TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Aptera

Discussion in 'Electric Vehicles' started by UCIBtheG, Aug 29, 2019.

  1. UCIBtheG

    UCIBtheG Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2016
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Elk Grove, CA
    It looks like Aptera is trying to make a comeback 10 years later, paging @KarenRei!

    Aptera Is Back, Baby! New, Improved Electric Car Will Have 1,000 Mile Range | CleanTechnica

    The efficiency is awesome, but the shape required to obtain it puts this squarely in the "weirdmobile" status for me. I'm plenty happy with my Model 3. And I can't fathom where they'd fit 100kWh worth of batteries in it. I'm thinking that the 1000 mile range is just a "what could be" scenario given the pack of a (much larger) Model S.
     
    • Like x 2
    • Funny x 1
  2. Brando

    Brando Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    2,841
    Location:
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    Great long distance commuter?
    Lower range model then just rent extra batteries by the week when needed?
    Sales people getting paid by the mile, could make nice pocket change.
     
  3. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    5,661
    Location:
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    Chris Anthony bought back the rights to his own creation. Go Chris Anthony. Steve Fambro moved on to other things probably.
     
  4. the dude

    the dude Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Location:
    Olympus Mons
    Aptera was started by Fambro AFAIK

    And I think he is involved now too
     
  5. wws

    wws Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2014
    Messages:
    854
    Location:
    Northern California
    They are now showing 3 sq meters of solar cells on the hood, roof, and tail of the car. The claim is 'up to' 40 miles/day of range from the solar system.

    https://www.aptera.us/
     
  6. the dude

    the dude Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Location:
    Olympus Mons



    The new Aptera looks almost the same as the original

    But its a far better car now, all wheel drive and solar power + the ability to charge faster than any other EV
     
    • Like x 1
    • Funny x 1
    • Love x 1
  7. Kandiru

    Kandiru Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2014
    Messages:
    1,111
    Location:
    USA
    Fatal attraction. Chances of surviving any crash wihtout GBH will be slim, additionally the wheelbase is problematic for rollovers, non-driveable on snow. The well retired pre-institutionals have little to lose though.
     
    • Disagree x 2
  8. quantumslip

    quantumslip Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Messages:
    470
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Is Aptera Using Tesla's Charging Tech: 1,000-Mile, Supercharge-Capable EV?

    Saw this on insideev. Apparently this vehicle has the Tesla port (2:55). They speculate they may have access to the supercharger network. Unknown if this is a mistake or not.
     
  9. swaltner

    swaltner Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2012
    Messages:
    1,585
    Location:
    Kansas, USA
    I noticed the Tesla connector in that video @2:55, but was confused on if that was supposed to be representative of charging in general or the Aptera in particular. That would be really interesting if it had access to the Supercharger network.

    While they are taking reservations, am I missing a proposed / planned timeframe for their first deliveries? If they have said that, I’m not seeing it on their web site.
     
  10. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2018
    Messages:
    1,155
    Location:
    Newark, OH, USA
    #10 bhtooefr, Dec 6, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2020
    Their official forums have a thread where mention that they can't talk about the port: https://www.aptera.us/forum/aptera-tech-questions/excellent-launch-video-but-is-that-a-tesla-receptacle-plug-on-an-aptera

    I can't think that that could possibly be a "mistake" - the Aptera website features the Tesla port in the photo gallery on the front page: https://www.aptera.us/?pgid=k096lhqx-0e60da80-165d-4d29-bc08-eb703e54bf05

    And, here's the image itself:
    [​IMG]

    It could, of course, be something planned that may not make it to production - you could easily put a Tesla connector on and just use it for AC charging of a prototype, of course, without having Supercharger access. And, it looks like there's enough room in there for a CCS (maybe sideways) if they have to. But, well, the biggest reason by far to use a Tesla connector is for Supercharging, and if you're not going to Supercharge, just put a CCS on.

    Apparently they'll tell reservation holders in early 2021 when to expect their (not actually a) car. (Not actually a car because it's a motorcycle/autocycle.) On the forums, the delivery schedule is reported as 40, 60, 25, then 100 kWh.

    Also, I'll admit it: being in an apartment where getting a plug would be inconvenient and maybe not even allowed (and with DCFC downtown for occasional charging in winter), I threw in a preorder for a Paradigm+ (the earliest delivery 100 kWh FWD models). Honestly, it's closer to what I want than the Model 3 is, and if I lose my $100, oh well.
     
    • Informative x 1
    • Like x 1
  11. StealthP3D

    StealthP3D Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2018
    Messages:
    8,566
    Location:
    Maple Falls, WA
    There is nothing about the design format of this vehicle that will make it problematic to drive in the snow and one look at the videos of it cornering is all I need to see to know that your typical SUV will have a higher chance of roll-over. The crash-worthiness is impossible to ascertain without knowing more but I think you might be under-estimating what well-designed composites bring to the table.

