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Aptera Electric Car: My First Ride in a Solar EV! ☀️🚗
We visited Aptera headquarters to get a ride in their solar-powered EV prototypes. Subscribe to CNET: Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉 Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on TikTok: #Aptera #Solar #EV
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Daniel Langlois
July 15, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Does anyone know when they will allow private investments again?
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:18 am
Qualified investors can invest in a round B now, but the minimum might be $100,000. SEC rules are in place to “protect” small investors, and they have maxed out their present limit. Before 2014, we small unconnected investors had no chance at pre-IPO investments such as Aptera, or Tesla back in the day.
Quang Lam
July 15, 2022 at 6:42 pm
Take it to the track? Hahaha 😆
Markus S.
July 15, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Already has been done. Quite impressive.
Quang Lam
July 15, 2022 at 8:11 pm
@Markus S. hahaha 😆
Markus S.
July 15, 2022 at 8:19 pm
@Quang Lam The video is on Aptera Motor’s YT channel.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:16 am
Both my wife and I have ridden in a 2 motor version and both the cornering and the acceleration are insane! (and fun!)
Airman749
July 15, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Let’s address and summerize all the criticism here.
1) is Aptera a Scam?
Answer : probably not since they’ve raised ALOT of money, have Sandy Monroe onboard as consultant and investor, and have been more transparent than almost any other start up ever.
2) can a three wheel vehicle be as stable as a 4wheel one. Numerous studies going back decades have shown with the correct Cg and geometry the answer is a resounding YES, and their Moose testing in the track showed it to be more stable than MANY 4wheel cars.
3) can Aptera actually get up to 40mi/day free solar range?
And get up to 1000mi range ( with biggest battery option)?
Yes!! Because of its insanely low drag Cd .13 ( about 1/2 of other EVs), AND it’s low weight ( 1/2 as other EVs), it achieves calculated WHR/mile UNDER 100WHR/mile or 350MPGe, or about 3x LESS than other EVs, or 10X more effecient than an ice vehicle. It’s extreme effeciency is what makes all that possible.
4) is it safe?
Even though they don’t legally have to, it’s being designed to meet or exceed any passenger car standards.
5) is it small?
Depends on your definition, with cargo room behind the two front passengers bigger than most sedans and as much as some SUVs, depends on exactly how much space you want.
6) are hub motors efficient and reliable? Yes!
Because there’s no drivetrain losses ( they’re direct) they’re up to Approx 15% more efficient. Elaphe has put these through the Equivelent of years of the most extreme torture testing in saltwater submersion, extreme cold and heat, and up to 200G vibration and load testing, with no problems.
Robert Jušić
July 15, 2022 at 7:39 pm
@R P formulaa student teams use Emrax motors just like the one seen here, they are very efifcient actually, the whole outer part of the motors spins instead of only the rotor inside the stator
Airman749
July 15, 2022 at 8:33 pm
@R P they’re only about 50lbs each, not much more than a regular wheel.
Airman749
July 15, 2022 at 8:34 pm
@Robert Jušić in the electric motor world these are known commonly as “ outrunners “
They’re known for their high torque and effeciency.
R P
July 15, 2022 at 8:36 pm
@Robert Jušić I figured that, increased rotating mass might not be as bad as I thought, leaving unsprung wait and impact on the motors being the only downsides. The overall design and concept is good enough that even if the motors weren’t great I’d still be in
D. Jerry Cook
July 15, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Yes, please!… I’d like to have one to drive also.
Clara Smith
July 15, 2022 at 7:27 pm
Pre-ordered the 400 mile version, and hope that I’ll be able to charge at any Tesla Supercharger on road trips.
Rhbx1
July 15, 2022 at 7:34 pm
This looks amazing specially for price point
ElIWOlF
July 15, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Amazing invention!!
R P
July 15, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Dumb people shouldn’t even consider this, at least for 5 years, some of them might be ready for a Prius now.
I think they’re going to have to raise the price.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:13 am
I am not sure what “dumb people” even means. Aptera is a niche vehicle for now, but more widely used vehicles will be introduced once this model is in production.
transitengineer
July 15, 2022 at 8:03 pm
This was an excellent introduction. For myself, this would be nice to have as a second motor vehicle, just to ride around in close to my home (say for trips of about 20 miles or less) but, not for longer daily commutes. If my only car, it would have to be designed more like a four passenger traditional electric car (smile…smile).
Jay Reeder
July 15, 2022 at 8:31 pm
The daily range is just with no charging. There’s no reason you can’t plug it in at night, add 100-150 miles of use. A daily commute of 150 round trip miles is easy.
Leo - ProVega350
July 15, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Aptera comes with a 250 mi battery with options of 400, 600 and 1000 miles available. The ~40 miles/day can come from its on board solar cells, if it is equipped with all the solar cell options available.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:11 am
The second Aptera planned is a 4 wheel, 5 passenger sedan. You will hear more about that once these first models are shipping.
Nathan McMunigal
July 15, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Why did they turn the solar panels 45 degrees when the space on the hood is a rectangle? The shape that solar panels already are? They could have fit more cells if they left them in a standard grid.
Leo - ProVega350
July 16, 2022 at 12:08 am
They turned the solar cells (solar panels are made up of solar cells) to maximize their output.
Quang Lam
July 15, 2022 at 8:13 pm
Looks like a ponzi scheme. We’ll see if it ever comes out.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:10 am
It has none of the marks of a ponzi scheme, but you are correct about the second part.
Jay Reeder
July 15, 2022 at 8:27 pm
I put my order in.
Tom Bushaw
July 15, 2022 at 8:42 pm
I’ve pre-ordered a “Sol”; 40 kW (400 mi range), AWD, full solar. Love the concept, philosophy, efficiency, meaningful solar capability, wow factor, and price. Waiting (maybe not so) patiently. They’ve come a long ways. I think they’re going to deliver.
Ed Cupp
July 15, 2022 at 10:05 pm
I’d love to take a test ride, I live in Clinton Ohio, 44216
Q50 Norado Rhoden
July 15, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Cool 😎
Tim Smith
July 15, 2022 at 10:13 pm
Cant wait, preordered one back in Feb , and a second one early June. Figured can easily flip the second to pay for the first. If they can arrange the $7500 tax credit its a no brainer.
Tiago
July 15, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Game changer
charles potts
July 15, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Looks like fish Out of Water! Lol!
Markus S.
July 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
Correct. Nature can’t afford inefficiency!
Aptera Owner's Club
July 15, 2022 at 10:29 pm
Yes everyone join the revolution! Lot’s more info on our channel.
Killmonize Productions
July 15, 2022 at 11:36 pm
Yes love drive in this. What a great car so far.
kevroll
July 15, 2022 at 11:53 pm
Got one reserved ⚡⚡🚗👍👍
Brewster
July 16, 2022 at 12:09 am
There’s two configurations to get the most bang for your buck:
Option 1: $34,500 or $448 per month – Performance and Range: 400 mile range, all-wheel drive, all solar, and safety pilot. (Assuming 4.49 interest rate over 7 years with a $5k down payment, 7% tax, and $300 registration fee. Only would be $343 per month with the $7,500 tax credit. Fingers crossed on that one.) Here you have more than enough range to have fun or go on long trips without stopping for a good 4+ hours. You’re not gonna feel like you have to perfectly monitor how efficiently you drive. No guilt blasting the AC or accelerating fast.
Option 2: $28,100 or $352 per month – Efficiency and Comfort: 250 mile range, all solar, and safety pilot. (Only $248 with a $7,500 tax credit.) This option is for anyone who’s looking to keep the cost down and doesn’t want to shill out for the extra performance. 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds is plenty peppy. My two door Honda Civic does 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds. Also, you’re gonna take a noticeable hit in range if you add on the third hub motor in the back. This configuration is perfect for day to day comfortable driving. And for range anxiety on road trips, just remember you can get about 100 miles of charge in 10 minutes. So, that’s not much of a cost in time compared to the price of lugging around a heavy battery all the time when you don’t really need it. Heavier the battery = less efficient car.
