Talking Design with Aptera's Design Chief

[@ericisnominal]

I like that that he gives straight forward answers, doesn’t give corporate answers

[@ccibinel]

Except for avoiding saying the word Tesla...

[@michaelbramel5771]

What a treat to fire up the YT and find this interview. I really like that Jason is making himself available for these, and I'm delighted that you got to take a turn with him.

[@cingkole7893]

I'm so excited watching Aptera progress towards production.

[@stephensullivan1011]

Bro fr..

[@kevinscott8642]

Great to see the care and attention to detail on the part of those designing and bringing the Aptera to reality. It’s going to result in an amazingly well-thought-out vehicle. Thank you Drew for this coverage! It’s so exciting to see Aptera getting closer to production every day.

[@TailosiveEV]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jayman94fly]

Well I mean putting air in your tires that's a pretty big thing... But yeah they thought out a lot of things.

[@stephensullivan1011]

​@@jayman94flyuptis tires don't need air. Elon's talked about it. So the potential transition makes it not quite as big of a deal. But yeah super sweet to have the slick opening of the wheel covers like that..

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@stephensullivan1011 Pneumatic tires generally have less rolling resistance than airless tires, and since reducing energy use is a primary engineering goal of Aptera, airless tires are probably ruled out. They would also be likely to add unsprung weight and worsen the ride. Carrying a portable DC air compressor and a plug kit would have made servicing Aptera tires no more of a chore than with almost any dresser motorcycle, but now it is a piece of cake.

[@richpate9436]

Impressive -- the efficient design, solar-propulsion, attention to detail, right to repair and especially, the transparency of the company with presentations like this. Glad I have pre-ordered.

[@GNiessen]

It is an elegant solution. I look forward to what they do for the rear wheel. That one is harder.

[@sreville]

Loove all of these interview with the Aptera team, it’s so exciting to see the progress and them moving forward with everything in general. Was waiting for the music to dull down , but it never did unfortunately, makes it easier to concentrate on the conversation...but great to see all the same ☺️

[@axelflakmoppe]

I also love the interview and also find the music really annoying

[@ccibinel]

Great to see you and AOC get interview time with him. Love the new design and details revealed. Wish the video was 16k or so so we could see all the lovely details of the app and touchscreen UI in the background.

[@TailosiveEV]

You and me both!

[@stephensullivan1011]

Lol I thought the same thing

[@TitusvRijn]

I think you can make out from left to right Apple CarPlay - Aptera UI - Aptera App

[@Airman749]

Drew: this interview shows WHY you’re so popular on YT, great interview! Kudos! Look foward to seeing you at Aptera HQ

[@a5-30-31cts]

Ditto!

[@mchlbk]

I really like the approach, completely redesigning mobility from scratch, coming up with something fresh and new and brilliant. Hopefully they'll sell it in Europe too.

[@deanmcmanis9398]

Thanks for the interview Drew (and Jason). We got a few more tidbits about Aptera's design, and where they are going. Plus a few teasers about future design reveals.

[@wil04us]

The wheel pants pivot is a great idea for filling tires and simple quick access. When I saw that, a flash of how to do the rear quick access might be to put a door that opens quickly, to access the air for the for the back wheel. Make the tire only mount the same way, so the valve stem is always on that side. Make the quick panel door always be on the passenger side. Make the opening large enough to always reveal the air stem. One latch, open the panel. So you can always access air stem when the panel is open. Anyway, simple access without taking the rear wheel pants off. One other concern I have given much thought to. Am and Fm radio. I am very fond of Fm. I hope it will be included. Personally, my favorite. Mindless access to so many choices. Beyond that, I am thinking of safety. Fm is a Universal standard. Warnings and HELP broadcasts like Amber alerts on Fm, protects our children. Am, broadcasts by the Maine Turnpike Authority on weather updates and accidents help keep the driving population safer. I am sure other states use Am also. Will

[@Airman749]

Unfortunately in my interview with Chris McCammon in August he confirmed there will be NO tuner in LE,,, personally I’m with you on the AM/FM tuner and even Sattelite radio ( my Fav) but I guess cost, weight, simplicity are Gona rule here. Hopefully will be easy add on. Cheers! Jerry & Helen

[@wilkyflex]

Jason, I want to recommend that the back hatch door includes the tail lights on the door. Also, the hatch door should meet the body at the level that is flat inside the hatch area. That way, it has more utility because you could slide something straight in from the rear, rather than having to lift something in and lean way over. It's a big deall for me and I think everybody would like it better.