    My one concern is that it looks like it might need a computer controlled rudder and steering system to help with gusty cross-winds at freeway speeds. My other concern is that it's probably not viable in the marketplace as a mass-market vehicle.:(
     
    • Helpful x 2
    • Like x 1
  12. the dude

    the dude Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Location:
    Olympus Mons
    The middle wheel may cause trouble in the snow

    I don't see cross winds causing a problem, there are videos of the original Aptera driving at freeway speeds and it was fine, the new car is even better IMO

    I seriously doubt the Aptera will be able to use the supercharger network, Musk has said he's open to the idea of others using the network but they need to match Teslas investment, Aptera just don't have that kind of money, but the up side is they don't really need the Superchrger network, for Aptera every charger is a supercharger, the car is so efficient its the fastest charging EV on the market, next year Aptera should try to claim the EV coast to coast record, should be pretty easy for them

    Right now the Aptera is a strange weird car for the majority, WHAT THE HELL IS THAT !!! but if they can stay in production for a few years people will get used to it and IMO sales will grow
     
    • Helpful x 1
  13. SMAlset

    SMAlset Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    8,724
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    #13 SMAlset, Dec 6, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2020
    Thought you might a look back to 2009

    Co-Founder, Chris Anthony, in white dress shirt
    BD7EA014-AD3A-4959-AA8D-1BDD04119C11.jpeg

    D5170215-3C9B-4CAC-A7D8-8B4BDEE42085.jpeg

    BEB87B50-BC16-4D12-B2BA-CABDF6935919.jpeg
    Extension cord plugged in for charging back then

    BEB1FF25-4DB7-4EB6-B139-937B341EFA43.jpeg

    887454A0-0E7E-4183-A5C8-D2106E36792A.jpeg
    Notice the brake and accelerator pedals! Just saw something similar on the latest VW ID.4 but with Pause/Play symbols instead
     
  14. Oil4AsphaultOnly

    Oil4AsphaultOnly Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    Messages:
    1,904
    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    I'm sure its crash-worthiness will be phenomenal, much like how Smart's passenger cell is exceptional strong relative to its weight. Most crash tests are done with the vehicle being thrown against a wall/obstacle. Since max kinetic energy is dependent on the weight of the vehicle itself (this aptera being potentially lighter than a Smart), that doesn't tell us ANYTHING about how it would survive a crash with an escalade (might still survive despite the significant reverse acceleration).

    But being sandwiched between two large SUV's would be non-survivable. Edit: And this is why it wouldn't sell well. Smart's at least have the advantage of being able to fit in tiny parking spaces.
     
  15. SMAlset

    SMAlset Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    8,724
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    There was an article back in November 2019 in Autofutures.tv about plans for the car. It shows a similar solar panel as to what we’re seeing now. Interesting, after talking or not talking about the “Tesla” charge port, the last image in the article shows the dash and I thought it looked very Model 3-like with the A/C vents in dashboard (same image as shown in the CleanTechnica article btw). Thinking maybe they are using some of Tesla’s patents? And if low volume production maybe Tesla made some deal on the charger port and equipment/SCs.

    The EV You Never Have To Charge - Aptera Motors - Auto Futures
     
  16. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2018
    Messages:
    1,155
    Location:
    Newark, OH, USA
    #16 bhtooefr, Dec 6, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2020
    Essentially, it'll have 1.5x the drag in deep snow of a equal front/rear track 4-wheeler (with the additional caveat that there won't be a center track in the snow removed by other passing cars, so on untreated but heavily traveled roads, the drag will be higher than 1.5x). However, it has the advantage that it has true dual motor 2WD or triple motor 3WD, as opposed to open differential single motor (1WD in practice) or dual motor (2WD in practice) Teslas.
     
    • Like x 1
  17. redalf

    redalf Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2020
    Messages:
    50
    Location:
    Spokane, WA
    I don’t think they have to “match” Tesla’s investments, but invest an amount that would be proportional to their usage. While that might be a daunting figure for legacy automakers who obviously would just rather let other companies spend that money, with this being a niche car, that might not be so out of reach.
     
  18. scaesare

    scaesare Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    Messages:
    8,178
    Location:
    NoVA
    The other factor is deceleration. Even if the passenger cell is able to remain intact, that doesn't do much good if the occupants inside it pull 100G's...
     
  19. Brando

    Brando Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    2,841
    Location:
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    internet or google search: x-prise car contest

    Many improvements were made to qualify the Aptera and allow it to compete.
    If you are interested in alternative/low cost to fuel vehicles you will learn a lot.
    It was a great contest, wish they'd do it again.
     
  20. uujjj2

    uujjj2 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2020
    Messages:
    228
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Aptera is back. Fisker is back. Will we see Zap, Wheego, Th!nk, and Coda too? Bright Auto, Detroit Electric, LeEco?
     
    • Helpful x 1
    • Funny x 1

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC