My confidence in Aptera is very high, now that the Elaphe hub motors are replaced for a battle tested electric inboard motor. No more cooling problems, less unsprung weight, less change of mechanical motor malfunction. My only concern is the battery pack, in the background of the Chinese LFP battery revolution. I hope the USA will catch up with revolutionary battery tech.
Your comments are appreciated. I’m disappointed that we don’t have in-wheel motors. From an engineering and driving perspective, the possibility for extraordinary control with in-wheel motors would seem to offer a lot of benefits. That said, using a tested designer approach does give one more confidence getting to market in a cost effective and timely manner and with reliability. C U on the road, and Charge on!
The very inefficient hub motors are replaced with a little less inefficient single motor. Efficiency is something else. And they want to used old refurbished batteries from South Korea.
@@Rich1Rodriguez Protean has done a much better hub motor job than Elaphe. NEVS (ex Saab) applied Protean's hub motors in the revolutionary Emily GT car.
Wishing you safe travels to Europe Rich! Please say 'Hello' to all of our fellow Aptera friends there, and thank them for their hard work in assisting the company! Any assistance they give, helps all of us in the end. Any chance you will get to Italy and see what is going on at CPC?
Have to say if Aptera got the backing Tesla and others got from the government it would be out already, but there is always those who knock it just like the ones who told Wilber and Orville would never get off the ground
@@CalvinJordan-b1c Aptera Motors is keeping their U.S. Government Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan application in the oven. Watch this space, and Charge on!
If Aptera had an initial backer like Elon Musk, they would have been much further along by now. Plus, Elon backed that ATVM loan to make sure it could be paid back and he did it early. The EV landscape at the time was new and getting that loan, helped get them to the point where it became mainstream, not just some quirky EV. Aptera is in a crowded EV landscape and all they keep talking about is the solar and efficiency. Yet on the practical and cost landscape (along with it being a three wheeler) the Aptera will be just a niche vehicle. So, for the goverment to get behind that, makes no sense. If Aptera can qualify for the loan, then they should get it. If they can't, then no.
If Tesla had gotten involved with Aptera it would have likely stifled their innovation. Tesla is held back because one person decides what technology gets developed and what technology gets killed (that's why you won't see a heads up display on a Tesla).
@@billsmith5960 it was more of a warning to Steve and Chris not to fall into the same trap. Thankfully I get the feeling that they both have a firm grasp of reality and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds that's why I invested a decent amount into Aptera.
Thank you for sharing this summary Rich. And thanks for sharing our vision to make Aptera a big story in Europe too and we look forward to seeing you in Nuremberg. An engineer understands engineers, so no doubts you will having new insides and a great visit in Germany.
@@Rich1Rodriguez Indeed Rich, the whole world and even our planet will needs much more from this. The Aptera produced a SmILE on my old Greenpeace heart, because once more cutting consumptions to a half from the best. The market could not be wider. The world will get what it deserves, with humans on it or without, it simply buyer's decision, here in terms of mobility, and we all can toggle the bar. 2025 the EV world will be a new. Lets talk about funding, techniques and chances, we will see us, best regards André
I have two Apteras on order. I have been given a number in the mid 800 for my Accelerator. I also have a 1000 mile Aptera on order, which plan on shipping/ to Poland. I expect to drive the vehicle for a full year w
Thanks for your comments! I have heard of several people ordering more than on Aptera. Can you, please, tell me more about the 1,000 mile Aptera you want drive in Poland? Charge on!
Every other solar car company has gone bankrupt! It is unlikely Aptera will succeed where others have completely failed. This car is the width and length of a Tesla S, a very big car, yet can only carry 2 passengers. You would be far better off putting a solar roof on your house, then use the free electricity to power a conventional EV than waste your money on this contraption.
Aptera’s forged carbon fiber body is designed for low cost volume assembly unlike any other vehicle. It is a false dichotomy to assume because other solar electric inspired vehicles have failed Aptera will. I already have 10 kW of solar on my roof and drive a modern EV. The Chevrolet Corvette only seats two and every year demand outstrips demand. So being a two seater as an argument the Aptera will fail is also a false dichotomy. The Aptera is narrower in track than many pickup trucks and SUVs sold in the USA… which make up the vast majority of vehicle sold in this country. So width as an argument the Aptera will fail is also a false dichotomy. Aptera’s ethos of leaning into efficiency, designing for low cost assembly, and a compelling design makes for a unique value proposition in the marketplace - and accelerant for the company’s success. Stay tuned.
The noise of an onboard motor will also be something they will have to deal with. Not as bad as a combustion engine, but still something to deal with. But I am find with front wheel drive as I also want it for the efficiency more than performance.
Great video thank you Rich. Hope you enjoy your trip to Germany. The thing that I can think of to ask tgexAptera Club there is: What there thoughts are on losing the Rear wheel being power, in winter covered roads, especially if they have slight inclines.
Thanks Rich! For ApteraSolar: What EU-wide requirements will necessitate changes to the LE edition for those who have ordered it? Or is it country specific requirements to meet? Has anyone researched the cost of sending an LE from San Diego to Europe?
@@Drexgreen-x The requirements are EU-wide, including the length, width, and other minor details. The cost for individual importation is whatever the final cost of the LE Aptera plus at least 30% for shipment and various tolls and taxes.
For your European questions (hopefully you have more than just Germans there): 1. What do they think about the 223 cm front width being down so low? What I mean by this is that you have the width down so low, how will delivery trucks on many narrow European roads deal with this? Plus, many European driveways are very narrow. 2. Quality. Germans are all about quality. Thus why you rarely see American cars there. Will they embrace the Aptera as having quality since there's no past track record of that? 3. Service. What do they think that just scanning a QR code and anyone can fix anything? Does that sound too simple to actually work in the real world? 4. With many Europeans owing one car and they want practicality, do they think it could replace something like a VW Golf (which is very popular in Europe). 5. Will people be waiting for the NCAP crash test before they buy? NCAP even crash tests golf carts, so they will be doing the Aptera. 6. Will they think the EU will be assessing an import tax? 7. When do they realistically think, there will be an Aptera on sale for the EU?
8. Do you realise it will be a car in Europe, and that the Aptera has to be totally redesigned to meet the very strong European car regulation (which will make the car way more expensive in Europe)
In the video, you indicate you believe Aptera will need an additional 60 to 100 million before production can even be considered yet Aptera's latest projection is production will begin sometime early next year. What do you believe to be a realistic expectation for Aptera production beginning?
@@Rich1Rodriguez Um... If 1H24 means what I think it does, that's passed already. Do you mean 1H25, and 2H25? I'm a bit more pessimistic. Based on nothing but past disappointments, I'd guess 2H25 and 2H26, assuming no recession.
Thanks Rich. Re question our supporters in Germany… if they know how Aptera will be classified as , do share and requirements for that class. Maybe we can help with ideas for homologation for there market . Are they good with Aptera’s start with FWD Top speed ~ 101 mph. I imagine 0-60mph in ~6 seconds is respectful. What crash testing is required on the class Aptera will be in? I believe Aptera still plans to have a type of roll bar in the roof besides the strong CF- SMC . I am note sure that is required in their class/market. I can’t recall if they have HOV lanes. If so hopefully Aptera will qualify for use. Do they need a license plate just in the rear? What size license plate is needed, given the thin Aptera tail? Is NACS ( aka SAE J 3200) a standard EV plug there ? Safe travels and enjoy🥨🍻🍺🌭
Aptera cnnot be registered in GB, EU, Australia. It is too wide. There is no crash test on any aptera. But promised since 2009. Placement of the rear license plate is the least of their problems.
Today's buzzword bingo card is full. You suspect they may need more than $60 million to reach production? What was your first clue? The USG Webinar and presentation materials perhaps which clearly show Aptera spending $114m or more to just complete the next two phases! Sadly many of the numbers on that page were wildly optimistic if not divorced from reality. Plus it was really telling that when the presentation took place Aptea chose to remove the most damning sheet from the presentation which showed they expected to lose another $190m before they would show any profit. I have the original slide deck and the one given at the webinar and only one page was removed
Thanks for watching and for the questions. It just seems to me $60 million can go fast. Being an entrepreneur is hard. Being an entrepreneur that makes hardware is extra hard. Things often cost more money than you anticipate. At the end of the day, I believe investors will be forgiving as long as you meet meaningful milestones towards profitability. For Aptera that means bringing carbon body production to the United States. Aptera’s management has already talked about this. That will cost a ton of money. Again, that’s OK as long as the demand can support it.