[@johnpoldo8817]

I’m so pleased to hear changing front wheels will be easy. I don’t know how to avoid potholes when driving with 3 wheels.

[@skeptibleiyam1093]

My thought is to aim to have the hole pass under my seat. Obviously large enough craters will foil that plan.

[@stephensullivan1011]

Hope they don't exist 😂 Oh well you only have 1 back tire so it'll probably save you money overall having to replace them..

[@skeptibleiyam1093]

@@stephensullivan1011 I live where water does not freeze on the ground, so not having giant potholes is a reasonable expectation for me.

[@JulesInfinite888]

Haha oh man that’s new. Maybe we can drift

[@theninjineer]

Fantastic interview! Thank you both for taking the time to chat with one another. Can I use a clip of this in my Aptera news video this week?

[@TailosiveEV]

Go ahead!

[@StuartBelote]

I love the yoke configuration you are offering. I would like to get more info on changing and airing the rear tire.

[@DemaGeek]

Great job Drew, thanks for bringing this to us! The next time you talk with Aptera, would you ask a few questions about the front and rear chassis castings please? My assumption is that CPC will be doing them, but we don't seem to hear about this area and it would be nice to have confirmation and a progress report at least. Thanks again.

[@Kennethstef]

It’s also nice no one can screw with the lugs so it adds protection

[@garywozniak7742]

They can't steal the catalytic converter either 😉

[@craig8638]

I want one. This car is so different but the efficiency is really exciting. I hope it can still get decent range using a 110 outlet. That would be game changing.

[@garywozniak7742]

Reportedly, it will charge ~13 miles oer hour plugged into a U.S 110V outlet.

[@JulesInfinite888]

Epic

[@altosack]

@@garywozniak7742- Let’s see: 1500w X 10 mi/kWh X ~90% charging efficiency = 13.5 mph. Yep.

[@3dBizarre]

I have a simple question since I'm handicap, and I have a hand control that will break my car as well is accelerated all in one. That comes up along the bottom of the steering column that controls both break and throttle. Sorry to have had to ask this question. Will it be possible.

[@Californiagent]

I wonder if it has regenerative breaking like in the hybrids , then it would have faster charging and more range

[@thomascorbett2936]

Excellent interview, fast paced and smooth .

[@JulesInfinite888]

Great videos, questions, depth. I’m getting really inspired by “purity”

[@replica1052]

(they didn't think of fun track days -as in fast charging and a tri-motor setting where there is initial understeer and the rear wheel works as a rudder )

[@johnpoldo8817]

As an Aptera reservation holder and investor, I wonder if 2nd configuration in production will be 600 mi for increased revenue or 200 mi for increased units.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Almost surely the 200-250 mile range version. The 600 mile range will require taller cells that aren't on full production yet.

[@ccibinel]

@@n.brucenelson5920 Yep short range is simply 4 of the 6 modules that would be in a LE version.

[@stephensullivan1011]

Have they only said what's coming out first? I thought they laid out the whole order, but don't remember..

[@n.brucenelson5920]

@@stephensullivan1011 Yes. First will be the Launch Edition vehicles - 400 mile range, AWD Full Solar vehicles, then the 250s, then the 600,s and finally the 1000's. Batteries are not yet available for the 600 and 1000 mile range vehicles, so they are still a ways off from the other 2 models.

[@laserfalcon]

If one had a 250 mile range, can they upgrade or trade in battery to get a 600 mile range?

[@doolittlegeorge]

This machine is *SOOOOOOO* super cool. Really have had enough of all others extant in the Industry at the moment (Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, disappointingly Zero Motorcycle) so great content always looking for all updates and progress from Everything Aptera.

[@onesky8647]

It’s nice to see the Aptera mature into a well made product.

[@papasquat355]

And, yet, they have made no product. The "factory" remains an empty warehouse.

[@robinpettit7827]

Hopefully the latch will work and not be blocked by winter ice or snow buildup on the wheel hubs.

[@nutzeeer]

The red color of the thumbmail looks so damn nice

[@harriettanthony7352]

IF they can make these; that is the color I will have mine done it. It makes it more visible in an urban setting, and as OP noted--'it looks so damn nice'!

[@papasquat355]

Aptera is a master of using CGI to make things look like a real company.

[@nutzeeer]

@@papasquat355 who asked you

[@papasquat355]

@@nutzeeertrying to save you from losing $$$. You don’t want a comment? Stay off youtube

[@johnbullers8647]

Can't wait to get mine!

[@Thunderbolt1684]

12:18 and 13:05 You can see CARPLAY on the tv on the top right!! looks like they are testing it.

[@TailosiveEV]

I’m unsure if that was intentional or not but I was hyped to see it regardless!

[@robinpettit7827]

Now we just have to have a solution to access the middle wheel. Looking forward to Air In 2.

[@michaelmay9958]

8:50 has some interesting pictures on the wall behind Jason.

[@robwalker4548]

I have placed an order with the off road version not because I t am taking it off road.. I am still worried the wheel skirts are going to be damaged easily for any thing hanging below the center point of the hub. There are paved roads with potholes that are big enough to damage those so close to the ground. Being 3 wheel means you can’t use the front wheels as a guide to miss a pothole for the rear wheel. I am high enough on the order rank that I will have time to see how many have issues if they deal with poor pavement like I do.

[@saibopengke77]

I love how the B-roll footage at 8:15 is the same table he’s sitting at in the interview, and that the Quest 2 box has not moved, the entire time, and has remained as their webcam stand lmao

[@dennisbird5901]

I love the black themed interior in the background behind the speaker. I'm not of fan of white interiors. I hope they offer this in the future.

[@keelferm]

Great questions.... and you managed to get some novel, engaging answers from Jason

[@keelferm]

You two are clearly on the same wavelength.... much sympatico, especially at the end of the interview

[@rngalston]

I feel like, finally, the Aptera is becoming more mainstream and getting cred for it's contributions (NACS) to the transition to efficient personal transport.

[@vincentvangogh8092]

i came loking to findout about solar powered vehicles after hearing Musk say that it was not possible

[@bigbadLN]

If you have the 3 motor variant, can the driver choose to turn off any of the motors to improve efficiency? For example, only use the rear hub motor if you are on flat terrain at constant speed. This is something that the Tesla Semi does for its amazing efficiency.

[@TailosiveEV]

Not sure if it’s possible with in hub motors

[@gregripp]

I hope the armrest on the doors are the same height as the center armrest. A small but desirable comfort feature.

[@zencone]

At what speed and degree of turning on a flat surface would the car flip over? If it can't flip over we'd like to know that too. I think many of us might prefer the European version, if it's at least 10-12" narrower.

[@michaelransom5841]

why not have the panels for the rear wheel fold up like the doors?

[@Fairburne69]

I can't wait for channels like Car Wow and Throttle House to feature this car in a video. Hopefully Aptera will reach out to people like them when the PI vehicle is made.

[@TailosiveEV]

They were featured on JerryRigEverything and Donut Media which are fairly large channels

[@grahamsiebring5227]

Love the focus on UI/phone app. Besides Tesla, EVs have been weak coming out the gate.

[@lsh3rd]

Please do not use the term "wheel base" when referring to "track width"... they mean different things.

[@altosack]

He knows; he misspoke. I’m reasonably confident the vast majority understood.

[@lsh3rd]

@@altosack yes, I think Drew is super smart and insightful. It’s a very confused term in general, but I think in this case it was likely a slip of the tongue.

[@quitinfolkes4639]

Where are things as far as production. I have been looking for this to hit the road for over 1 year. I am looking forward to seeing this on the road.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Production parts are already being made and validated for the first Production Intent builds that will be used for validation of specs, including crash testing to automotive standards. Depending on how the results go, the first production deliveries to customers could be as soon as the end of next Summer.

[@mikky03]

I would like to know why the side door(s) windows are two pieces?

[@TailosiveEV]

Aerodynamic advantages addressed in my recent interview of the CEO and Chief of Design

[@mntbighker]

So, who else thinks Aptera is pretty much the ONLY player building EV's the way they should be built. Everybody else sticking with stamped steel and ever heavier curb weights are missing the point entirely. I think taxes and registrations on EV's (also incentives) should reflect the curb weight. Consumers will vote a different way with their wallets if an 6,000 pound car costs thousands a year to keep on the road. The Hummer EV should cost $10k a year to register just based on the damage they will do to infrastructure. We must back the manufacturers into a corner and force them to think light weight. Force them to look at aircraft design, not farm equipment and industrial.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

I am not a huge fan of force, but we need education so that people know how to make better decisions. At the moment we have too many enemies of education controlling purse strings.

[@NYCCEJ]

Wonderful interview and very insightful questions and responses.

[@milohobo9186]

I am surprised the wheel covers remained. The simplest solution is always remove something to lighten the load and bypass the problem.

[@TailosiveEV]

They save a ton of range. Exposed wheels would be horrible for aerodynamics

[@TitusvRijn]

Whatever Jason Hill had to say about width issue and EU … it has been cut out on minute 6. Guess it is not top priority yet anyway.

[@papasquat355]

It is amazing how far crowd funding can go. Nothing ever sold, but the are still making millions. Imagine once a SPAC takes them public.

[@rexyoda]

did they mention how much range you will loose in the winter? oh great they still have a blinker stock, that would have been a deal breaker, too bad there's no right hand stock, might wait till there is one before pulling the trigger then.

[@TailosiveEV]

Like all vehicles I’m sure it’s less in the winter. How much less is dependent on the wind, driving speed, and temperature

[@RandyVazquez]

Nice! Sounds like CarPlay with that next gen is well on its way!

[@simonlang2001]

how to get to the rear tire ? and what is this like off roading?

[@johnpoldo8817]

I highly doubt Aptera was designed for off-roading and it wouldn’t surprise me if taking off road voids warranty.

[@ccibinel]

In the AOC interview he mentioned they are working on an "Air In 2" video for that. As to "off road" (a term which is used very loosely by Aptera) I suspect we wont get those details until well after the LE version is shipping.

[@barnabasseadog7660]

The Off Road Kit is for commuting in snow, ice, or mud. Not for rock crawling or launching off sand dunes.

[@markmarco2880]

Beautiful🏖️

[@foreeldo]

I really hope they implement Apple CarKey support with UWB so you don't have to take it out of your pocket. Similar to the Genesis GV60

[@francisdebriey3609]

I will buy the 1000km aptera as soon as it's available in Europe !

[@lucristianx]

I hope I get a big boy job to invest 90% of my income in this company. Amen

[@michaelransom5841]

Ya.. I'd buy one if the price was right... provided the battery life problem is adequately addressed.

[@TogetherinParis]

This guy is the real genius of Aptera.

[@hambone3720]

Coincidence that there was an Oculus product package in the background?? Probably. 😜😜

[@ll647]

Aptera is the only sustainable EV, the only way to drive almost oil free today.

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Is that a good design for the tire cover? Parts that hinge tend to shake and then break. Aptera: environmental and situational awareness. Tailosive EV: let me throw this Tesla flag up here as my background. Good interview. The final question "Is there anything you would like me to ask?" is such a great question to free up the interviewee. Solid. Appreciate your time and the video.

[@wardrone8]

Could the front wheel covers be made transparent? Kinda has ugly vibes. Would love to remove them completely and just bare the tires but guess it’s for aerodynamics. So can it be transparent?

[@garywozniak7742]

The would get mucked up quickly.

[@n.brucenelson5920]

With right to repair, people can do what they wish, and the aftermarket will have a field day. Aptera will even provide CAD drawing dimensions and files to those who want them.

[@aaron_knight]

Has Aptera planned to integrate WiTricity when its ready?

[@tims8603]

Good interview Drew. I wonder what that little Aptera logo/icon is below the yoke at 8:53.

