Driving a Solar Powered Car Prototype! | 2024 Aptera

[@Desher_ER]

Robert(Aging Wheels) and your friends having fun in your Volt while you drive the Aptera is so wholesome

[@ElectrekGarage]

If you look closely, Quinn flips off the camera lol

[@Skylancer727]

I loved the descriptions under everyone. Robert "the gay one", Quinn "not gay", Robby-D "some guy I found on the street", and Chris "our babysitter".

[@ElectrekGarage]

@@Skylancer727 those are the peak of my comedic abilities

[@computerlove87]

*Bolt (sorry I had to 😂)

[@huge_balls]

Bolt

[@artboymoy]

Two great Aptera videos in 5 hours of each other. Thanks for making it and jealous that you got to drive it!

[@ElectrekGarage]

It took months to plan but it was so exciting!

[@a5-30-31cts]

@@ElectrekGarage Thanks both to you and to Robert (Aging Wheels)! Very well done coverage of the Aptera

[@shrimptopian3392]

There are about 10.000 videos about Aptera Bankrupt 2024

[@jameshebda9255]

Thank you for saying you are 6'3". I am 6'4" and although I am on the waitlist I was concerned I might not actually fit.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Chris Anthony is 6'4".

[@Not31337]

Aging Wheels subscriber here, this video popped up in my feed shortly after I watched his video.

[@JoeBManco]

I hope Aptera is a success, because I want one.

[@ChrisM-tn3hx]

I really want one of these. Can't wait to see them go into production.

[@-NGC-6302-]

Check this out guys, some more insane numbers to toss around: 2024 Ford F150 fuel tank capacity: 36 gallons (one option has 30). Multiplied by the EPA estimate of 33.7kWh/gal, that's a little over 1.2 megawatt hours (1,213.2 kWh). Multiplied by 10 miles per kWh, that's enough energy for an Aptera to drive... OVER TWELVE THOUSAND MILES. Getting 100% usable energy from gas is obviously unattainable, but even assuming 75% losses that's still equivalent to 3 thousand miles. The rampant inefficiency of seemingly everything popular makes Aptera seem like some kind of transport messiah or something...

[@MIRAGEDEALER]

I am so pissed I didn't pull the trigger on the accelerator program. When I finally decided to invest, I found out it had just filled up. I was 151 in the initial reservation holder . 100% they will bring it to production. Can't wait for mine.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

I got in at #42. You probably still made the list for a Paradigm edition, no? It will be worth the wait.

[@MIRAGEDEALER]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Absolutely.

[@darthsirrius]

@@n.brucenelson5920 I'm so annoyed I didn't hear about Aptera earlier, I'd love a paradigm =/ I think I'm 8000 something lol

[@northernsouler]

At least reservation 141 should be just a few days behind the final Accelerator.

[@MIRAGEDEALER]

@@northernsouler Yes, that is my hope.

[@a5-30-31cts]

I'm reservation holder for past 3 yrs. Early on, I shared a common concerned about the issue of unsprung weight caused by in-wheel motors. But now that I've seen a lot more test drives, I notice nobody has commented on that harshness from unsprung wheel weight. On a regular car, the energy of the wheel's up and down motion is mostly transferred to the car via relatively short control arms and via the vertically mounted shock/strut that is located very near the wheel. On the Aptera, the control arms are much longer and the shock/strut is at the other end of the arms. By the time the movement reaches the shock, its travel is shorter and less direct than on normal setup. I can't expect the production Aptera to be Rolls Royce smooth, but certainly not as bad as we initially thought. We'll see...

[@richpate9436]

Enjoyed the genuine enthusiasm during the test drive. I'm glad I pre-ordered an Aptera, in Sol (white).

[@stevelane5023]

Great review! I’m way down the list at 30,000ish so probably won’t see my Aptera till 2026. Very exciting journey. Thank you for your input. Go Aptera!

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@sswpp8908]

I'm sad to say that despite having worked in an office less than a mile away from Aptera for years, I'm only just hearing about it recently. All of the content lately showing off the car and factory Ive grown confident enough to become an investor last week.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Thank you. All of us who have invested can be thankful for each other.

[@IDNHANTU2day]

That was what many reservation holders and investors were yelling about. Especially when we heard Aptera was hurting for money. We wanted to know why they did not expose the vehicle more often at more relevant places. Now finally it is getting more publicity.

[@DHyre]

Agreed on publicity, it’s starting to feel like a snowball starting to gather speed, momentum, and real growth! I’m guessing they didn’t want huge publicity until they were close to delivery, it’s a balance between excitement and those who can wait, and those who’d call it a failure if not delivered NOW NOW NOW. We patient ones get to share the excitement and be first :)

[@IDNHANTU2day]

@@DHyre now after waiting since, Jan 2021, and an accelerator investors, I can only say it was worth the wait. I was 69 years old when I reserved one. No I'm 72. So you can understand my anxiety.