Personally, I can’t skip out on solar or safety pilot. Solar because that’s the secret sauce and safety pilot because it could save your life. No brainer. What option would you take?
Tom Bushaw
July 16, 2022 at 12:43 am
While I wait for my number to come up I saving up so that I can pay cash. I’ve read that they do expect a range hit for the AWD, but not a big one (<5% if I remember right). My options: Sol - 40 kW - AWD - Full solar - safety pilot.
Head First
July 16, 2022 at 12:24 am
Rain, ice, snow, wind, road debris. I’m pretty sure they thought of those things in design. Still, I might want tie downs in the parking lot. Very aircraft looking and appealing. I’m certainly interested.
Tom Bushaw
July 16, 2022 at 12:38 am
..and those arresting cables when it comes in for a landing.
Head First
July 16, 2022 at 12:42 am
@Tom Bushaw Lol! Fast is good.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:03 am
It has been tested stable in higher winds than most SUVs There is less flat surface presented to wind than my 1800 lb Gen 1 Honda Insight and it does fine in high cross winds. I think Aptera is likely to be excellent under such conditions.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 1:03 am
@Head First And FUN!
Head First
July 16, 2022 at 1:24 am
@N. Bruce Nelson Good to hear. I was concerned about a crosswind getting under the tail and picking it up. Would be unnerving to say the least. I was certainly unimpressed by the Ford Ecosport.
C H
July 16, 2022 at 1:04 am
Would I like to take a ride in the Aptera??? Well, I have one reserved and I am looking forward to turning heads around town.
MRNOFILTER718
July 16, 2022 at 1:10 am
Smart idea to put the engine in the wheels
Rod RodI
July 16, 2022 at 8:31 am
Solar has always been a great idea, I don’t think this will resonate as a practical vehicle for most. Something about that shape (as fuel efficient and aerodynamic as it is) screams niche meaning most people won’t even entertain the idea of its practicality. Great concept though.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 2:12 pm
This first Aptera vehicle IS a niche vehicle, but with the practicality to serve most needs of a couple plus the very low cost of ownership, it is going to be a larger niche than even the developers of the vehicle imagined.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Aptera is a scam
amishgable
July 16, 2022 at 11:20 am
wait how do you change a flat tyre then?
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 2:11 pm
The wheel pants quickly unclip when needed and the wheels unbolt from the wheel motors as if they were drum brakes.
In most cases flats can be repaired on the wheel with a pair of pliers to pull out the nail or screw, a plug kit, and a DC inflator.
Robert Jones
July 16, 2022 at 12:08 pm
I assumed the price would be absurd and not was I wrong. VERY affordable.
I’m actually considering now…
xcen1
July 16, 2022 at 12:46 pm
they gotta make an extended version for 4 seater
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 2:09 pm
The second Aptera is likely to be a 4 wheel, 5 passenger sedan.
trader025
July 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
How do they handle and feel on bumpy roads ?
N. Bruce Nelson
July 16, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Both my wife and I had a ride in an alpha prototype which was rough, but thrilling due the the absolutely amazing acceleration.
We can’t really judge, because both front and rear suspensions were totally re-designed by Roush Performance to add a sway bar and more compliance, and change the rear from a swing arm to a dual link. My guess is that it is still going to be sports car like.
Roy LeMeur
July 16, 2022 at 1:48 pm
As a ‘Merikan I’m proud to say that I read a book. One. Once.
😛👍
Cole Greene
July 16, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Looks like a super fun car! My main concern would be safety and it seems like they are striving for a good rating. Looking forward to production
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Aptera is only street legal as a motorcycle, no crash test standards for motorcycles.
Aptera has never made anything in over 17 years except false promises.
quartytypo
July 16, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Despite being just another EV grocery hauler, good looking ride.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Fatally flawed concept
Skelleton Man
July 16, 2022 at 4:26 pm
giant truck and suv be like new target to crash acquired
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Lightweight fiberglass construction, no bumpers, no airbags no crash test standards and a lithium battery pack that can explode if damaged and burn uncontrollably… no thanks, I’m not suicidal!
robsolf
July 16, 2022 at 4:47 pm
I’m very open to EV; currently own a PHEV. But no way am I driving a vehicle that looks like a women’s *&^% me pump.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:49 pm
You have to wear a helmet because legally its only a motorcycle with no crash protection standards or airbags.
kona_moon
July 16, 2022 at 5:17 pm
I need one NOW – not 3 years later.
Andrew S
July 16, 2022 at 5:27 pm
The pricing is right.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:46 pm
MSRP has not been published so actual price is unknown.
CraftsmanSyr
July 16, 2022 at 6:24 pm
Ok, so how about a version you can drive in areas that salt or sand the roads in the winter? The wheel-as-rotor idea is brilliant, but opens the entire system up to catastrophic failure when any sort of debris inevitably flies in there.
Chad Bailey
July 16, 2022 at 7:05 pm
I’d invest. This seems amazing
Johan Wejedal Design
July 16, 2022 at 7:32 pm
I love this car. Every aspect of it.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Too bad its not real.
Bart Cunningham
July 16, 2022 at 8:04 pm
I put one on reserve back in April and I am really hoping I can be driving it next year sometime. This will be my main vehicle and I wish I could be driving it now.
Ethics Underground
July 16, 2022 at 8:13 pm
I expect Aptera-style vehicles to become a standard transportation commodity once the world recognizes their brilliance. Eager to support the endeavor and waiting in line.
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Monumentally dumb concept, solar cars don’t work at night or on cloudy days!
Sander Van der Kammen
July 16, 2022 at 9:11 pm
*BEWARE of Bruce Nelson*
He is a lying shill for the Aptera vaporware scam.
Cryptonymicus
July 16, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Like to know how many miles of driving range it can charge per hour.
Adimchi Onyenadum
July 16, 2022 at 9:53 pm
He said the three wheel beta version has about 210 HP. Please does anybody know more about this and can confirm it? Also anybody know when Chris’s talks in this video was given?
Ben Paholke
July 16, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Was it a bumpy ride?
Native2458
July 16, 2022 at 11:43 pm
“You don’t need to close the door that card”, lol
Friendly Neighborhood Nerd
July 17, 2022 at 12:33 am
As a shareholder, I get more excited for the car day by day 🙂
Zara Wilson
July 17, 2022 at 12:48 am
So, you could explain you comment, and not be so flip about it.
Hygienist Dentist
July 17, 2022 at 12:49 am
Woah is that a Tesla connector at 3:42?
Dale naegeli
July 17, 2022 at 12:42 pm
When will we see one on the east coast???
BigBwoyTing
July 17, 2022 at 3:07 pm
I love it, I want one
tim kahn
July 17, 2022 at 3:30 pm
when ? when ? when?when you see it you may be dreaming.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Both my wife and I have ridden in a prototype and the performance of even the 2WD version is thrilling.
Remember that it took Tesla 6 years to ship their first far simpler EV conversation of the Lotus Elise.
tim kahn
July 17, 2022 at 3:34 pm
the body is decades old now . how about when . it won awards for great m p g . you hope ?come on .
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 5:28 pm
The general shape was designed by Morelli in the ’80s. This current body is a brand new design, started in 2019.
tim kahn
July 17, 2022 at 3:39 pm
you won the X prize in may of 2010 . the body shape is the same . how about stop soaking funds and build the car. settle already. it looks more and more like your just ripping people off .
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 5:24 pm
This present company and vehicle are not the same. The original founders lost control of their company in 2009.
The company was then liquidated in 2011. They only got the rights back and restarted in 2019, after co-founding and taking a lithium battery company public.
kyle decker
July 17, 2022 at 3:40 pm
Hahahaha…….. I’ve seen this before!
Jeeban Gurung
July 17, 2022 at 4:57 pm
What a unique design solar car.
Thomas Corbett
July 17, 2022 at 5:48 pm
I think the Gamma model looks even better .
avicohen2k
July 17, 2022 at 6:46 pm
This looks absolutely ridiculous.
I was sure this is a concept that they are using to test ideas for the final design that will be nothing like it.
Doesn’t look that safe either btw..
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 10:51 pm
The acceleration sure is – speaking from the experience of a ride in Luna. The final design will be very close to the gamma vehicle we have already seen renderings of. The safety has already been virtually tested thousands of times, and FMVSS part 200 crash tests will be performed by a third party once they have production intent models available to test. I have full confidence in it.
dmmcdow
July 17, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Yes I would, been waiting for an invite to test drive the APTERA
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 10:48 pm
Ask! Both my wife and I had rides in an alpha prototype back in November. The acceleration is a complete surprise, and big fun!
Paul Kratt
July 17, 2022 at 7:25 pm
I’d love to take a ride!
mo mo
July 17, 2022 at 8:18 pm
It is ugly
John B
July 17, 2022 at 8:34 pm
The targeted operational space for the Aptera seems to be well targeted by the product offering. Most (USA) private vehicles are occupied by 1 or 2 persons 90% of the time. The average car racks up 12 000 miles a year or 32 miles a day. Solar gain of up to 40 miles/ day eliminates fuel cost. (Even if it only gets half the stated goal, the actual fuel cost will be tiny compared to an ice.
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 10:47 pm
I expect that I will only get around 20 miles per day where I live in Iowa, and the cost of full solar is till a no-brainer.
AC
July 17, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Looks like a death trap! Any sedan could kill you in that
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Looks are misleading you in this case. It is designed to and will be safer than any other vehicle in its class, and likely many cars.
Gamer Live Studio
July 17, 2022 at 9:10 pm
I’ll pass f that lmfao haha one hit your dead haha 🤣
N. Bruce Nelson
July 17, 2022 at 10:45 pm
It will be safer than the similar weight Gen 1 Honda Insight, and I survived being hit from behind in one by a large car on the Interstate at 60 mph. I was uninjured. Aptera has a safer design than that did and will be voluntarily tested to FMVSS crash test standards and the results published when there are production intent models available to test.
Tom Manseau
July 17, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Would I want to try one? Absolutely!
What most people really want/need in reality: 2 seats, 2 doors, a large trunk and 300-400 mile range for those occasional long trips that crop up. And Aptera is selling one with up to 400 miles of range which I think is a great sweet spot for range. Need more capacity occasionally? Rent.
Victor's Voice
July 17, 2022 at 9:55 pm
The future is solar power.
Boy, the oil companies won’t like this vehicle.
The world needs this car.
Albert Bradfield
July 17, 2022 at 10:23 pm
The professor would be proud of what they’ve done with this design.
brookestephen
July 17, 2022 at 11:27 pm
does it weigh enough not to wind-vane or get swept or flipped off the road in heavy winds? Cuz it sure looks light-weight!
Ariel Enriquez
July 17, 2022 at 11:44 pm
If they ever make a family vehicle with 300+ mile range they’ll completely own the market
୨ ୧
July 17, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Since the motor in in the wheel, if you have a flat and take it to some tire shop, the minimum wage tire change guy will be rough handling part of your fancy motor in their tire patch machine? Bad idea.
Jeffrey Moy
July 18, 2022 at 12:30 am
IT would be fun to tool around in a car that actually looks like it comes from the future.
Patrick Nelson
July 18, 2022 at 12:50 am
Anyone else notice the upside down steering wheel in the exposed suspension prototype car?
Harry Ballsacky
July 18, 2022 at 1:15 am
THEY’LL GO BANKRUPT MIDWAY THRU PRODUCTION…..PRICE IS TOO INEXPENSIVE TO SUSTAIN ANY DRAMATIC LOSS OR RECALL…
julesbellock
July 18, 2022 at 1:21 am
I work 27 miles from home, parking is a garage. I wonder if it would work for me?