How much are Aptera's solar partnerships worth?

[@GNiessen]

The dash panels have a plastic protector on until installed. That is what is reflecting.

[@michaelbramel5771]

Re: the reflectivity of the dash panels...ChrisM commented in the Discord channel a few days ago that they will be "anti-reflective" when they start putting them on vehicles.

[@DemaGeek]

The solar partnerships are "foot in the door" into larger industries where higher volume potential is, that's where the value lies. Thank you Steve!

[@justthinking4628]

Watch my video titled Aptera can Corner The Market. I'm totally wrong if the experts are correct that the initial cars are going to be 50k.

[@chargepozitive]

7:20 I’m excited for their collaboration with Polydrops. Just released my video towing test with a Cybertruck on my channel

[@chargepozitive]

8:00 yes it’s previous Gen. I spoke with Polydrops CEO at Expo and they will be getting the glass panels for production. They wanted to have panels on for demo asap

[@lsh3rd]

Imagine how huge it would be if the Averest pilot was successful. It could be incredible growth for both companies.

[@raymondhon4661]

A new start-up like Aptera needs to begin somewhere with small collaborations and partnerships, then spread and grow as Aptera continues to spread their name. Go Aptera❤

[@Okurka.]

New? Aptera started in 2005.

[@christopherbarrett9749]

As usual a fine job, breaking down the details for all of it.

[@williammann7247]

Excellent presentation. Should give naysayers cause to pause.

[@chrisbailey5055]

"To reduce emissions and fuel burned by GSE that service aircraft between flights, we have made investments with a target to achieve a 50% electric fleet by the end of 2025 and a 100% electric GSE fleet in Delta’s hubs by 2035. Delta is replacing internal combustion engine (gas and diesel) ground support equipment units with electrically powered equivalents."

[@gr8dvd]

Source, date? Be interesting to see how they’re intending to do so in general and more specifically, what "investments" to see about any potential for Aptera.

[@kevinscott8642]

Here’s something - from a September 19, 2023 investor release entitled Flux Power to Showcase the Latest Lithium-Ion Solutions for Electrifying Airport Ground Support Equipment: “Flux Power’s exhibition with airline ground support equipment integration partner Averest Inc. September 26-28, 2023 will include demonstrations of Flux Power’s SkyBMS™ telematics platform alongside its lithium-ion batteries and packs that have enabled fleet-wide electrification for customers including Delta Air Lines.”

[@gr8dvd]

@@kevinscott8642 Great 100% pertinent find… upon quick look they appear 2b struggling (big revenue misses lately). Maybe an opportunity for Aptera but dunno w/o deeper understanding of FLUX’s struggles… product quality, cost, etc. ?

[@lamboman2]

I think you misunderstood Steve; he said Aptera is working with Averest on a project retrofitting vehicles for one of the biggest airlines (probably one of their existing customers). The pilot program I expect, would be a live trial of their complete system at an airport under normal operating conditions.

[@deanmcmanis9398]

I think that September is a good guess for the P2 models. Aptera does need a drivable, fully functional production intent EV (or 6) for demos and testing before the end of the year. Many media outlets and potential investors will be looking for Aptera to have income earning potential (like the small solar panel customers) and a firm plan (and date) to volume production ASAP, to support U.S. Capital investments, and a future IPO.

[@thisisme379]

Six months ago we were given every reason to believe we would have at least a couple complete PI builds by now. I'm thinking it will be January or February before we see a PI on the road.

[@robinpettit7827]

Same with Averest may be a small player but their segment size may grow.

[@johnreeves7261]

(0:47) Now that Aptera is using glass on the tops of, at least, 3 solar panels (hood, roof and hatch), they are likely no longery using "7 or 9 layer encapsulation" systems. Not including the solar cell circuit or any rear "support", It's probably about 4 or 5 layers.

[@artboymoy]

If they have a contract with a major airline, it's fair to say they are working with a major airline. They're working on a pilot program for them and if it works out and is approved to go with full implementaion, then that will lead to lots of money coming in for Aptera who will be making the solar parts for this company. Really, Steve, get with forecasting a bit more. Everything here has potential to be more than what we see right now.

[@ApteraOwnersClub]

Noted

[@LanderMaybe]

Averest is most likely an extension of Delta’s purchasing dept.; covering batteries and charging equipment for eGSE. And any other airline who will use them.

[@sRoGoRs]

It's a proof of concept obviously. But as an investor I am excited that they are branching out. If the concept proves itself it could some day be a huge money maker for Aptera. Obviously you don't start out retrofitting the world, they are branching out and testing the waters for other applications. I find this exciting. Although, we all know the solar cell market is saturated, this may be a niche that eventually pans out, and the ground work is already done, so it's a bonus. This shows how they are thinking ahead.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

The "solar cell market" isn't close to being saturated. I don't know why you think that. The changing incentive picture in different states has temporary effects, but there is plenty of room for growth.

[@sRoGoRs]

@@n.brucenelson5920 based on all of the solar companies going bankrupt and out of business.

[@gr8dvd]

Agree, these collaborations are VERY small revenue generators, essentially proof-of-concept that MAY (I’d guess) will attract bigger players eventually. I’d prefer Aptera presented these partnerships as such and not, unto themselves as major revenue generators.

[@robinpettit7827]

I also keep in mind this may permit Averest to capture more of the market.

[@robinpettit7827]

I believe each airline may use there own ground equipment. But it does depend a little on airports.

[@robinpettit7827]

I know a lot of people who want small RV trailers like this.

[@madmotorcyclist]

Wonder how many negotiations are going on with other potential users of their solar technology?

[@takenoshortcuts]

The strips on the window panels could be providing defrost heat?

[@rkbarker]

The pilot program is with Delta Airlines

[@artboymoy]

Don't know where you go this info but woudl make sense since they're hubbed in Atlanta. Southwest would be another good candidate to approach if the pilot program is successful. Maybe even airlines in the UAE. They might even be up for it. Another reason why Aptera went over there...

[@unclegeorge7845]

Thanks for the research.

[@billsmith5960]

I really hope Lightship will use Aptera solar panels on their travel trailer (it has 3kW of solar right now). That thing will be a hit as it is aerodynamic, has lots of solar area and it even has a motor that can keep your EV from suffering any range loss. That Lightship L1 is the future. I could see a smaller version that the Aptera could tow and you get no range loss.

[@craigarnold1212]

Look at the roof for holes for the wires. The base seems to be multilayered with maybe a seal [grey] ? I think Averest is just a test bed for viability. Who they contract with for services at the airport may be the interested party. I would think the Port authorities are pressuring the industry to lower emissions and maintenance costs. There are lots of these small companies with decent contracts and maybe incentives in the same work around the world? Like lowering the need for a lot of power infrastructure. Maybe an announcement in November?

[@chrisbailey5055]

The airline is Delta.

[@andremcamara3120]

3:51 - .... for support equipment for one of the largest airlines....

[@StephenGabor]

Delta Airlines is based in Atlanta Georgia

[@willstreckfus4248]

I thought Chris said in an interview with you that he’d be disappointed if the frame wasn’t done in early August, so late August is my guess.

[@Okurka.]

You think Chris won't get disappointed?

[@milohobo9186]

Those rectangles might be to assist with cooling. Solar panels work better when they are cool and it's hard to get 40 miles of range on such small panels

[@Skylancer727]

I really question the value of Aptera's solar deals as Aptera licenses Maxeon cells. Wouldn't the value of the partnership kinda be split between the two?

[@glike2]

I'm curious if Reg D allows me to invest from my Etrade Mogan Stanley IRA, Roth, or 401K?

[@glennzajic7318]

That probably would depend on Morgan Stanley policies. I am with Schwab and they will not allow it until it goes public.

[@gr8dvd]

Try the Aptera investor Q&A on their website (with form to ask).

[@LanderMaybe]

Has to be a self-directed IRA. Morgan Stanley should allow you to set one up. But it takes time. The two vehicles that Aptera referenced are probably your best bet.

[@kevinscott8642]

I have a Roth IRA with Vanguard, and Vanguard doesn’t do any securities that aren’t publicly traded. I opened a self-directed Roth IRA with Equity Trust, and transferred funds directly from Vanguard to Equity Trust to then buy shares of Aptera. I wanted it to be in a Roth because I think there’s a good chance the price of my Aptera stock will grow at a faster rate than the rest of my portfolio, and this way all of my capital gains will be tax-free. Keep in mind, you have to be an accredited investor to invest in reg D. You qualify as accredited if you have a net worth of over $1 million or income over $200,000 (or $300,000 together with spouse).

[@justthinking4628]

Watch my video titled Aptera can Corner The Market. I'm totally wrong if the initial cars are going to be 50k.

[@chrisbailey5055]

Delta's GSE fleet at Logan is all electric.

[@sRoGoRs]

If you listen closely he says that they "launched a pilot program, retrofitting support equipment for one of the largest airlines in the world." Not saying that they are working for the airline but retrofitting support equipment for one of the biggest airlines in the world. Not mentioning what airline that support equipment supports or the company managing the support equipment. It's a little convoluted.

[@jordanyamamoto9350]

The dash looks not very smooth, i wonder why that is, the forms would make it perfectly smooth? Or is that just for the underside? If its that bumpy, when they add the glass for the other solar pieces, how will they fill the bumps to not have bubbles?

[@humnpwr]

Jeez, I would drive to California from Ontario and help assemble vehicles if I could get my Aptera sooner. 😂

[@gr8dvd]

You’re not alone… they could likely incur minimal labor cost if enlisting all of us who don’t mind rolling-up our sleeves. Just provide meals, I hate cooking 😀

[@humnpwr]

@@gr8dvd They offer that option when you purchase some light aircraft. You and about a dozen other purchasers go to the factory on a set week or two weeks and assemble your new plane with assistance from a group of aircraft mechanics. Then fly your new plane to your airport.

[@gr8dvd]

@@humnpwr Very cool!! Maybe opt for plane instead of trike if I heard what I thought I just heard on today’s Aptera live webinar re: in-wheel motors. Will try to confirm b4 posting what might be a misstatement by Chris or misinterpretation by me (& others).

[@humnpwr]

@@gr8dvd Actually you can buy a trike with a para sail above and gasoline engine with a pusher propeller. It has three large wheels and the front wheel has a hub electric motor so when you land you can fold the wing and drive your vehicle home.

[@humnpwr]

@@gr8dvd Please let me know what you heard about hub motors when you are able to.

[@christover1]

Getting your product into a highly visible market place is great advertising, not all about instant profit.

[@lucianbakerii4047]

Top side or bottom side in photo?

[@71prim8]

could the strips in the bottom layer be thermal pads to help remove heat?

[@karlInSanDiego]

Or defrosters to melt snow?

[@johnwdowell]

I hope the selling of solar panels to other companies isn't pulling Aptera's employee's valuable time away from getting the Apteras produced.

[@GoClimbARockEh]

I doubt it. They've had the solar process locked down for a while now, so they can easily scale this up just by hiring another person or two to handle the actual production

[@johnmalcom9159]

Good, honest, assessment of Aptera's hyped revenue stream from solar with the "Airline industry" and travel trailers. Not much there but a start. May look good to investors that Aptera is working to expand revenue flows, but my take, not much value at this point. More a draw on Aptera resources than a contribution to revenue.

[@gmv0553]

Delta airlines is the main player!

[@MaxSUNAAptera]

Live steam revealed September.

[@corneliusva]

Hopefully the design will discourage people putting their feet on the dashboard

[@n.brucenelson5920]

If airbag location doesn't deter people, other things are unlikely to have much effect on what some thoughtless people do.

[@corneliusva]

@@n.brucenelson5920 all I can imagine aside from feet on the dash being disgusting, is in an accident they will go feet first through the windshield.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@corneliusva I certainly would't want to find out!