[@a5-30-31cts]

@@IDNHANTU2day I'm in same boat (71 now, reserved early 2022. small investor). Prioritizing detoxing from bad foods, sugars, carbs and trying Keto, and keeping my 2009 Kia Rio running until I get possession of my LE Aptera. Wish me luck! You take care and best wishes! Hope you get your Aptera too!

[@EricMarschner]

Nice job. Reserved.

[@ElectrekGarage]

What color did you reserve tho???

[@Yadnus912]

Noir Black FTW 😁

[@jozh]

Well done! Great Video 👍

[@richh650]

The Aptera! Excellent video. I love it!!!

[@g60dood]

I love this video because it feels so much more mainstream than others who have taken Aptera for a test drive.

[@ElectrekGarage]

That was my goal! I feel that other youtubers didn't do it justice! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@vevenaneathna]

you can just put 12v solar on ur volt for a 5-10% increase in range by eliminating the draw out of the 12v battery system. going to do this and upload another horribly filmed video on my channel in a few weeks.

[@ElectrekGarage]

I'll be interested to watch that video! I've thought about doing that before

[@jochenstacker7448]

THIS is the kind of EV we need more of, not idiotic massive pickup trucks that use the energy of three suburban houses. And I could watch you and Robert talk about anything at all for hours. If you two could also pull in Alec from Technology Connections it would be my idea of heaven.

[@ElectrekGarage]

I fully agree! Small car = better car! And I can say from experience, me and Robert's conversations get old really quick. On the 6 hour drive back from aptera we talked almost exclusively about EV charging lol

[@pchasco]

Alec lives near Chicago, where we have winter. I wonder how this vehicle would fare in winter conditions…

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@pchasco I live in Iowa, about 5 hours away. We had -22 F (-30 C) weather and 2 ft of snow about two weeks ago. I will likely have mine in 2025 and will report on the performance. I think it will do very well in those conditions.

[@DouglasWalrath]

@@ElectrekGarage you may be surprised how many people want to watch those conversations

[@DouglasWalrath]

@@pchasco the all wheel drive model will probably handle snow pretty well, traction-wise

[@jerrymolnar8010]

I'm an accelerator investor (currently #86) and ambassador,,,, I'm soooooooooooo jealous you got to drive it..... whaaaaaaat!!! but GREAT job on the video!! VERY polished and professional .

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you! I was so excited to get this opportunity!

[@cmdrx5099]

Love the Aterra, can't wait for the production version. Am getting the 600 mile range, no doubt. Tired of maintaining ICE vehicles & gas. Apterra will be a daily driven vehicle. Hurry up Aterra, many are wating.

[@SpecReviewPlus]

This genuinely makes me more excited for my reservation! I'm okay with waiting longer because it gives me time to save up 😅 It's so cool that you got to try it! I'm sure you're over the moon about this car like I am.

[@amosbatto3051]

Actually the original Aptera Motors existed from 2005 to 2011. Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony left the original Aptera in 2009, but then restarted the company in 2019.

[@fablegarmeth6897]

If there was any way I could swing it, I would trade in my SUV that I don't use all that extra room for very often for one of these bad boys.

[@richardryley3660]

Excellent job on the video. You didn't just do a test drive, you got to do a tour of the solar panel assembly as well, snd even look at the CF and FG SMC. And I liked all the detail you went into with it all. And driving the Alpha was awesome. You see so little of them these days, but it's really cool seeing the differences so clearly. In a few months I hope we see a PI build that can be test driven. We're getting so close, and I'm sure Aptera is planning to give a preview just as soon ss they can. Although if they aren't planning to do an unveil at a show I would be surprised.

[@ElectrekGarage]

There was a ton of the factory that I wasn't allowed to show but it was so cool! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! As soon as they have a PI model ready I'll make another video with Aptera!

[@ElectrekGarage]

@aussieideasman8498 there's a difference between "being transparent" and "not being allowed to reveal things due to the people they have partnered with"

[@crow_boi3387]

I do wish they would add some physical buttons to the interior design. Personally I hate having to take my eyes off the road to look at the screen whenever I want use the A/C or music, I cant imagine having to deal with the same thing when changing gears too. Plus, its not just a personal preference, these screen only cars have been proven to be incredibly more dangerous than one's with classic physical buttons.

[@ElectrekGarage]

100% agree! Physical buttons for the win! It's one of the few things I hate about the Aptera

[@n.brucenelson5920]

There are some physical buttons, including for Park, drive, reverse, and levers to direct the air vents.

[@pwrrpw319]

The world needed this awesome vehicle like 40+ years ago!, so too say it can't come soon enough is an incredibly big understatement! , too bad it will be too late to help save us ! , oh well............

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Every step in the right direction is important, no matter how small.

[@EmonWBKstudios]

I am a "car abolitionist" and am thus against the use of cars. I believe we should get rid of them for any situations that aren't strictly necessary, but this car is the one exception. This is how they should be designed, for absolute efficiency (and hopefully, utility)

[@ElectrekGarage]

I'm with you, but unfortunately, the way most cities are laid out (especially in America) cars are a necessary evil. Trains for the win!