Love the new looks and high quality video. I’d be interested to know if there is similar fear, uncertainty, and doubt being spread about EVs in Europe as occurs here. Safe travels!
Thanks for the feedback. I work diligently on quality of audio and video. I took a risk on doing a "out-of-studio" recording... but the weather was so very nice! I still used a 32-bit float digital audio recorder. I tried a new gimbal, but actually had some difficulty with it... every now and then it place me off the center of the frame. iOS has some improvements coming on DockKit and hopefully that gets fixed. I'm definitely sold on 32-bit float recording. I think I will take that to San Diego on the next big reveal. I'll hold off on the GoPro stuff until after I get my vehicle. Charge on!
Why was there a change in the front-wheel drive, from motors in each wheel to a single motor driving the front wheels via shaft? Seems kinda sudden, when I'm expecting production deliveries, any day now.
Aptera management explained they have been working on a back-up plan to the Elaphe in-wheel motors for some time... so in actually it is not sudden. I 'suspect' the change was due to Elaphe's inability to meet Aptera's production timeline.
Elaphe considered that there was too much risk after Lordstown and Lightyear went under. They had customers that are more financially established, so they went with more financially secure customers. This is disappointing for me in Iowa because it likely means that the traction control will not be as good, in these first vehicles compared to what it would have been, but there are still huge advantages for us. I wouldn't be surprised if deliveries don't start until 2026, if they discover issues that need to be addressed during the validation process. I am not discouraged.
@@Rich1Rodriguez Acually it was very sudden it you were an investor or just a fan! Where is the prototype of the "back up plan vehicle" with an in board motor they were working on?
Why is that bar still across the side windows? Isn't that the most annoying design element in the entire project? What? You don't think so? It's what is preventing me wanting to buy the vehicle. I REALLY DON'T WANT unnecessary obstructions in my field of view. While we are here, what about the MISSING quarter windows? It's really hard to see through sheet metal. George Jetsons car didn't have these obvious problems. Why does Aptera STILL have them, this late in development? Are you planning to KEEP them? Wouldn't that be reckless? Drivers have to be able to see.
Aerodynamic design analysis revealed that having the window seam up high, resulted in more wind drag. Additionally, due to the curvature of the glass, it would not fit completely inside the door. These are the reasons why the windows are split. I went back and looked at the Aptera from 2009 and it did have small side windows behind the driver and passenger seats. However, these appear to be entirely impractical for looking outside, that is my guess why these were eliminated.
Aptera battery design is a copy of lucid motors battery which is patented under the name of atieva.........seems no one wants to talk about that. How about you as an intelligent man?
I struggled with the international travel in terms of CO2 load. Mostly I am visiting German friends who I have known for nearly 50 years. We are renting an EV and I’m pondering buying offsets. I’m not the kind of person that travels gratuitously. I’m aware of CO2 load if I was not working I’d figure out how to take a boat. Thank you for the reminder. Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez It's not just climate change. When the next pandemic hits, it's unlikely we'll be able to stop international travel before it spreads globally.
What a fool's errand you went on with the Tesla comparison. This seems to be the go to commentary by certain Aptera supporters who always ignore that elephant in the room, Tesla came about when there was no effective EV market and none was expected. By the time Aptera came around you could literally build an EV with off the shelf components or even have it built for you to your design. Aptera's interest overseas is far far less than stateside. Aptera took their vehicle in 2023 to Switzerland for FTE and came back empty handed. They announced the Dubai special edition and have never commented on uptake since; sorry but any deal with the UAE should be considered reprehensible given that country's treatment of minorities and especially gays. Even the reservation rate has plummeted after all their European exposure, stateside being on CNN, MSNBC, and more.
A very good point about Tesla you make. Yet, you EV manufactures continually are hitting the market. Lucid and Rivian are prime domestic examples. Yet these two companies are exhibiting the same growing pains as Tesla some 15 years ago. It is a feature of any new entrance to market having no prior experience in this market. Aptera is the same there. We have not seen Aptera really market outside of the United States so I really don’t have an opinion on demand in these areas. Charge on!
Investors will read the SEC disclosure, and. my comments are not outside of the exceptions in a the disclosure. Indeed, my parallels to Tesla are offering investors promising thoughts. Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez @shrimptopian3392 I worked across the street from Tesla in 2008, and we hired their motor engineers when Tesla had to lay them off. They came within 1 hour of bankruptcy and they were not saved because of orders for their Roadster. Diamler put in a 50 mil investment for batteries for their EV Smart Car The all the transmissions during that first year would break on acceleration due to too much torque from the motors. On demo days they would have a crew with new transmissions to swap them out after every demo ride.
Investors don't need to watch Rich's video. All they need to do in order not to invest in Aptera is to read their "Forward Looking Statements" in their SEC filings. Aptera Owners Club recently did a show on the "Risks" section of the filing. It was scary! I suggest you watch the video.
@@adimchionyenadum2962 Look at the forward looking statements of *any* new company. Tesla was in far worse shape than Aptera is during the same relative time frame. I invest in new companies for the same reason I donate to charities - to help further the kind of world I want to see - not for personal gain. I have always advised people not to invest more than they can afford to lose, and Aptera has always done the same.
Thanks for watching My Aptera Journey. The Aptera vehicle has been carefully designed to support volume production. This includes robotic transport of vehicles around the factory floor, robotic placement of cells into battery modules, and “pressed” carbon fiber body parts that can be produced in just a few minutes. These processes can support 20,000 - 40,000 units per year at the current factory. These are adequate, for now, to meet current backlog of pre-orders. Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez The factory is non existent, just an empty storage location and some computer renderings. The could not even produce a single roadworthy production prototype since 2019.
Aptera has produced three drivable prototype models, the most recent is most road worthy. I have been to the factory and real testing and validation happens there. and production intent vehicles are being made as I type this. I will likely travel to San Diego in the fall to see the second production intent, drivable, vehicle. Stay tuned for a real adventure in transformative transportation. Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez These 3 prototypes have nearly nothing to do with the production intent. All tetsing on these protoypes was useless. And the last one dies when you try to drive uphills. Until now no production intent prototype exists.
He talks about a 4wd version that will not exist. The structural body is not carbon fiber, but aluminium. So what does he know about Aptera efficiency at all? He is just deluded Aptera Fanboy. A fairy tailor. Just ask the geman fanboys why the Aptera cannot be registered in germany.
Management has stated their intention to re-introduce AWD sometime after the Launch Edition. The body is largely forged carbon fiber. The chassis aluminum. The vehicle’s efficiency stems from aerodynamic design and lightweight materials. I will ask Aptera.Solar members about registration. = Best =
@@Rich1Rodriguez The structural body is now aluminium, the plastic panels are glued to this aluminium frame. Aptera promised a structural carbon fiber body, but like all else: Just empty promises.
My confidence in Aptera is very high, now that the Elaphe hub motors are replaced for a battle tested electric inboard motor. No more cooling problems, less unsprung weight, less change of mechanical motor malfunction. My only concern is the battery pack, in the background of the Chinese LFP battery revolution. I hope the USA will catch up with revolutionary battery tech.
Your comments are appreciated.
I’m disappointed that we don’t have in-wheel motors. From an engineering and driving perspective, the possibility for extraordinary control with in-wheel motors would seem to offer a lot of benefits.
That said, using a tested designer approach does give one more confidence getting to market in a cost effective and timely manner and with reliability.
C U on the road, and
Charge on!
The very inefficient hub motors are replaced with a little less inefficient single motor. Efficiency is something else. And they want to used old refurbished batteries from South Korea.
And, please, tell us how you know refurbished batteries are going to be used in the Aptera?
@@Rich1Rodriguez read the Aptera annoncment about thei South korean battery provider
@@Rich1Rodriguez Protean has done a much better hub motor job than Elaphe. NEVS (ex Saab) applied Protean's hub motors in the revolutionary Emily GT car.
Wishing you safe travels to Europe Rich! Please say 'Hello' to all of our fellow Aptera friends there, and thank them for their hard work in assisting the company! Any assistance they give, helps all of us in the end. Any chance you will get to Italy and see what is going on at CPC?
Only Germany this visit. I will pass on the kind regards.
Have to say if Aptera got the backing Tesla and others got from the government it would be out already, but there is always those who knock it just like the ones who told Wilber and Orville would never get off the ground
@@CalvinJordan-b1c Aptera Motors is keeping their U.S. Government Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan application in the oven.
Watch this space, and
Charge on!
If Aptera had an initial backer like Elon Musk, they would have been much further along by now. Plus, Elon backed that ATVM loan to make sure it could be paid back and he did it early. The EV landscape at the time was new and getting that loan, helped get them to the point where it became mainstream, not just some quirky EV.
Aptera is in a crowded EV landscape and all they keep talking about is the solar and efficiency. Yet on the practical and cost landscape (along with it being a three wheeler) the Aptera will be just a niche vehicle. So, for the goverment to get behind that, makes no sense. If Aptera can qualify for the loan, then they should get it. If they can't, then no.
If Tesla had gotten involved with Aptera it would have likely stifled their innovation. Tesla is held back because one person decides what technology gets developed and what technology gets killed (that's why you won't see a heads up display on a Tesla).
@@Mikey_Likes_It_Too - We are talking about the Tesla early days and the ATVM loan. You are talking about Tesla today. Two different animals.
@@billsmith5960 it was more of a warning to Steve and Chris not to fall into the same trap. Thankfully I get the feeling that they both have a firm grasp of reality and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds that's why I invested a decent amount into Aptera.
Thank you for sharing this summary Rich. And thanks for sharing our vision to make Aptera a big story in Europe too and we look forward to seeing you in Nuremberg. An engineer understands engineers, so no doubts you will having new insides and a great visit in Germany.
There is tremendous demand for a vehicle like Aptera and I’m certain there is good demand in Europe as well.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez Indeed Rich, the whole world and even our planet will needs much more from this. The Aptera produced a SmILE on my old Greenpeace heart, because once more cutting consumptions to a half from the best. The market could not be wider. The world will get what it deserves, with humans on it or without, it simply buyer's decision, here in terms of mobility, and we all can toggle the bar. 2025 the EV world will be a new. Lets talk about funding, techniques and chances, we will see us, best regards André
I have two Apteras on order. I have been given a number in the mid 800 for my Accelerator. I also have a 1000 mile Aptera on order, which plan on shipping/ to Poland. I expect to drive the vehicle for a full year w
Thanks for your comments! I have heard of several people ordering more than on Aptera. Can you, please, tell me more about the 1,000 mile Aptera you want drive in Poland?
Charge on!
Every other solar car company has gone bankrupt! It is unlikely Aptera will succeed where others have completely failed. This car is the width and length of a Tesla S, a very big car, yet can only carry 2 passengers. You would be far better off putting a solar roof on your house, then use the free electricity to power a conventional EV than waste your money on this contraption.
Aptera’s forged carbon fiber body is designed for low cost volume assembly unlike any other vehicle. It is a false dichotomy to assume because other solar electric inspired vehicles have failed Aptera will.
I already have 10 kW of solar on my roof and drive a modern EV.
The Chevrolet Corvette only seats two and every year demand outstrips demand. So being a two seater as an argument the Aptera will fail is also a false dichotomy.
The Aptera is narrower in track than many pickup trucks and SUVs sold in the USA… which make up the vast majority of vehicle sold in this country. So width as an argument the Aptera will fail is also a false dichotomy.
Aptera’s ethos of leaning into efficiency, designing for low cost assembly, and a compelling design makes for a unique value proposition in the marketplace - and accelerant for the company’s success.
Stay tuned.
The noise of an onboard motor will also be something they will have to deal with. Not as bad as a combustion engine, but still something to deal with. But I am find with front wheel drive as I also want it for the efficiency more than performance.
In Oregon, like many places, we have choices.
www.photonmarine.com
Great video thank you Rich.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Germany.
The thing that I can think of to ask tgexAptera Club there is: What there thoughts are on losing the Rear wheel being power, in winter covered roads, especially if they have slight inclines.
I will pass on your comments.
Good question. I guess the answer would be, not happy, but we just have to get on with whatever Aptera decides.
Thanks Rich!
For ApteraSolar:
What EU-wide requirements will necessitate changes to the LE edition for those who have ordered it? Or is it country specific requirements to meet?
Has anyone researched the cost of sending an LE from San Diego to Europe?
@@Drexgreen-x The requirements are EU-wide, including the length, width, and other minor details.
The cost for individual importation is whatever the final cost of the LE Aptera plus at least 30% for shipment and various tolls and taxes.
For your European questions (hopefully you have more than just Germans there):
1. What do they think about the 223 cm front width being down so low? What I mean by this is that you have the width down so low, how will delivery trucks on many narrow European roads deal with this? Plus, many European driveways are very narrow.
2. Quality. Germans are all about quality. Thus why you rarely see American cars there. Will they embrace the Aptera as having quality since there's no past track record of that?
3. Service. What do they think that just scanning a QR code and anyone can fix anything? Does that sound too simple to actually work in the real world?
4. With many Europeans owing one car and they want practicality, do they think it could replace something like a VW Golf (which is very popular in Europe).
5. Will people be waiting for the NCAP crash test before they buy? NCAP even crash tests golf carts, so they will be doing the Aptera.
6. Will they think the EU will be assessing an import tax?
7. When do they realistically think, there will be an Aptera on sale for the EU?
8. Do you realise it will be a car in Europe, and that the Aptera has to be totally redesigned to meet the very strong European car regulation
(which will make the car way more expensive in Europe)
Thank you for the many great questions! I will certainly draw from this list and report back. Take care and
Charge on!
In the video, you indicate you believe Aptera will need an additional 60 to 100 million before production can even be considered yet Aptera's latest projection is production will begin sometime early next year. What do you believe to be a realistic expectation for Aptera production beginning?
Thanks for viewing My Aptera Journey. I think 1H25 initial deliveries may start, 2H25 serial production pace may quicken.
@@Rich1Rodriguez Um...
If 1H24 means what I think it does, that's passed already. Do you mean 1H25, and 2H25?
I'm a bit more pessimistic. Based on nothing but past disappointments, I'd guess 2H25 and 2H26, assuming no recession.
@@robertkirchner7981 I believe that even 2H25 s highly optimistic. Let's hope they sell their first vehicle by the end of 2025 and we'll all be happy.
@@robertkirchner7981 oh! I meant 24. I will edit and make the correction.
Aptera needs at least 300 Mill to start production (Sandy Munro). And they are burning 6 Mill per month producing nothing.
Thanks Rich.
Re question our supporters in Germany… if they know how Aptera will be classified as , do share and requirements for that class. Maybe we can help with ideas for homologation for there market .
Are they good with Aptera’s start with FWD Top speed ~ 101 mph.
I imagine 0-60mph in ~6 seconds is respectful.
What crash testing is required on the class Aptera will be in?
I believe Aptera still plans to have a type of roll bar in the roof besides the strong CF- SMC . I am note sure that is required in their class/market.
I can’t recall if they have HOV lanes. If so hopefully Aptera will qualify for use.
Do they need a license plate just in the rear? What size license plate is needed, given the thin Aptera tail?
Is NACS ( aka SAE J 3200) a standard EV plug there ?
Safe travels and enjoy🥨🍻🍺🌭
These are some great questions. I will be sure to pass these on. Stay tuned, and
charge on!
Aptera cnnot be registered in GB, EU, Australia. It is too wide. There is no crash test on any aptera. But promised since 2009. Placement of the rear license plate is the least of their problems.
