel because of this. Also don’t compare it to a model 3. There are some people who would look at both but many of us are never Tesla at this point due to Elon.

[@dennisfahey2379]

No comparison with the Model3. The Model3 is cheaper and a full fledged automobile. More a comparison with a CanAm.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@dennisfahey2379 The proper Tesla comparison is with the Roadster.

[@netscrooge]

It's "never Tesla" for me too.

[@russstockman3477]

Don't forget I believe Aptera is using a NMC battery which is limited for battery life to charge up to 80% daily so you technically have 320 range. That is what I like about my 2023 Model 3 with the LFP battery and charging it up to 100% for the full 272 miles. The Aptera was to be our Hawaii retirement car but $40,000 might kill that idea. Might have to wait for the 250 at $28,000.

[@dennisfahey2379]

A lot of significant changes not the least of which is the rising pricing --- for less.

[@golfish8589]

Any nmc battery can be charged to 100% full without degradation if driven right away. Lfp has its downsides that offsets the high cycle life. Lfp has it downsides in the cold. If you don't live up north . Lfp is a win win. Enjoy your car.

[@L1VE3V1L]

If airwolf wasn’t an inspiration for this, I’ll eat my hat.

[@Salanan]

I have an innocent past time of challenging myself to geolocating exactly where a video was shot from, especially if its an unusual place for the poster. This was difficult, but wanted to say gotcha ;-)

[@williampisano7573]

My one ☝️ question 🙋‍♂️ how are they going to deliver a tree wheel car 18wheeler they hold 4 wheel cars ?????

[@harriettanthony7352]

Two thoughts; one, use a flat floor trailer or build a dolly for the back wheel

[@netscrooge]

The trucking industry currently moves many thousands of two- and three-wheel vehicles. I doubt a few thousand Apteras per year will be a problem.

[@jeffwest195]

As much as I want this to actually cost 40 or less. It’s not going to happen. When you can get a model 3 for basically the same Aptera is not gonna happen.. This video just made me really sad.

[@jeffbertuleit5848]

No need to announce to general public, but I hope the interest will accelerate the funding offering. It will help me to jump in more.

[@michaelkruse1413]

We will see if they ever get to production. Still no rich investor for bailout.

[@DanLucas-n6i]

So I noticed that the audio package is gone now so that's also in the price increase but is what it is. I'll say that the 250 mile came up in price but still under $30K while I was all about the launch edition I'm torn with the price increase but still think I'm going with one. Also, I seem to have the maligned EVs but here's how my garage looks now, 2017 Chevy bolt (love this car and tesla charging win!) Went with a 2024 Subaru Solterra due to ground clearance for off roading and snow. This means if I sell the bolt and buy an aptera my garage will be omni terra sorry had to.

[@gameworkerty]

The price hike loses me, but my goal these days is to live entirely car-free anyway.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Not a bad goal. My wife and I already run a volunteer ride program for our community. An Aptera would be awesome and lower the cost to the volunteer drivers.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Tesla fan not used to doors being fit properly

[@Ingo.Mclean]

The price point may kill it. Especially since Tesla is looking to release a $30k 2 seater later this year. And I’m an accelerator >.

[@mixedup84]

I'll believe it when Elon sends himself to mars

[@richevanscpa]

$1,000 for your spot in the line!

[@garywozniak7742]

@mixedup84 I'd invest in that if it is a possibility.

[@madmotorcyclist]

Tesla has already backed up on that statement.

[@dennisfahey2379]

I agree. In the US Tesla's new entry level will set the low bar and they have economy of scale already. This vehicle is a variant. In Asia - where this is a better fit - BYD's at $12K with the Dolphin already. So why would you look elsewhere. BYD plans to export the Dolphin to the EU where they have grown dramatically. Still blocked from the US.

[@GIRGHGH]

It's a really odd effect, seeing it actually built makes me feel pretty fine with the higher price.

[@RaymondCore-ts5jl]

Inflation over the last four years was 20%. The price of the Aptera has to rise the same because their costs have gone up.

[@aftonline]

Is there a possibility that Aptera may become eligible for an incentive between now and the end of the year? We don't know yet exactly what the new administration will do. Maybe that's the reason for the $7000 price increase? Because Aptera knows something we don't?

[@charlesbeane8795]

Mr Trump doesn't like EVs. Not a chance. The reason they went up to $40k was because they HAD to be honest in their disclosures to US Capital. They are playing to two audiences, crowdfunders who are running on faith, and real investors who work with facts.

[@timothyrussell4445]

That's all well and good, but where are you going to stick the shopping or the kids?

[@netscrooge]

There is a large cargo area, over 32 cubic feet. They say that's enough to hold 40 bags of groceries.

[@timothyrussell4445]

@@netscrooge Must be like the Tardis then

[@golfish8589]

Please beg them to put in side airbags

[@madmotorcyclist]

Doubt that will happen and they have said as much. The shape of the vehicle though has more space around the head than a typical vehicle so I doubt if you have a side impact your head would hit the side. However, because the vehicle is only 2200 pounds it will have more dramatic G forces on impact. We will learn more when they actually start the crash tests a few months away.

[@golfish8589]

I disagree. It's basic physics. On object (head) will not move until a force is active upon it. If you get t-boned. Your car will hit your stationary head. When you see a person fall down. Either forwards or backwards or sideways. It is very difficult to keep your head from heating the ground.. The Aptera is very narrow not counting the wheels. The head is not far from the interior wall

[@madmotorcyclist]

@@golfish8589 It depends on the egg shape of the passenger compartment. If the vehicle just bounces off and not flatten or intrude from a collision like normal vertically flat sides of vehicles then I might be right. But who knows till it happens and the crash test results come in. Carbon fiber reaction to collision is radically different than aluminum or steel.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@golfish8589 " The head is not far from the interior wall" Both seat have been moved inward from the original prototypes, to make that less true.

[@rayc.8555]

That large windshield is like a solar oven. Would it have an AC system large enough? Great concept, really cool looking but even a minor fender bender would put it out of action.

[@mauricemcmahon536]

I love it...but 40k, IMHO it's too expensive. Two seats and three wheels not worth more than 25k to me. I wish them luck, they are gonna need it.

[@stephensullivan1011]

Unfortunately, I agree..

[@JayCAlan]

Killed their forum with the new website. I don't blame them, having a forum at all was a bold choice. I assumed it was heavily moderated to the point of being useless anyway. The commenters were a weird culty mix of Amway level fan bois. But some of those people were accelerators, and it seems flippant to wipe the historical record of them saving the company (for awhile).

[@josepht1575]

i wonder what the price difference would be if they added a 4th wheel at that price. potholes are going to be rough with 3 wheels and those front wheel covers. *edit* looks like the 40k is for the 400 mile range launch addition. 250 miles is 29k for the lowest with full solar and theres a 1k off road option so maybe that will be better for poleholes lol

[@yewhanlim8916]

Why three wheels? Circle steering please.

[@RONNIE-T-OVER]

Play grab ass too much.... the world deserve this???? This is not enough after all this time.

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Damn cheek promoting Aptera from Australia, and not a single mention of right hand drive plans.

[@blakesterdrums1647]

Haven't even done real world road tests on production model yet....bet ya mileage will be closer to 300 than 400 miles.....interior looks really cheap. The 40k is gonna truly hurt it's chances

[@golfish8589]

There is a mathematical formula that does an excellent job of predicting range. Weight, rolling resistance coefficient of drag. I think there are about 10 measurements that go into the calculations. Not rocket science

[@blakesterdrums1647]

@golfish8589 computers can't completely mimic real world...remember humans program them...if the program is wrong the results are wrong. .look I'm an investor and reservation holder so I want it to succeed....but until one actually gets crashed real world you never know

[@blakesterdrums1647]

@@golfish8589 humans create those mathematical formulas. if they are wrong then they don't mean jack. that's why we have real world tests

[@luysterborgh]

I STILL have concerns about the overhang on both the front and rear wheels. I am convinced that it will NOT work with speed bumps. Certainly not the ones I encounter in Europe, especially France, where in smaller villages they are really steep, forcing cars to slow down to less than 30 km/h. I think you really have to crawl over them now. (like you would with a Lamborghini) I hope they sort this out before Aptera produces mine.

[@garywozniak7742]

@luysterborgh the front wheels move with the wheel pants. They don't move with the wheel pants.

[@luysterborgh]

@@garywozniak7742 I'm aware of that. I'm worried about the first 30 cm of the overhang. before the wheels 'hit' the speedbump.

[@madmotorcyclist]

​@luysterborgh That is why there are the separate foam front and back parts that can be scraped if the bump or angle of attack is too high and won't ruin the actual main covering.

[@luysterborgh]

@@madmotorcyclist Thnx That I'm also aware of. But I assume that will have to order a lot of spare pieces...

[@kurt16950]

also i saw one report that there was 5" clearance underneath where the air scoop picks up air... that could be an issue for many, or a point of breakage for some folks at speed bumps or rough terrain.

[@Jiggyb00]

What about people who didn't "upgrade" to the launch model?

[@americanearthling9671]

I want it, but I worry how it will handle snow

[@netscrooge]

I bet it will do fine on plowed roads, especially if you have snow tires. Unplowed roads with deep snow where the rear wheel travels will probably be challenging.

[@americanearthling9671]

@ what about slush getting into that low raid intake vent. Do you think that would clog, and what effect would that have on

[@netscrooge]

@@americanearthling9671 They said that design is just one of three possibilities, so no point in worrying about it till the design is final.

[@claytonkuchta6565]

“This early in the design process” weren’t they trying to start production runs in October of 2024? Does anyone else feel like they are getting strung along? Stop changing and just make the dang thing.

[@johnbrown4568]

Aptera needs to hurry up with this car ---> the people in Duluth, Buffalo and Ottawa are in need of this vehicle. 🙄😂🤣

[@vic321344]

Who needs a motorcycle that is wider than a Hummer H1?

[@inc0de]

Solar cells generally generate more power during an hour of winter daylight on a clear day than an hour of sunlight on a clear day in summer. This isn't that profound, it's just how solar works.

[@netscrooge]

Maybe in the south, but for sure not in the north. Even though solar cells are more efficient in cold temperatures, the reduction in sunlight intensity during winter due to the longer atmospheric path usually outweighs the efficiency gains.

[@WildernessExcursions]

I wonder how long it'll take before we see a Chinese knockoff Aptera.

[@kurt16950]

AT their speed of duplication, they could be in full scale production before Aptera!

[@gr8dvd]

Maybe a side benefit to sourcing so many parts from China…. deter knock-offs?

[@kurt16950]

@ I’ll be in Shanghai next week and will keep my eyes open