[@Zoey_the_Rat]

The other extreme exception is a minivan for when you often need to bring a lot of people and or cargo

[@Tivis7]

​@ElectrekGarage I agree with you lol. Thankfully things are starting to change, but in the meantime I'm looking forward to dlseeing more vehicles like this one.

[@whatsdrugs]

Agree. Public transit is an amazing, most often extremely poorly executed idea. Honestly, car ownership should be an exception not the norm.

[@ronfarnsworth7074]

Appreciate your position and where you're coming from. Idealism has its place for a new way of doing things from scratch but keep in mind there's also real world reality for a market evolved solution to this case of auto based suburban sprawl. Just a personal opinion and comment of mine when it comes to convincing others of your pov especially if they have a binary position as well. Hope you and I pursue our private revolutions but sometimes thinking "gray" has its place for the greater good of changing minds of others. Hope that doesn't come across to you as a personal attack, it's not. Be well.

[@deanmcmanis9398]

This was a fun video. I am also an Aptera investor and reservation holder, and I can't wait to be driving around in my very own Aptera! 🚗🌞

[@ElectrekGarage]

You and me both!

[@kevinscott8642]

Same!

[@kevinscott8642]

@@ElectrekGarage This is my first time seeing this channel. Nice work. 👍 Subscribed, and looking forward to more of your Aptera content!

[@DrTeeHenry]

Paraphrasing John Grafman, Executive Director, Auto・Design・O: "I can't wait to see an Aptera rolling down my street! That's just so rad. Little kids will be jumping up and down and dogs will be barking. The adults will be asking two questions: 'What is it?' and 'Where do I get one?'."

[@evolv.e]

Have two Aptera Launch Editions on preorder - can’t wait! ☀️⚡️❤️

[@JaredWyns]

I've been looking forward to this car since it's announcement in the early 2010s; Seeing it finally so close to release has me hella hyped. This car in Sol is the only thing I've deemed worthy of replacing my 350z. I'd love to see a Kintsugi/Calico/Koi edition xD Thanks for taking the tour & showing off this awesome car :D

[@n.brucenelson5920]

This company was only formed in 2019, and the design started then. I am glad for your excitement!

[@JaredWyns]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Not quite. Aptera was founded in 05', liquidated in 11' and relaunched in 19'. The design of the car has remained largely the same however (externally and aerodynamically at least), people thought it was weird way back then but now people finally are seeing the light lol. Either way it's awesome to see them back, I should be ready to drop 30k+ or finance one when they're available for purchase. It'll be super fun to cruise around the mountains in it 🤩

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@JaredWyns The car shape is not exclusive to Aptera. One other example is a '90s MIT car. The Aptera Inc. vehicle does not share a single part or even dimension with the 2019 version. They both harken back to the 1982 A. Morelli design. The drive train is completely different, using wheel motors. It is hard to find a vehicle these days with a completely new drive train, but Aptera Corp. has managed it with the Elaphe M700 derived wheel motors. Advantages include fewer friction losses, more crumple zone space and simpler build, but at the cost of slightly more unsprung weight - largely accommodated by the suspension design. I agree, it should be super fun. When we pick ours up, we plan to take it camping in Death Valley straight from the factory.

[@kevinscott8642]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Bruce, I know it’s based on the Morelli shape - but Aptera actually does have a patent granted on their specific shape/design. I looked it up on the US patent office website. Anyway, we’re both looking forward to driving ours! I’ll be getting one of the first ones as an Accelerator.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@kevinscott8642 I am grateful for you. Your investment helps us all get ours. Could you tell me which specific patents you are referring to? Aptera has greatly modified their shape compared to the Aptera Inc. patents and even the earlier Aptera Corp prototypes.

[@stevenemert837]

With the most recent Aptera drives and reviews by KZbinrs like Electrek Garage and Aging Wheels, I can't understand why someone with deep pockets hasn't stepped up with a large investment to get them over the finish line faster. This car appears to be everything it should be. Hyper efficient, easy and fun to drive, acts like a regular car in all the right ways. Lower environmental impact than other EV's since not as much battery is needed for the same or better range. The time they've taken between the first prototypes and the latest has allowed Aptera to refine the vehicle, so when it does make it to production it won't feel like a first generation car, and they've worked out materials and production techniques so they'll be able to have some scale of mass production right away, as compared to the low volume hand-built initial production of other EV startups.

[@ElectrekGarage]

Even without that large investment, I am blown away by what aptera had to show! Would love to see a big investment but even without it I have faith in the company, even if it takes them slightly longer to reach production

[@johnpoldo8817]

As an investor and early reservation holder, I can’t wait to get delivery. I wish it had variable steer by wire because yoke works best when only turning 180 degrees. I’ll be satisfied with 25-30 mi on solar in sunny Florida. I’d buy an Aptera even if it didn’t offer solar. Sadly, they still need a White Knight for funding to go into production. I wish Mr. Musk would invest.

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank God "Mr. Musk" hasn't invested. He would drive this company into the ground. I want him to stay far far away from Aptera.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@ElectrekGarage I agree. I worked across the street from him in Union City in 2008 and saw that disaster as it unfolded. He had to lay off all his engineers when he ran out of money and my company hired them. He sold around 200 vehicles as sports cars that would break their transmissions if you tried to accelerate briskly. On demo days, he had a stack of transmissions and a crew to replace them with new ones after every demo ride. Only a last hour investment from Daimler saved them from bankruptcy and that wasn't his only brush with it. Aptera has done a much better job of managing both the product and the company so far.

[@meeskees702]

Just discovered this channel and really loving your presentation style. Incredible car!

[@fliporhold]

I am so looking forward to mine

[@HeneryCoolinz17]

Great video Declan! Love seeing Quinn in the vids. Happy birthday btw 🎉

[@hammersampson]

My wife tells me she would never ride in that thing with me 😂. Regardless, I’m still buying one.

[@ElectrekGarage]

Why!? It's a beautiful car!? Your wife has bad taste in cars

[@AaronVets]

@@ElectrekGarage💯💯💯🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Readerb86g]

I can see in some households, that is a definite positive to purchase. My car will be the Aptera. My wife wants a 2-door Jeep w/o doors and as open as possible. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@cmdrx5099]

Lose the wife and get a new one. They are a dime a dozen. Or just not have one. Baskin Robbins, 21 flavors.

[@glennzajic7318]

Her loss! Bet she changes her mind in a hurry after you get it.

[@abarguy]

You guys don’t have any negatives? Well, I personally love the car, have been a reservation holder for 3 years and am an Accelerator as well and I have a couple. The split side window bar looks distracting and in a bad spot for causing a blind spot. The yoke steering wheel, well, I hope I can get past it anyway. Looks to have a high step over door sill. I really wanted the car like headlights from back about 3 years ago. They were awesome! I am curious though… the car looks pretty easy to steer and stop without power steering or power brakes. Why then add power to them? That only increases the complexity, weight and systems that can fail. Otherwise, I’m super excited to get mine!!

[@ElectrekGarage]

The window blind spot is definitely not great but honestly I enjoyed the yoke! I'm also not the biggest fan of everything being controlled through the screen with no physical buttons but oh well... also it absolutely needs power brakes lol, I could definitely tell when driving it!

[@RisteSekuloski]

Great review. I wonder how your channel does not have 10x subscribers. Keep it up!

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement!

[@tomhsia4354]

25:06 Reminder that that prototype is limited to HALF the power of the production version and no power brakes. The production version will of course have traction control and ABS. If ROBERT from Aging Wheels thinks a 3 wheel car is stable, it is, just look at how he drives.

[@pmhcare]

Been saving for my aptera for two years now . I'm poor but close

[@thndr_5468]

The knock to open feature is so unique I love how quirky this vehicle is!

[@Okurka.]

It's a gimmick at best.

[@FishyBoi1337]

@@Okurka. so are tesla's handles. Some call it personality.

[@Okurka.]

@@FishyBoi1337 Others call it childish.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@Okurka. some are just into name calling, which is even more childish.

[@kevinscott8642]

@@n.brucenelson5920True. He’s obviously just a troll.

[@richardwallinger1683]

My new Kia Picanto achieved 3.9L per 100km economy on the 38 kmm journey from the Beja showroom . I would seriously consider an Amptera if the price was more sensible .

[@PRH123]

One of my colleagues says his diesel picanto gets 3 liters per 100 km on thenhighway. It's a really smooth and quiet car at 100 kph. I had a venga, so I love the design, just the same, only half scale :)

[@Tneo7]

Love this ! Great review and great Humour!

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you! ❤

[@JeremyMakesThings]

I love it, but it’s probably not for me, and I’ve gotta say anyone who is excited for a lack of door handles has never had their doors frozen shut in an ice storm. (Though the knock-knock feature is pretty fun)

[@ElectrekGarage]

Definitely could see ice being an issue but man is the knock knock fun!

[@JeremyMakesThings]

@@ElectrekGarage also, as a Dad, I would be forced to say “who’s there?” every time anyone opened the door, and that would annoy everyone, including myself. And I’d need a back seat. Still can’t wait to see one rolling down the road.

[@googleuser6814]

But will the doors be frozen shut? (Can preheat via app)

[@fazeobama8872]

having the AC come out of the sides of the screen is genius because it takes care of cooling the panel as a byproduct

[@bethgiammaruti9868]

What about when the heat is on? Maybe just routed through floor vents?

[@richardwallinger1683]

similar layout to the Morgan three wheeler .

[@VedaSay]

That was awesome!

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you!

[@stubby7934]

It should feel stable; it's 87 inches wide! Should make parking it fun. At least you won't have any issues opening the doors!