[@michaelbramel5771]

I think that's just a cloth tag that has shown up on all the yoke shots. From the angle of this shot, it's hard to see it as easily as in other shots that it's attached to the yoke. I keep scratching my head why they have it...seems a little like those "Do not remove" tags on bedding.

[@tims8603]

@@michaelbramel5771 Thanks for that. Yeah, it looks like it's just sort of floating.

[@TheWizardWhiteHawk]

I also hope they hope they keep software snooping out

[@BrokeMahWallet]

Great interview drew 🔥🔥 glad to see you growing more in this channel

[@jayman94fly]

Obviously there should be a charging standard. Basically, gas grades.

[@danpease8395]

Have had plenty of time to think of everything

[@robinpettit7827]

My wife does need something to help support her neck.

[@jennifersensiba4449]

You asked some excellent questions!

[@GaryGreenway]

Hearing the latch for the wheel cover is behind the front wheel and underneath of the wheel cover has me concerned. This is exactly where the saltcicles build up in the winter. The latch will live in anvironment of wet salt.

[@Rhynri]

Could always keep a cheap corded hair dryer in the car if you’re concerned about it being frozen shut. I’m assuming it’ll be made out of something that doesn’t rust. Being open design, you could likely get the dimension files from them and cad up a better design, as well!

[@harriettanthony7352]

OPs point shows the main flaw with Aptera--its made to a Californian mindset. Example, the 'glorious solar panels 'and the huge void under the wind shield [for some aero reasons}. Come a Lake Effects snow storm in Buffalo,N.Y.S. that solar panel will VANISH, and the aero intake at the wind shield with become a vast ice and snow cavern. Then ALL the wheel 'spats' [pants go on people] will be ice caves with just enough room to rotate the tyres. I do NOT think the electrick motor heat will ever melt the ice/snow under there. With three full of ice/snow wheel spats, what does that do to efficiency and handling? How about a frozen solid front wheel 'spat'? That Calif. dreaming hinge will seize up in a flash in a winter season. I AM glad I am far down the list to buy one{IF}. The zealots will give me REAL WORLD INFORMATION before my turn comes around.

[@richardweston-c7e]

how will the wheel covers clear the speed humps here in Florida?...They won't...CRUNCH!

[@TheWizardWhiteHawk]

I'd put a steering knob on the yolk. For 1 handed driving ....

[@Airman749]

The Yoke choice IS certainly controversial, but once I was inside Gamma , I saw that it just makes sense in an Aptera. I’m sure with Aptera’s stance on right to repair, there’ll be a third party option for a steering wheel for those who really don’t like the yoke.

[@AdminGuys-z7y]

You should of asked if they're going to use a steer by wire system

[@TailosiveEV]

We already know they aren’t

[@ianbladuell2694]

if they ever get to production

[@n.brucenelson5920]

Production body parts are already being produced.

[@ianbladuell2694]

@@n.brucenelson5920 you missed point. Production as in assembly line, put together and delivered to paying customers

[@TheWizardWhiteHawk]

I personally prefer no driver assistant but it van give immunity for driver not paying attention. As an optional. But i don't wNt big brother always in my car ....

[@saberianamir]

Aptera will be a great robotaxi!

[@stevenbryant6436]

Very good interview, short and concise

[@Californiagent]

I want to ask them questions about offroad capabilities 😅

[@willmain8747]

Great interview and I love the vehicle including the idea of a yoke. They just need to design a yoke that doesn’t look like Hello Kitty.

[@vorg_]

So exciting. This car is going to be awesome.

[@Tutorialsofallsorts]

Yeah, but can it get through snow and mud?

[@GoClimbARockEh]

about as well as any other small car

[@MalteForstat]

Did you catch the Neal Stephenson reference? #soexcited #SnowCrash

[@steveb6598]

Awesome interview!

[@thejose24]

So awesome 👏🏽 Thanks for this guys!