[@TheWizardWhiteHawk]

In terms of who one partners with... small usually mates with small. But we are hoping for a new breed 😂

[@thomascorbett2936]

Thiose rectangular strips are double sided stick tape .

[@jeffreypetsinger2967]

Those rectangular strips are just double-sided foam tape to hold the panel.

[@justthinking4628]

Watch my video titled Aptera can Corner The Market. I'm totally wrong if the experts are correct that the initial cars will be 50k.

[@Randy-J]

Talk about a coincidence. Disruptive Investing just now put out a video on Solar Powered Camper Vans! | Solarrolla

[@SteveBueche1027]

PI 2 - October or November then, I huge delay due to the lack of drivetrain.

[@deanmcmanis9398]

Chris M stated that there would be no delay due to drivetrain supply. This is a false rumor.

[@Fairburne69]

@@deanmcmanis9398 I hope you are right. Time will tell. Hopefully good news later today. At this time I am still thinking October November but hoping August or September.

[@gr8dvd]

@@deanmcmanis9398 Or a false promise. Still awaiting clarification on Elaphe role… delay is as valid a prediction as no delay until definitive clarification is offered. Personally wondering if there’s IP/patent issues (conflict) with the Aptera-specific design changes.

[@jeffreymerriam7025]

I don't think Polydrops will sell many trailers for around $40,000 when you can buy a Coleman Lantern for $15,000

[@stephenadams9211]

Doesn't matter. Aptera makes a product that polydrops purchases to sell on their product. It's a beneficial partnership that allows two companies to get their name out there and reach a bigger market. 😊

[@chargepozitive]

Polydrops is 1/3 the price of Pebble and far less than Lightship.

[@jeffreymerriam7025]

@@stephenadams9211 Of COURSE it matters. If Polydrops only sells 1,000 units, Aptera won’t make any money off of the partnership

[@jeffreymerriam7025]

@@chargepozitive And it doesn’t have a bathroom or a drivetrain like the Pebble.

[@freepower1082]

How soon will we see crash testing ? 😎

[@ivantek81]

Could the steroid be used to cool the panels? Overheated solar panels aren't as efficient

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

Every other word is “Like”. Poorly used filler word that adds nothing.

[@SteveBueche1027]

One to self: make dash cover for Aptera.

[@madmotorcyclist]

Simple solution if there is a glare problem.

[@gr8dvd]

Or, note to self: clean interior except dash… leave layer of dust 😀

[@Okurka.]

Polydrops has 3 employees.

[@RomanChaar]

thank you for investigating these partnerships and criticizing the reality of the partnership, so basically the aptera update was a new website which is a big nothing burger, might as well not have had an update.

[@denisoudard5003]

Interesting analysis, thanks Steve. As I commented on the original video by Aptera, I am worried that Aptera Solar is going to be a distraction and pull resources from the main goal, which is to manufacture and sell cars. If the attraction is that of a quick and easy buck - which it never is - then that's the business they should be in. My recommendation to Aptera would be to stop fooling around with putting solar panels on other people's stuff.

[@Fairburne69]

I do worry about a lack of focus I 100% agree with you. But I also realize the value in partnering with other companies. Revenue from these other sources could actually help Aptera produce vehicles in the long term. Short term however I am worried this will cause delays.

[@artboymoy]

Watch Taliosive's rant video. If the solar for the Aptera is ready to go, why not explore what else you can do with it? Otherwise, you lay off a team until you go to production or you can find other innovative ways to use the solar panels that would be much easier to impliment than building a vehicle. Solar generation for many things is a no brainer. It's here to stay. Why not get in on some industries that haven't done it yet?

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@artboymoy Tesla had to lay off their entire motor development team in 2008 when they ran out of money. The investment from Daimler that saved them came from a side project they had taken on.

[@artboymoy]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Not sure what point you're trying to make based on my comment. Are you agreeing that Aptera should be free to explore other revenue streams for solar, since it's done for the vehicle?

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@artboymoy Yes. A similar path was the only thing that saved Tesla in the early days.