[@Skylancer727]

I mean parking spaces in the US are standardized 8.5-9ft so it should fit just fine with over a foot either size. Plus the doors fit in the area within the wheels so the doors shouldn't have any issues. Plus from what some have said you can see the wheel on your left while you drive making parking a little easier.

[@MaskedMammal]

Aptera is an awesome car and I hope it does very well! The EV space (and general personal transportation in the US) needs a shakeup and this is a perfect sort of compromise. That said, it's far from a perfect car in its current shape. There's a little something to hate for everyone. You want tactile? Well it's minimalist - no buttons, no dials, no controls, to the point of absolute absurdity. I've never seen it THIS bad. Ever need more than 2 seats? Look elsewhere. You like a good driver info display or HUD? You get nothing. You love a small car? Overall it's small, but it's also wider than an F-150. Overall footprint is large for small interior. As for safety, no side airbags and it's lighter than just about anything on the road, in a market (sadly) fixated on going bigger and heavier. I don't fully find all of those to be problems, but I'm sure most people will consider at least one to be a deal-breaker. At least, looking at Aptera as your "one car", if you're not a multi-car household, it's probably not going to work. There's a lot going against it as the "value option" EV on the market. There's plenty of good here, but plenty it's going to have to make up for. And it's still largely unproven, so we'll see how well the final product holds up to scrutiny on their claims. I don't imagine my preorder will end up converting to a sale down the line, given what it's going against. I am somewhat hopeful for the future of Aptera, though. With their focus on repairability and support for customization, maybe it wouldn't be out of the question to have addons to give it proper steering wheel controls and a user-added panel under the touchscreen for climate and media. In time I'm sure they'll find ways to offer more seating options. And if sports cars can make it to market, this shouldn't have too much trouble either.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

"no buttons, no dials, no controls, " Not quite true. There are buttons for the drive controls, and the AC vents have manual lever controls, for example.

[@BillBadMule123]

What about Full Self Driving Mode ? Once it has that I will buy one 🥳

[@kimbowilco]

Fun video, true to the facts, and with the caveats. Thanks!

[@99lockerock]

What a cool car

[@richardwallinger1683]

my 2011 nissan leaf had a 24kwh battery and barely managed 80 miles range .on a 100% overnight charge .I loved the way that LEAF drove .the claimed range of the Amptera is a testimony to the efficiency and aero CD. My choice would be a rear wheel drive version . NO drive to the front wheels . that layout would crucify the cost and make the Amptera a must buy for so many drivers both new and old .

[@n.brucenelson5920]

The traction in difficult conditions including snow and Ice will be far superior due to the natural weight transfer when braking with 2 or AWD. Perhaps eventually a single drive wheel model could be introduced for low speed neighborhood environments.

[@brandonmaynard4948]

I hope it gets a regular steering wheel option for it also and not just them stupid ones that if you need to make a sharp turn it’s gonna be awkward

[@bindiberry6280]

Good design about the airbag in Aptera. We all hate those airbags desings for regular cars, they are so difficult to diagnostic and replace.

[@tonydeveyra4611]

I imagine that my ideal vehicle configuration for my household would be a cybertruck and an aptera but my wife would never let me get an aptera, so I'll always be on the outside looking in. Such a cool vehicle though.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

She may change her mind if you have a chance to get her a drive in one, and she sees the crash test results.

[@paulmarc-aurele5508]

I hope they succeed, I know how difficult it is to pull off the production of a new vehicle. I heard that they need a lot more cash to pull it off.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

True. but they have multiple paths to get there.

[@IcyHotTrain]

It looks like the Batman Beyond Batmobile

[@FishyBoi1337]

I would probably use the phrase "solar-assisted" electric car EDIT: Also, one of the first truly futuristic-seeming vehicles I've seen in a long time

[@qpham63]

I had two reservations back in the first go round...I did not want to take that refund...Hopefully, this time, I will get mine...

[@vic321344]

You are fortunate. This time you will neither get a refund nor a vehicle.

[@qpham63]

@@vic321344 I have a reservation for the Cyber Truck as well...these are 3rd party handled and managed funds...no risk plenty of advantages when production happens...Seems I will get my CyberTruck first. You do not know what you are talking about when it comes to production ... CT is already delivering...Looking good on the Aptera. I've built my own and have followed them close...it's a matter of time and for $25K for the 400 mile range version, they will not be able to keep up with demands.

[@kevinscott8642]

⁠@Vic What an obvious and dishonest troll.

[@vic321344]

@@kevinscott8642 What an obvious and dishonest troll.

[@paulmarc-aurele5508]

I was interested in Aptera and was disappointed when they dissolved the company in 2011. I wonder what became of the thousands of deposits? I was also interested in Elio motors but they seem to have taken deposits and not produced vehicles for sale. Then Aptera was back in 2021 and it seemed that they were saying production would come quickly and the signed up over 10,000 more people to give deposits. Every year production is being pushed ahead another year. I am hoping it’s going to be produced but I have a concern that as long as they try , even if they fail again no investor will have any recourse. I have no doubt that the officers are drawing a salary and if and when the money runs out they can move on to the next venture. Since they announced in 2024 that production is 2025 we will have to wait and see what happens next year, if they start saying 2026 I think you will know that it’s like a Ponzi scheme that you can’t get indicted for because you made the attempt. I hope my concerns are invalid and by next year the highways are full of Aptera’s.