Today's buzzword bingo card is full. You suspect they may need more than $60 million to reach production? What was your first clue? The USG Webinar and presentation materials perhaps which clearly show Aptera spending $114m or more to just complete the next two phases! Sadly many of the numbers on that page were wildly optimistic if not divorced from reality. Plus it was really telling that when the presentation took place Aptea chose to remove the most damning sheet from the presentation which showed they expected to lose another $190m before they would show any profit. I have the original slide deck and the one given at the webinar and only one page was removed
Thanks for watching and for the questions.
It just seems to me $60 million can go fast.
Being an entrepreneur is hard. Being an entrepreneur that makes hardware is extra hard. Things often cost more money than you anticipate. At the end of the day, I believe investors will be forgiving as long as you meet meaningful milestones towards profitability.
For Aptera that means bringing carbon body production to the United States. Aptera’s management has already talked about this. That will cost a ton of money. Again, that’s OK as long as the demand can support it.
Love the new looks and high quality video. I’d be interested to know if there is similar fear, uncertainty, and doubt being spread about EVs in Europe as occurs here. Safe travels!
Thanks for the feedback. I work diligently on quality of audio and video.
I took a risk on doing a "out-of-studio" recording... but the weather was so very nice! I still used a 32-bit float digital audio recorder. I tried a new gimbal, but actually had some difficulty with it... every now and then it place me off the center of the frame. iOS has some improvements coming on DockKit and hopefully that gets fixed.
I'm definitely sold on 32-bit float recording. I think I will take that to San Diego on the next big reveal. I'll hold off on the GoPro stuff until after I get my vehicle.
Charge on!
Yes there is fud in Europe, look up the Sono Motors solar car, it's the exact same story as Aptera
Why was there a change in the front-wheel drive, from motors in each wheel to a single motor driving the front wheels via shaft? Seems kinda sudden, when I'm expecting production deliveries, any day now.
Aptera management explained they have been working on a back-up plan to the Elaphe in-wheel motors for some time... so in actually it is not sudden.
I 'suspect' the change was due to Elaphe's inability to meet Aptera's production timeline.
Elaphe considered that there was too much risk after Lordstown and Lightyear went under. They had customers that are more financially established, so they went with more financially secure customers. This is disappointing for me in Iowa because it likely means that the traction control will not be as good, in these first vehicles compared to what it would have been, but there are still huge advantages for us.
I wouldn't be surprised if deliveries don't start until 2026, if they discover issues that need to be addressed during the validation process. I am not discouraged.
@@Rich1Rodriguez Acually it was very sudden it you were an investor or just a fan! Where is the prototype of the "back up plan vehicle" with an in board motor they were working on?
I think you mean sub 6 second times now that it is front wheel drive.
I was clear to state the AWD version, and I mentioned the Launch Edition will be FWD. I anticipate the AWD version will return in the future.
@@Rich1RodriguezI believe twice you quoted 0/60 in 4.o seconds, and it now appears to be 0/60 in 6 seconds.
Efficiency is the most important piece.
One question, how can we europeans can get the Aptera on our roads 😊
@@jank2183 I will be collecting questions… including this one, to take with me to Germany.
Charge on!
Why is that bar still across the side windows? Isn't that the most annoying design element in the entire project? What? You don't think so? It's what is preventing me wanting to buy the vehicle. I REALLY DON'T WANT unnecessary obstructions in my field of view. While we are here, what about the MISSING quarter windows? It's really hard to see through sheet metal. George Jetsons car didn't have these obvious problems. Why does Aptera STILL have them, this late in development? Are you planning to KEEP them? Wouldn't that be reckless? Drivers have to be able to see.
Aerodynamic design analysis revealed that having the window seam up high, resulted in more wind drag. Additionally, due to the curvature of the glass, it would not fit completely inside the door.
These are the reasons why the windows are split.
I went back and looked at the Aptera from 2009 and it did have small side windows behind the driver and passenger seats. However, these appear to be entirely impractical for looking outside, that is my guess why these were eliminated.
Aptera battery design is a copy of lucid motors battery which is patented under the name of atieva.........seems no one wants to talk about that. How about you as an intelligent man?
No intelligent man goes "swoooosh!"
To all those who care about the planet: Please stop traveling internationally.
