Jason Hill talks about design philosophy

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[@Dangineering]

Beautiful interview. Looking forwards to Doug talking about all these “quirks and features” as well

[@david.e.h.]

Steve, it was your passion that brought me to aptera. Your content is amazing and your intuition of what Aptera is doing is so spot on! Keep up the great work, i hope everyone realizes the effort it takes to put out the quality and quantity of content you do. Thank you for not only telling the story ,but for also doing the research you do for your content!

[@yanpingyang9028]

Indicative to your growing influence in the EV and especially the Aptera community, more so than theAptera marketing messaging. Honest broker, detained researcher, authoritative and credible presenter. Personal opinion better than anyone in Aptera to include the co CEOs. When me and my Aptera interested associates review some video or announcement produced by Aptera, we wait to see what your take on it is to see if it is credible.

[@orlandoterrazas2179]

Thanks Steveva and Jason. Very insightful interview. I have a couple of questions regarding the rear hatch: 1. Has the rear glass been eliminated for all iterations? 2. What are the options to open the rear hatch in the final design? (ie. knock/knock, key card, phone, mechanical latch)

[@jamesengland7461]

The hatch is essentially corrugated in two directions, magnifying its strength, stiffness, and rigidity. WAIT! It also attenuates sound as you might see in a recording studio.

[@luxfino]

It’s not only the amount of information shared but also that the vehicle is build on first design principles (plus being revolutionary, sustainable). And this makes it such a joy to follow. Glad they left so much material shine uncovered. Good point asking about the Interieur sound though. I remain jealous on US preorders as I do not expect Aptera to land any time soon in Europe - hard to bear as do not want another thing really.

[@garywozniak7742]

Well they are building the bodies in Italy.

[@kevinsears4779]

Steve, be careful not to beat a dead horse on a particular issue as you have a privilege position in having extended conversations with a chief designer. He might just decide to say “no more” questions.

[@jeffclark1818]

I've heard this Jason Hill designer guy interviewed before... he's soooo long winded for relatively simple concepts... I don't know how the 2 engineer CEOs can even deal with him. For an efficiency-themed designer... he's not efficient with his words.

[@shaunhall960]

So I just came here to offer a different perspective from someone who is interested in having an Aptera. I'm hearing a lot of comparisons of Tesla and Aptera and how could they possible compete with Tesla... I find the whole notion absurd. Just like we wear different types of clothes so do we use different types of transportation. The reason why I'm so interested in the Aptera is the incredible ability to charge it anywhere you are. The fact that I no longer need to use fossil fuels is amazing to me. I'm one of those people who cares about the planet and this vehicle fits perfectly into the kind of life I want to have. I've been following Aptera from day one and now here we are about to make history. Just shut up and take my money!

[@Stan0619]

The level of engagement from a vehicle manufacturer with their customer base exhibited by Aptera is breathtaking. I am not a engineer, but I am mesmerized by the smorgasbord of information shared with this revolutionary transport has me hooked. I am honored to be amongst the population that share my enthusiasm. All Hail Aptera

[@michaelmay9958]

The worst part about this interview is having to wait for the next parts! Great job Steve!

[@DrTeeHenry]

I said it before: If the automotive industry had an "Architectural Digest" (does it?), it should have a cover story on the Aptera with an article that includes a profile of Jason C Hill.

[@therealCelticViking]

Just love the commitment for the daily uploads. 👌

[@stefansweerts3825]

Hey Steve, now you know that Jason Hill and probably the rest off the aptera team is watching your channel. As Jason directly told you off to cutting holes in the body. Something you spoke about a few video's back. ;) I can't wait till I can drive My Aptera as well. Aptera Team thanks for making this awsome vehicle.

[@ddessert6]

Cutting holes in something that is likely very structural could be a very bad idea. Cutting carbon fiber can be tough unless you have the proper tools. I have found that carbon fiber eats most cutting tools for lunch. Carbon fiber dust is also deadly. I would seriously think twice about cutting anything carbon fiber in the Aptera. If it wasn't needed, it would have been eliminated or done differently.

[@daveinwla6360]

@@ddessert6 - And above all, don't sand(!) the stuff!

[@schtinerbock4570]

I would love for there to be forward facing cameras on the stalks for the rearviews. That way when you’re parking between cars you can see the wheel pants and make sure you don’t hit something. Like surround view cameras that other cars have.

[@daveinwla6360]

Good idea!

[@kenypetit-frere7016]

Great topics, i can't wait for the rest of the interview.

[@marcowashington8115]

Sandy Munro APPROVES OF THE DESIGN!!!!

[@daveinwla6360]

Sandy Munro's only role in Aptera was to advise on production methods and procedures, NOT design.

[@deanmcmanis9398]

Thanks Steve for the questions, and thanks Jason for your answers. This kind of detailed, open discussion about the Aptera in the process (or just at the end) of development is unprecedented..and welcome. It gives me more confidence in Aptera, and I already felt good about the company (and the Aptera team).

[@ubaldinovega3555]

Amazing amount information, thank you for the joy you bring to us and the beauty of that machine and how much I want it

[@luapkirner5331]

I think the Master Class people should get him on his series. He is such a great speaker on his profession. He speaks eloquently about the larger idea of design. Beautiful. " A mirror or a canvas." That right there is priceless.

[@scottgabbard662]

Embarrassed to admit but this is my daily go to channel.

[@daveinwla6360]

Which will you buy - a Mirror, or a Canvas?

[@luapkirner5331]

@@daveinwla6360 Canvas for sure! Let him paint!

[@TheExtraMile]

I am a petrol head through and through, and I absolutely love the Aptera vision! I will always have a classic ice car for special occasions, but I can´t imagine a better daily than an Aptera. Can´t wait to get one! I hope that there will be some way to get one in europe :)

[@johntrotter8678]

"Now that it's done, we can explain it." Key!!

[@mebran1193]

Looks great and I love minimalist seats as long as they are comfy. Drive down costs and produce!!!

[@gildardo]

This video answers a lot of questions. Thanks for posting it.

[@theresjer]

I'm wondering how close the pillow pattern inside the hatch matches the panel pattern on the outside....?

[@1978rayking]

I would like a 12v to 24v plug for electric blanket mini fridge so on.

[@wyattnoise]

If Jason did an auto-design coffee table book, I would buy it.

[@jwvandegronden]

same here!

[@BryanDoesCinema]

I always find new ways of expressing things when I listen to Jason, like at 9:32 he says your hunch was "directionally accurate." LOL Love it.

[@RomanChaar]

how easy is it to inflate the tires? the front looks tight to reach the stem.

[@williamkaswen9922]

Great Work Steve, to engage Jason into these discussions. I suspect others vehicle manufacturers don't do this because none of their customers care? They are just cars. Many of us love hearing the details and thought processes. Jason really "dodged" the belly-pan cooling discussion. Please keep after that and get an adequate explanation of how it all/really works. Also, no explanation of how glass works/gets installed on rear hatch. Seems like some interior sound proofing is being left up to after-market third party accessories (hopefully the as delivered car will be quite enough)? Anyway, looking fwd to part 2!

[@daveinwla6360]

Interior sound proofing is a real problem in 3-wheelers, and Steve recognized that the problem would be exacerbated by not going with honeycomb construction. This will be just one reason to Drive Before Buying, and to make that drive over a *bumpy road* .

[@geoffshelley2427]

The more I see the Aptera vehicle in motion, the more it makes me think of an aircraft. I can't wait to fly one down the freeway. It just looks really cool in that way. I've always wanted to be able to fly. Now I'll be able to, just a few inches above the road.

[@daveinwla6360]

When a side gust from a big truck (or bus) gets under the "dolphin tail" and up against the center wheel pant, you may well fly - into the path of the truck (or bus). That flat horizontal tail should be eliminated for safety reasons.

[@mrhobs]

@@daveinwla6360 It won't be a problem.

[@RajGiandeep]

Great interview! Thank you!

[@Mythused]

The launch edition is 95% there for me. My problem is I prefer the 600 mile battery, so will be waiting. My question though, is what will the configuration of the hatch be for those that don't want full solar panels. I suspecting that the waffle part will be cut out to add a window, or will there be a completely different tool for that option adding rigidity to the hatch. Just a guess, but at that point, where the waffle part will be a sound deadener, an actual glass "window" would have less noise deadening... I think. The glass in the hatch will not be an issue for me, as I've ordered full solar, but curious just the same. I'll be excitedly waiting for the start up, can't wait to get mine.

[@danmccoy6164]

The glass will be bonded to the carbon fiber frame. Where the solar panels are now.And will provide the rigidity. That the waffling provides. After it is removed. No additional tooling.

[@williamkaswen9922]

I would agree, because the glass was suppose to be the standard configuration and the hatch panels were the option. If that is not the case, Aptera should tell us sooner rather than later.

[@ModernSunlight]

can you put some topic bookmarks in this? I'm interested in the topics of #1 - Safety and #2 Comfort all the rest to me is distant #10-#1000 of concerns

[@wyattnoise]

1:25 I love how at certain angles, it looks like the back wheel disappears and the vehicle is just floating on the front two wheels. Reminds me of the way street magicians “levitate” by standing at a certain angle away from you and lifting off their toe facing away from you.

[@arlenbell4376]

No practical, but think what it would be like with a large centrally mounted flywheel that could balance on the front wheels and eliminate the rear wheel while moving. Have a retractable rear wheel for parking. Imagine the look! 😳

[@frerkshow9874]

Argh. He says things like; the Aptera is is a mirror or a canvas and don't tell why. Also he says that the parking sensors are better on the nose, but also don't say why. He just makes many words to say it's just better... Puh sometimes it's really hard to listen to design people. (I think he means the right things but it's just the way he communicate it)

[@bmwrulesforeternity5218]

I love this vehicle except for ONE thing: a pothole KILLS it .... (Doesn't it?)

[@ApteraOwnersClub]

nope, see my latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3XYqmuHd7Flr8k

[@solbeach9618]

I am curious to know the total weight of the just the 6 Body in Carbon pieces

[@ApteraOwnersClub]

hmm.. good question!

[@solbeach9618]

@@ApteraOwnersClub my SWAG is between 240 & 360 pounds total for all 6 pieces

[@confoojed]

Fascinating answers and just as importantly, incisive questions. One of my questions is if you do not opt for the solar panels on the hatch, will you be able to see through the carbon ‘baffles’?

[@deanmcmanis9398]

It is just a guess, but i think that the non-solar hatch will have the glass window in the place of the baffles, with a wrapped cover panel surround. But we will have to wait and see.

[@tims8603]

@@deanmcmanis9398 I think you're right about the glass but I think the surround will be CF. I looked at some of the videos of Gamma and the hatch appears to be all CF. I wish the whole exterior would be naked CF. I like the look and no wrap would be required.

[@confoojed]

If I understood Jason’s explanation, the baffles are part of the carbon hatch that provides the torsional stability and the solar panels are the second, and only other piece besides the seal, that goes in the hatch. Unless they have a separate hatch mold for the non-Solar variation.

[@glennzajic7318]

My thoughts are that they only mold one hatch. Hatches made for windows could be routed out to support a seal and glass window. This window will be substantially smaller than the solar panel and could require a third piece as a frame with the seal and glass mounted to that. Glass weighs a lot and I believe it could be about 2/3rds the size of the opening and still not be blocking vision. You also get mounting and wiring surfaces for camera/brake light in this frame. My thinking is that while a small amount of carbon fiber would be wasted, it would take a long time to add up to what a separate mold would cost. It is also possible that they could design a mold with an insert that could be a place filler for the window. I think much depends are the cost of the carbon fiber. I know they don't want to be wasteful, but they also want to keep part counts down.

[@tims8603]

@@glennzajic7318 Yeah, it's very common for manufacturers to design in areas that can be cut out for other options. Makes more sense to only have one mold.

[@rickrutledge9363]

Jason has a little bit of a condescending tone in this entire video, but it gets worse at the very end.

[@daveinwla6360]

*INTERIOR NOISE* is a hard problem in 3-wheelers. Mr. "Florid" Hill didn't mention that a purpose of the 1) "scalloped" (or corrugated) hatch cover is to *reduce drumming* of the broad flat interior surface, and the 2) "speaker holes" are to *muffle the noise* by letting sound into the baffled walls to be absorbed by fiberglass wool. Whether these problems get solved satisfactorily is a question.

[@peterchandler8505]

Hi Steve, just in case you did not see this from Sono motors, an insight into their solar panels... ": TECH VIDEO 25 | Von der Zelle bis zur Solar-Integration | Sono Motors In German, but youtube offer English caption / subtitles... Not quite as informative as Aptera on solar cells?

[@bobhilder1469]

Sono has really "figured out" how to make low cost, low weight, compound curved, automotive grade solar. I'm impressed.

[@peterchandler8505]

@@bobhilder1469 Very much like Aptera!

[@bobhilder1469]

@@peterchandler8505 Agree to disagree....Over the last 20-ish years, I've been involved in the design and build of small volumes of specialty compound curved solar. Based on what I've seen and critiqued, Aptera's isn't anything to "write home about" IMHO. Aptera would be better off using Sono's "product".

[@1voluntaryist]

"The entire aim of this mission (building Aptera)" = Form FOLLOWS function! Function comes first, is the #1 priority.

[@danmccoy6164]

I think the sensors being moved has more to do with stability. On the wheel pants even with the improvements they made to make them more stable to the wheel. The wheel itself being unsprung. Will be moving with every imperfection in the road. Where the rest of the car is spung/suspension stabilized. Plus will make removal. Easier for me to remove the pants. For when I go off road. Woohoo.

[@mrhobs]

Still wondering about the mirrors. Are they easily detachable? (And re-attachable?) Have we gotten confirmation?

[@MrRickMeister]

You’re killing me Smalls! Release the rest of the videos for this interview!!!!!

[@kirks9882]

How about "detachable mirrors", like the cybertruck

[@robertwakeman1679]

This hatch is great for the solar but over 25% want a glass rear window. Love the vehicle I have ordered one I’m hoping that the glass rear window will be available sooner rather than later. I am sold on this car for its efficiency not on the solar. Love the solar. But I’m buying it for its efficiency!

[@EricFroehlich]

Because of how light the Aptera is and the shape of its tail one of my concerns is - if a big rig passes you at higher speeds is it possible for the wind displacement from it to slide under the backside and lift the tail and roll over the Aptera? Or if a lateral gust of air hits the Aptera in high winds is it likely to roll over the Aptera or make it unreasonably hard to stear.

[@garywozniak7742]

In prior discussion on this, they badicallyvsaid that the vehicle is aerodynamic in every direction and that it is stable om the highway.

[@richpate9436]

Aptera makes so much sense, I reserved one a few weeks ago w/o knowing a lot about it. Since then, Aptera and Steve have provide me with such an extensive education about EV's and automotive design I have become fascinated about the whole design and production process -- and now have a deeper appreciation for the Aptera SEV.

[@DemaGeek]

Jason, thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!! Love the content Steve, I look forward to parts two and three!!

[@robinpettit7827]

I fully expected a 120 Volt plug to plug things in, but failing that I will still be happy. I wouldn't complain if they only put it on the 1,000 mile version as it will have a larger battery pack. I will be curious to hear how close the initial production version gets to the 400 mile range. I assume it will be close or just a little over. But time will tell.

[@JBean_COCR]

Do the outboard wheels have safety cables to keep the wheels attached to the body in case of an accident? This is something F1 had to do a few years back. Don't know if this could become a safety issue for others if a wheel is knocked off under high speed. Maybe the wheel fairings and/or HV cables would work to function the same?

[@psweber]

What about the space for the 1000mile battery, or what is left if you have a 250 mile battery? Is this not empty space or does it require a complete redesign?

[@elertus]

As always👏 I am great with where they have us🎉 Just some curious details I look forward to hear now we are at delta ( old info may have changed ) The dimension of the swing of the door from the edge of the wheel pant, for consideration for fit in garage/tight space? I think I can live with the 5.14” GC but it would nice to know if the Off Road kit gives me two more inches and how? Std pants just adjusted up ? Could we really realize ( best case) 400 mi range on the AWD Launch Edition? The Delta rendering shows what looks like a black emblem or pad with PNDR on it just below the screen. Will these “drives” be activated on the screen or by touching these letters below? Is the solar finish we saw on the Gamma’s dash be the sane for Delta? No change? I believe the hood will open a clamshell open style

[@ModernNeandertal]

The back compartment covered in solar and that scalloped carbon composite piece will be pretty dark and Aptera should provide a ring of LED lights that can be switched on so you can see when that back hatch is shut and you are inside the car and want to retrieve something. Also after hearing Jason Hill speak about the engineers coming up with the torsional and structural rigidity engineered into that scalloped piece, was there any thought in doing the same thing to other parts of the vehicle? Maybe it would make the rest of the car stronger as well.

[@p0kerp1aya]

Love love love this!! ❤️ Thanks to both Steve, and Jason, for providing this very insightful view on the very thoughtful design of Aptera. I can't wait to hear the rest of this!!

[@jwvandegronden]

I'm getting addicted to Jason's academically informed way of thinking and talking about design! And instead of a lofty story and a theoretical technocratic design we see a very much visceral experience when looking at this gorgeous vehicle... And I think that is because of his holistic view and what the drivers are for him and his team & the rest of Aptera: a congruent approach to affordable, ecological and sustainable transportation offering a cocoon with the human element at the pinnacle of its philosophy; I need way too much words to express a very limited real understanding of their philosophy, but everything he says, clicks into place and shows its true nature through their design, which feels absolutely legit and rings true for me. Amazing stuff!

[@yanpingyang9028]

Not because of his holistic view. The shape is do to engineering cd reduction/optimization simulation and rigorous resistance to compromise the resulting shape.

[@jimparr01Utube]

I have asked this question before but no response. Very curious to know how a really basic flat tire scenario plays out on the front wheel fairings. It looks to me like there is inadequate clearance to avoid the bottom of the fairing to survive without damage when the event of the flat tire is on a very lumpy road surface.

[@examinerian]

Steve - for long vids shuch as these, could you please add chapter points to the description!

[@mrhobs]

Really happy that Jason ended up where he is. So many great irreplaceable people at Aptera.

[@jwvandegronden]

I thought the inner side of the lid had some accoustic function as well, given the large open space and to prevent a van echo going on. But the structural ridging solution and showing it as a design piece is some awesome design processing!

[@tortoise62]

From the beginning he said he would ask you questions. (2:33) The first that came to my mind was, “when do you drive it”? If we are talking bout the senses, why are you limited by sight alone? He just mentioned noise, vibration & harshness - how can you comment absent your sense of smell, visual, feel, sound? A bit artsy fartsy. I see a a long tapered body claiming massive storage, but continually wonder if a 20x20x20 box would fit. That’s one fear. Came someone put that on a canvas? How about the width of the front end? It’s much wider than any car I’ve spec’d? Why so wide?

[@daveinwla6360]

Mr. Jason "Florid" Hill is not "straight forward" is he? One thing we ALL should keep in mind is to Experience The Product before paying for it.

[@mrhobs]

This discussion is so great, thank you both!

[@daveinwla6360]

The *FRUMP* contains the important *suspension* , which are Aptera's partial compensation for the UN-SPRUNG WEIGHT of the hub motors, brakes, wheel pants, cables that all have to bounce up & down with the wheels. The suspension includes: springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll ("anti-sway") bar(s). The shock absorbers will be really interesting, as Aptera may introduce *ACTIVE SHOCK ABSORBERS* designed by Élaphé. These would react in real time to sense bumps in the road and to adjust the damping coefficient of each wheel independently, thereby reducing its impulse to the body of the vehicle. This could evolve (with a higher price tag) into *REGENERATIVE SHOCK ABSORGERS* . The power recovered by regen shock absorbers is small, but they could draw MAJOR public attention to Aptera by "turning bumps into power" - or "bumps into media coverage" 🙂

[@examinerian]

I'd pay for active or regenerative shocks before AWD or a huge battery, so if this choice became an option I'm all for it!

[@daveinwla6360]

@@examinerian -- Yeah, it would be irresistible to both buyers and news media! It all depends on Êlaphé since the components would essentially be bolt-on devices.

[@richpate9436]

I liked the color-keyed back side seat part on the prototypes. It looks more finished and premium than plane fabric to me. I realize the extra part costs more and I appreciate the effort to keep Aptera's price down. But maybe color keyed seat backs can be made available later as an add-on order option, or as part of a premium interior package upgrade.

[@examinerian]

I agree - the seat faces are also standard, so the black/orange ones that were originally my choice have been reduced to just seatbelt material (for the actual seatbelts and the door pulls) and cupholder tint.

[@yanpingyang9028]

Thanks AOC for drilling down on this topic with a three part series with you pointed and persistent questions to get at the real responses to important questions for the community. Jason seem to be a little less pious and responded to your inquires without cutting you off. I show this episode to my husband, an EV and efficiency engineer who has just completed working on a competing product which will enter the market in 2023. He smiled! A REAL complement for you coming from him. I will summarize his comments by saying; he (Jason) finally acknowledged design supports engineering and production, not the other way around. The design of the Aptera is primarily the result of engineering simulation aero optimization and continues to be not to some esoteric design concept. (The interior is possibly an exception) My husband says three things drive the show at this point; engineering efficiency, production efficiency, and cost. (Rigorous drive to lower cost, often at the expense of the other factors) He concurs that the result is a compromise. But engineering, production, and cost are the drivers at this point. He stressed the result of all activity is to have a product that is easy and cost effective to manufacture and will make a profit. The latter statement being the primary imperative. The product is not a work of art, but a revenue generator. He reminded me that when you see the spectacular (Designed) concept cars in an auto show, the resulting production vehicles of those concepts rarely look much like the concept vehicles. That is indicative of the real imperative in vehicle R&D.

[@GoodEnoughVenson_sigueacristo]

Also, MIRRORS! I may have missed it, but what’s the word on the whole potentially removable mirror, but cameras being integrated into mirror stalks situation?

[@tims8603]

Not quite sure what you're asking. The way I understand it is, there is a mount on the body that houses the camera. Then a stalk which is part of the mirror housing.

[@ericstarmer7779]

I'm still confused as to why there are, apparently, both mirrors and cameras - if they have mirrors, what is the need for the two screens, and the yoke steering wheel ?

[@tims8603]

@@ericstarmer7779 The mirrors are required by law. They are currently lobbying states to change those laws. They would rather not have mirrors because of aerodynamics.

[@ericstarmer7779]

@@tims8603 I think they're making a mistake here - what if their lobbying efforts are unsuccessful- they are still commited to a yoke steering wheel and two screens which take up a lot of real estate, when a lot of people would prefer to have a regular steering wheel and , say, a speedometer or navigation information directly in front of them. They should at least have the wiring there so that in the event they have to have the mirrors, they can reprogram the two screens to show information other than just side view mirror camera views.

[@tims8603]

@@ericstarmer7779 You're entitled to your opinion and you may be correct. I think the Launch Edition is pretty much what the production model will be. They've thought out everything as best they can so it is what it is.

[@ModernNeandertal]

The question that wasn't asked is this: For the folks that want a rear window instead of the solar cells, does the glass provide the same strength as that scalloped piece bonded to the solar cells.

[@williamkaswen9922]

Good question especially since a lot of people may prefer glass and glass was suppose to be standard (as far as I know?). I think the glass will be heavier and also think it is more easily damaged? For myself, I ordered the solar panel hatch for the additional solar charging But also thought the interior would be cooler if the solar greenhouse effect was eliminated by "nix-ing" the glass. Of course, the downside is the loss of airyness the large glass would provide. Guess everything is tradeoff.

[@ssoffshore5111]

@@williamkaswen9922 I'm guessing no glass due to cost, weight, structure.

[@santanumaitra3962]

No cutting holes...

[@christophersiano969]

When the lid is closed, what is the interior dimension at the rear of the car? 3"? 5"? I was wondering where the pressure vents were. I figured they might be behind the seats to vent into the battery area, but alas... You also need these vents to make the HVAC system work. You can't just blow air in without a way for it to get out. Typically the vents are in the rear, but the hatch area always looked too crowded to fit back there. The side is a nice place to have it. Loved the exchange about the hatch construction. It's REALLY hard to look at something you think you understand and then grasp what you thought was wrong. If anything, these assumption killers are all over this vehicle. There are a lot of things about "how stuff works" that is turned on it's head in the Aptera. It's great to see them find new ways to solve stuff that "everyone know how to do that". Because it means we now make better use of new technologies to revisit the old methods and find better ways. I'd love to know just how heavy that completed hatch is. I would not be shocked to find it weighs less than 10 kilos and has some incredible strength such that you would need to live north of the Arctic Circle and never clear off the snow before you need to worry about snow load.

[@Leonardokite]

👍

[@ubaldinovega3555]

What is the thing on top of the hatch?

[@williamkaswen9922]

I thought that also, but I think it was just part of the driver's door.

[@ubaldinovega3555]

@@williamkaswen9922 thank you, that makes sense

[@Yaheuben66]

What if... solar panels on doors for additional, open-door charging (parked, facing into the sun, of course)

[@danmccoy6164]

The door covers are very rounded. Too much so. Even for the flexible panels that they have developed. Or if they can make them curve that much. Having them there would put them through more shock to the panels from constant opening and closing of the doors. Plus routing the power cables through the door opening way larger at the hinge of the doors than the hatch. Plus would ruin the looks/flow of the side of the car. Plus most people wouldn't want to leave thier doors open. But still a good thought.

[@jonathankvex]

Awesome interview, excited for the next chapters. I was hoping Jason would address what a non-solar hatch version would look like. Is glass still an option, or will it be covered even without the panels?

[@yanpingyang9028]

Yes. Skillfully avoided that.

[@orlandoterrazas2179]

Steve never asked him the question: Has the rear glass been eliminated? It wasn't clear if folks who choose not to have solar on the rear hatch will have a glass window.

[@ssoffshore5111]

@@orlandoterrazas2179 I'm guessing no glass due to cost, weight, structure.

[@williamkaswen9922]

I was also thinking glass might just completely go away, but with the carbon fiber hatch maybe a somewhat abbreviated glass section could be provided that would weigh less and still provide necessary rearview and a bunch of the carbon hatch retained? I agree that Aptera should clarify what their intentions are and the likelihood of that changing in the future

[@skeptibleiyam1093]

I want to know why the center rear view display is above and to the right of the side/rear displays. Sure, it is the traditional location, but tradition seems like a dumb reason for anything on an Aptera.

[@williamkaswen9922]

Who knows for sure, but it would simplify changes to the interior having a mirror w/glass hatch vs display with solar panels on hatch, located in the same place and leaving the rest of the cabin, unchanged for the 2 different configurations? Maybe Aptera will give us the definitive answer.

[@skeptibleiyam1093]

@@williamkaswen9922 I thought that even the glass hatch version had a display instead of a mirror. If not, that would explain it.

[@ivantek81]

Can I order an Aptera where the wheel covers are Green, so I can remove them digitally from all videos, so it looks like I'm in a hover car?

[@daveinwla6360]

😄

[@DouglasLippi]

Every time he (and most people) say, "right?" he is actually acknowledging that he either doesn't himself know what he just said or doesn't believe it. Very interesting interview, though. Good work 👍

[@daveinwla6360]

Right!! Steve is very patient and diplomatic with Mr. Florid's B.S.

[@yanpingyang9028]

Astute observation

[@GoodEnoughVenson_sigueacristo]

Lol, watching Steve struggle with comprehending that back hatch is so funny.

[@ddessert6]

I can understand Steve's struggle as there is the question about glass and how that would work? Some people are very clear that they do not want a solar hatch and want to be able to see behind them by looking through the hatch window. If it were 3 pieces, then the piece in question could be swapped out for glass. I'm assuming that should Aptera make a glass hatch that it will be a different hatch. Maybe that is discussed in video 2 or 3.

[@wingsounds13]

Probably the same inner shell with an outer fiberglass shell bonded to it. The pillowed area inside the hatch seal rim would then be cut out and the glass fixed in place.

[@danmccoy6164]

The glass bonded to the cf hatch . Would provide the structural rigidity of the honeycomb after it's removal.

[@ryanl6316]

this whole description sounded like a an exploration of a car in therapy. it's pretty weird. i had to skip around the whole video to get to the point and back down to earth. what is going on here

[@LarryDickman1]

Great conversation. I enjoy listening/learning how decisions are made about a lot of things that are made. Jason; I have tinnitus and the inside noise is a very big issue with me. Not just what the vehicle makes but road noise getting inside. Enough that it could be the only deal breaker for me.

[@enriquecomemierda4745]

Hey Steve. Great in depth video. Since you are obviously well connected with Aptera I would like to ask that you get them to answer a question for the international community. Since Aptera is an internet connected car and they plan to sell this internationally, how are we owners that plan to ship our Aptera to other countries going to connect to data. Yes I know and Aptera responded to me that I will be able to connect to wifi and get updates. This is not the question. For every day driving, navigation, streaming and interacting with the car app to monitor there car, will Aptera make it easy through some tool to buy a data plan on another country and keep the car connected? I asked them and they have me a very technical answer with some technobable. Please see if you can get an answer from them that we owners can understand. Ideally, i can pop open a compartment, switch a SIM and connect to the cell, like I do with my phone. Failing that, this vehicle will lose tremendous featured and appeal for international buyers.