[@shrimptopian3392]

They started the first time in 2004. The second company started in 2019, and the first Aptera should have been delivered in 2020...

[@itowmyhome797]

That black bar going across the side window is a dealbreaker

[@bindiberry6280]

BTW, how about designing a cargo extensions for Aptera for delivery on two hub wheels so they have their own solar-batteries.

[@DavidLKaas]

Great video! This company needs to set-up a manufacturing facility in the twin cities Minnesota before the 2026 flip! All will be gone after the flip! 🌊🌎☄️🔥🔴🔥

[@fanfare100]

Duude, you're being followed. I think you're under surveillance. Look over your shoulder. There's a suspicious Bolt sticking to you like glue. XD

[@davidbolduc828]

Damn after watching this video I want one.

[@negil]

I love hyper-efficient cars, which is why I love my Insight so much, and the Apterra gives off a very similar energy to me. I'd love to have one of these things at some point, though I'm not a huge fan of the yoke wheel or giant screen, though I do understand why they'd choose to go with those design options.

[@ElectrekGarage]

This was my first time ever using a yoke and I actually liked it! And I agree! Hyper-efficiency is awesome!

[@a5-30-31cts]

The production ("PI") version will have a significantly smaller center screen. They have acknowledged that the Gamma screen is too large. They chose a size that will be much more appropriate.

[@negil]

@@ElectrekGarage I'm sure I could adapt to using one on the road, but I definitely feel like tight turns and stuff where I'd instinctively reach for the top of the wheel would take some getting used to

[@SpunkyMcGoo69]

@@negil I've thought about this a lot because im both a hand on top of the wheel driver and a holding the bottom of the wheel driver. Aptera's yolk is perfect because unlike other yolks it has a typical bottom half like most steering wheels, and the sides are not like F1 handles but similar to a typical wheel. As far as tight turns, it has the same turning radius as a Model 3 so we wont have to endlessly turn the wheel to make those kinds of turns either. It will be a slight adjustment at first, but I feel after a week or so of driving it will feel totally natural :)

[@richardryley3660]

The first time I saw the yoke I said they should only go to production with it if they put a strobing red light across the hood. 😂

[@tonydeveyra4611]

I'm really excited to see their real world crash test results. If this tests are anything like what they're seeing in simulation... huge. Could be a mainstream vehicle.

[@vernkoczur]

Been saving for one since it was a diesel hybrid, have a order just need to know how much the check needs to be and when I can pick her up...

[@Ranger_Kevin]

I hope this will be available in Germany someday. Allthough our regulators will probably have a field day with this... But it would be an amazing daily commuter car, and the trunk space is impressive for something so "streamlined" Also, the requirement for a front license plate here will probably double the drag coefficcient. But maybe it can be classed like some kind of motorcycle.

[@ElectrekGarage]

I think they plan on shipping internationally in the future

[@merendell]

There's nothing that really prevents them having a transparent front license plate pocket. Something that can open up to install the plate but is otherwise sealed and streamlined while driving.

[@milohobo9186]

It will be weird in Europe because it would be a motorcycle except that it also has too wide of a front to fall cleanly into that category. It's going to be an exceptional vehicle there.

[@Ranger_Kevin]

@@merendell unfortunately (at least in Germany) there are strict rules. The license plate has to have a specific minimum / maximum size, must not be tilted more than 30° in either direction, must not be bent and cannot be covered by anything (not even transparent glass/pastic). So unless you are a motorbike or a reduced speed vehicle/small quad (which only need rear plates) you are forced to mount a big, flat plate of metal nearly vertical onto the nose of your car. Which in this case will absolutely ruin it.

[@jochenstacker7448]

Maybe they could somehow class it as a light vehicle, like the X-Bus.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

I hope they get it to production and it's an awesome car but they are over claiming the solar collection capacity you still need a solar car port to charge it up...

[@TecnamTwin]

The production quality of this deserves a sub though the music volume and intensity was a bit much for the content.

[@sydnerd]

By this point seeing now Aging Wheels twice in a row in an aptera review video makes me question whether I'm slowly reaching a point where I should stop watching Aptera videos omg :D

[@Smokey00]

the split window seems to block quite a bit if you are taller

[@n.brucenelson5920]

The sight lines have changed for the PI versions. I think it wise to keep an open mind on this.

[@gphilipc2031]

I have NOT seen an Aptera in my local here in SE Looziana but I have seen an Archimoto and a Cyber. ALSO, have seen a good number of Teslas, one or two Volts, and one Mach E. Can't tell if I saw any Leafs or Bolts and some of the others 'cause they blend in with the other HO-Hum cars.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

Insane, insane, insane, it's insane.

[@DrinkingStar]

Drive it in 6-8 inches of snow to show how well it hanldes. If it can handle that, then I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

I will show this when I get my Aptera next year, driving in rural Iowa.

[@vic321344]

@@n.brucenelson5920 "Next year". Like you already promised in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023....

[@justinhaller2055]

Where do you park a 7 foot wide car? How do you dodge potholes in a 3 wheeled car?

[@ElectrekGarage]

First question: it's not wider than any other car on the road, second question: you don't lol

[@Okurka.]

@@ElectrekGarage "it's not wider than any other car on the road" That's a lie. It's literally a foot wider than a Smart ForTwo. It's even wider than any Hummer.

[@chunmartinez5401]

A Smart is not really a car. Its tiny with an atrocious mileage. You get the worst of both. The only advantage is if you don't know how to parallel park you don't have to as you can park straight up.

[@Okurka.]

@@chunmartinez5401 All the other cars narrower than a Hummer also aren't really a car?

[@n.brucenelson5920]

There is almost 4 ft between each front tire and the center. It is rather easy to dodge most potholes.

[@robertwakeman1679]

Great video! Lol at the end. So technically are you the first to steel a aptera? Have a preorder for a 250 ml off road, with a glass rear window hatch. Just hoping it would take to long to get the options I want.

[@baconberries8097]

Am i the only one who feels like the knock-knock doors would get cumbersome? It's neat, but i feel like it would get annoying, and might have a hard time opening if it were iced over. Also, it feels off-putting having a touchscreen gear selector. I love this car and the design principles around it, I'm mostly just nitpicking honestly.

[@ElectrekGarage]

I could see it becoming annoyed and being an issue in ice but I loved it for the short time I had it!

[@Readerb86g]

Wonder if it will have an app to preheat the interior/door components. 60 years in snowy lands but now in Florida, yet I remember dealing with ice and pre-heat will help, although it takes power.

[@barnabasseadog7660]

Under the touchscreen there are analog buttons for PNDR. Overhead are buttons for emergency blinkers. There are also emergency releases on the floor to open the doors.

[@Zyzzyx42]

Same here. Maybe it'll be better in production, but I don't like the delay. I want to open the door, and open it now.

[@garywozniak7742]

It is what it is. I think I can live with their design choices.

[@xymaryai8283]

i'll be honest, i am frustrated its all touchscreen controls, but i don't blame Aptera, i accept its probably the right choice for a new EV, but if i could modify the dash to be more mechanical and tactile, and a more sensible vent, i would. its cool it goes around the display, but its also just a step too awkward.

[@JoeReyes-t1q]

I would improve the drivers and passengers viewing by removing the curved bar and replacing it with a trapezoid window supporting Bar 🧐✅

[@n.brucenelson5920]

My wife and I were quite concerned about that until we had a ride in an early prototype and found to our surprise found that it didn't bother us. The sight lines have changed for the PI models, so we have an open mind about it, but are not nearly as worried as we were.

[@Molishious]

He says production intent, but later Aptera decided to change the motors from being in the wheels to on traditional motor. Not sure how close they are today. I hope they make it.

[@oldbiker57]

Why is the side window split? Wouldn't it be more aero as a solid sheet of glass?

[@n.brucenelson5920]

So a portion could be rolled down into the door, and the window used at drive-throughs.

[@kevinscott8642]

It’s actually more aerodynamic the way Aptera did it.

[@americanrambler4972]

The aptera is turning out to be a cool car. Now an important question. Can you take it through an automated car wash? Make mine in emerald dark metallic green. I would like to see one of these done up in a metal flake paint job.

[@chunmartinez5401]

Apteras are not painted but wrapped so you can have any color you want after the purchase.

[@ElectrekGarage]

I'm gonna go ahead and say you probably can't take it through an automated car wash lol! And all Aptera are wrapped, not painted, which will make it cheaper and easier to change the colors!

[@Readerb86g]

@@ElectrekGarage I understand wraps will be possible, but I thought the color from the manufacturer was impregnated into the molded body parts. I want a dolphin with water on the sides. Too bad a dorsal fin on top would mess with the solar cells.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@Readerb86g No, they will be wrapped, except for the glass solar panels and the base.

[@Readerb86g]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Thanks for the more recent info. I think it was back about 6 months ago it was a bit of an unknown which way they were going to go. Sometimes I figure I'm doing ...acceptable... at only out of date by 6 months 😂

[@michaelenglund]

Pedals on these electric vehicles should be the opposite. Minus to discharge and plus to regenerate.

[@siefrijm]

I can't wait to see you bring it next year to Electrify Expo in Denver! ;)

[@Fairburne69]

He likes the Yoke but he clearly tries to grab the steering wheel multiple times but nothing was there. Yoke is not good.