[@golfish8589]

I did not like his answer or attitude when you asked about the yoke. Especialy after you mentioned that Tesla has made the yoke an option. He also in no way did he rule out turn indicators on the yoke. I say no to yoke. And I think they should move the rear view mirror/screen down to the top of the dash. Apter keeps mentioning how tall people can fit in the apter and how their heads do not hit the ceiling. The problem is the drivers eye level not being below the level of the bottom of the mirror. I am 6'2" and there are only a couple of trucks or cars where my eye line is below the level of the mirror. Please tell Aptera and any otherw designers you talk with to design into the seat the option to go even lower. I can not drive in a reclined position. And also ask them to use the largest possible font on their screens. Its nice knowing that you are actually going to read this. Also please ask if the Aptera realy has a 500lbs weight limit. Thanks...

[@Airman749]

I’m 6 2 and the rear view camera is slightly above my eye level in Gamma. Also I had plenty of leg, hip, and shoulder room. From pictures this car looks smaller than it actually is. In Donuts YT video they mention that it felt like a Honda Del Sol inside, as a former Del Sol owner, I can say unequivocally that Aptera’s interior is FAR more spacious than a Del Sol, it’s far more like the interior of my Prius.

[@harriettanthony7352]

Your impression IS correct-- Jason Hill is 'welded' to the yoke concept- like the 'phallic symbol' effect of the rear lamp 'thingy'. In other interviews he has the same reaction. Rather like telling the Pope that Christ was gay reaction.

[@golfish8589]

​@@Airman749thanks for the input. Do you recall how upright the seat position was? I can't drive with the seat reclined. How about thigh support?

[@evnewstoday9410]

@@golfish8589 the seat back can be adjusted to any angle you like from straight upright to reclined. Plenty of thigh support.

[@SteveBueche1027]

Would Tesla allow their guys over to help with the operating system without investment?

[@rkbarker]

Please visit Aptera

[@TailosiveEV]

We will!

[@Airman749]

I 2nd that Drew

[@aussieideasman8498]

They have, and soon I will evaluate it.

[@Shadow_of_Christ]

Sized appropriately for the cabin... I disagree but still at least it's efficient

[@harriettanthony7352]

You may disagree, of course. Some facts are in order. One the first size screen obscured the view forward. And the bigger screen got in the way of a tall drivers knees. IF they had asked me-- I would say put ALL the screens in a housing built into the dash board-- as is done in the 2023 Kia Niro BEV, or the Caddy BEV, not just give the impression they were 'just glued in place I-Pads'.

[@Shadow_of_Christ]

@@harriettanthony7352 you and I definitely hate the approach of “mounted iPad” I prefer the Tesla style back in the day when it was part of the dashboard and looked futuristic

[@larrye6778]

AIRLESS TIRES??

[@wingsounds13]

Maybe in the future, but today airless tires still suck big time. They are still improving, but their time has yet to come.

[@pmhcare]

Keep the yoke

[@hardyk2010]

It is a science project.

[@Airman749]

And a VERY VERY good one too!! How often do we get to see a “ science” project come to life?

[@JasonF19001]

It hasn't, in over 10 years. Videos, animations, cad renderings are all great. Actual production has been put off so many times they don't even estimate it anymore.

[@GoClimbARockEh]

@@JasonF19001They're building production intent prototypes now, and estimate customer deliveries by end of 2024

[@JurkusMartynas]

It's funny how they can't mention rival names, lol. Great interview.

[@pavanbiliyar]

Bigger companies avoid mentioning competitors when they get questions about market forecasting or suppliers outside contract. For instance, Boeing rarely mentions Airbus and Intel rarely mention AMD. Also, somewhat off-topic, if you ever hear a company claim a product type has "no market demand, it doesn't mean no one wants a product. It means for the minimum effort of investment and time to get a decent profit, if the available customers can't pay for it, they don't bother. This is best seen when ICE companies give up on making an EV, claiming the market is too thin. No, everyone goes for Tesla. The other companies don't stand out. Aptera certainly has an opportunity here.

[@Holt0216]

They thought of everything… except how they are gonna get the money to actually manufacture this thing 😂

[@JasonF19001]

Great design, but other companies are marketing EVs and leaving you behind. When can the public see one? Buy one?

[@ReetinEntertainment]

Love you, great, wonderful. You spelled Chief wrong...

[@joelroth3651]

Or he switched his role..?🫢

[@ccibinel]

lol