[@edwardlee7248]

there was around 1600 solos made 429 sold was a great car if you drove it the way it was made to be drove . I had 411 had no trouble had to turn it back in do to voided warranty and they would not sell any parts after the recall I could had bought extra parts I would have kept mine . I was 10800+ in line but was knocked back 2000 because of the accelerator program. can't wait to get my aptera 2 seats and all wheel drive are a plus I want to feel the difference. I hope they let every one line know that they are available not like the solo I had to call to get the solo they would have sold more if the would have let reservation holder knows that they was available.

[@jerbear7952]

They have business problems

[@edog7059]

I like it a lot but don't know how much of the year it could be used here in the midwest. That (3 inch wide?) side vision blocker should have a re-think. And yes, I know it divides the fixed part of the window from the opening part.

[@Skylancer727]

Yeah I do think it could have used more work in making that divider a bit less thick. Hopefully in the future they can make it smaller as it is in the middle of your line of sight. Not sure what you mean though about not being able to be use a large portion of the year. I expect range in the cold to be way worse, but with models of 400-1000 miles that likely won't bother many. Plus being that it only charges at 40-60kwh means it likely maintains that charge rate the majority of the curve as the it's not cramming the batteries like most EVs do. If you're more talking about the solar range, I did some math for where I live in the north east and calculated an average range of around 23-28 miles a day. Being in the midwest you should have better results than I.

[@robertkirchner7981]

It will be thinner in production, but they should also add some way to change the height of the seats so that the band is not at eye level.

[@jerbear7952]

The Midwest isn't exactly the Arctic.

[@richardryley3660]

The Aptera will still be able to charge normally even when the days are dreary and overcast for weeks at a time. And as long as the sun is shining, even in the middle of winter, you should get enough charge to supply power to the battery heater. That'll keep it preconditioned and operating at maximum capacity, even when you're spending energy on heating and pushing through the cold, dense air. With a 400 mile battery you should get 250 miles range out of it easily even in the far north. And I hear they're thinking about a winter kit, which will include snow tires and such.

[@northernsouler]

​@@richardryley3660I sure hope they can throw that winter kit on at launch. Barging to Alaska ain't cheap!

[@b.robinson206]

Subbed👍 Great video.

[@ElectrekGarage]

Thank you!

[@gill7087]

It’s a pity that a vehicle like the Aptera is designed and manufactured for a country where the biggest selling car is a bloated pickup truck and even the sedans and SUV,s are getting bigger every year. The large population base of the US no doubt helps but I can’t help thinking that real success for the Aptera will come when there is an export market but that is of course another technical complication for the future. It would be a good car for here in Australia with the large amount of sunshine we get but even here the biggest selling vehicle is a 4 door Utility what the US calls a pickup. Oh dear 😢

[@keegan854]

It's not as sexy as solar charging, but the extreme efficiency of this car also means you can get so much more out of public level 1/2 chargers. Imagine stopping for lunch for an hour and adding 60 miles of range for free. Or add more than 100 miles overnight off a regular household outlet. Combined with solar, that means you can go almost anywhere and pay almost nothing to charge.

[@leGUIGUI]

My main worry about this car is it getting swooped out of the road if you drive it during a great storm. It doesn't help that the wheels don't look very thick. How well does it still adhere to the road when it rains?

[@sturmeko]

It's very aerodynamic so it is less affected by the wind than a regular car. Thinner tires are better in rain because they are less likely to aquaplane than wide tires. Basically this is the car you want to be in if you find yourself in a storm 😄

[@jerbear7952]

Do you drive in big storms a lot? Is it not possible to pull over if you get caught off guard? If conditions are that bad you should pull off in any vehicle.

[@ElectrekGarage]

​@@sturmekoexactly. Also, it's tires are the same ones used on Prius so they're not any thinner than a normal cars!

[@coreysuffield]

it is as aero from the side as it is from the front, there are just no surfaces for the air to grab onto. rich rebuilds asked about this in their visit a couple years ago

[@garywozniak7742]

Aptera currently uses a standard 16” tire size, specifically 195/45 R16 tires for the prototype vehicles.:

[@melissagreenmonstergirl]

So is a car jacker going to knock and be able to get in? I live and work in the St. Louis MO area.

[@amosbatto3051]

What other automakers do is detect whether you have a wireless fob or your smartphone on you before it will open the door. I'm sure that Aptera will do something similar to verify that you are authorized to enter the car.

[@barnabasseadog7660]

People don't steal EV's. Software driven vehicles can have GPS locators, or you can just hide an Apple Airtag in your car. The knock knock feature is RFID enabled, and the sequence is configurable.

[@melissagreenmonstergirl]

You dont live in st louis obviously and who uses apple?😂

[@maximcojocari4067]

I've seen this in Star Wars, this is sick

[@ItsSeals]

The black one goes hard.

[@ligerstripe99]

will it have a entertainment system and maps like android auto?

[@ElectrekGarage]

Yes, it will have android auto

[@COYO-T]

You said base model. So what are you not getting in that price?