I struggled with the international travel in terms of CO2 load.
Mostly I am visiting German friends who I have known for nearly 50 years.
We are renting an EV and I’m pondering buying offsets.
I’m not the kind of person that travels gratuitously. I’m aware of CO2 load if I was not working I’d figure out how to take a boat.
Thank you for the reminder.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez It's not just climate change. When the next pandemic hits, it's unlikely we'll be able to stop international travel before it spreads globally.
To all who care about their live: Pleae dont listen to the climate mongerers.
What a fool's errand you went on with the Tesla comparison. This seems to be the go to commentary by certain Aptera supporters who always ignore that elephant in the room, Tesla came about when there was no effective EV market and none was expected. By the time Aptera came around you could literally build an EV with off the shelf components or even have it built for you to your design.
Aptera's interest overseas is far far less than stateside. Aptera took their vehicle in 2023 to Switzerland for FTE and came back empty handed. They announced the Dubai special edition and have never commented on uptake since; sorry but any deal with the UAE should be considered reprehensible given that country's treatment of minorities and especially gays. Even the reservation rate has plummeted after all their European exposure, stateside being on CNN, MSNBC, and more.
A very good point about Tesla you make. Yet, you EV manufactures continually are hitting the market. Lucid and Rivian are prime domestic examples. Yet these two companies are exhibiting the same growing pains as Tesla some 15 years ago. It is a feature of any new entrance to market having no prior experience in this market. Aptera is the same there.
We have not seen Aptera really market outside of the United States so I really don’t have an opinion on demand in these areas.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez Aptera ghave a pretty good try in the UAE. How did that go?
If potential investors see this video they won't invest anymore in the aptera
Investors will read the SEC disclosure, and. my comments are not outside of the exceptions in a the disclosure.
Indeed, my parallels to Tesla are offering investors promising thoughts.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez
@shrimptopian3392 I worked across the street from Tesla in 2008, and we hired their motor engineers when Tesla had to lay them off. They came within 1 hour of bankruptcy and they were not saved because of orders for their Roadster. Diamler put in a 50 mil investment for batteries for their EV Smart Car
The all the transmissions during that first year would break on acceleration due to too much torque from the motors. On demo days they would have a crew with new transmissions to swap them out after every demo ride.
Investors don't need to watch Rich's video. All they need to do in order not to invest in Aptera is to read their "Forward Looking Statements" in their SEC filings. Aptera Owners Club recently did a show on the "Risks" section of the filing. It was scary! I suggest you watch the video.
@@adimchionyenadum2962 Look at the forward looking statements of *any* new company. Tesla was in far worse shape than Aptera is during the same relative time frame.
I invest in new companies for the same reason I donate to charities - to help further the kind of world I want to see - not for personal gain. I have always advised people not to invest more than they can afford to lose, and Aptera has always done the same.
@@adimchionyenadum2962the risks have been in every sec filing since 2019! Nothing new!
The aptera hasn't been designed for mass production and as such will fail
Thanks for watching My Aptera Journey.
The Aptera vehicle has been carefully designed to support volume production. This includes robotic transport of vehicles around the factory floor, robotic placement of cells into battery modules, and “pressed” carbon fiber body parts that can be produced in just a few minutes. These processes can support 20,000 - 40,000 units per year at the current factory.
These are adequate, for now, to meet current backlog of pre-orders.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez The factory is non existent, just an empty storage location and some computer renderings. The could not even produce a single roadworthy production prototype since 2019.
Aptera has produced three drivable prototype models, the most recent is most road worthy.
I have been to the factory and real testing and validation happens there. and production intent vehicles are being made as I type this.
I will likely travel to San Diego in the fall to see the second production intent, drivable, vehicle.
Stay tuned for a real adventure in transformative transportation.
Charge on!
@@Rich1Rodriguez These 3 prototypes have nearly nothing to do with the production intent. All tetsing on these protoypes was useless. And the last one dies when you try to drive uphills. Until now no production intent prototype exists.
He talks about a 4wd version that will not exist. The structural body is not carbon fiber, but aluminium. So what does he know about Aptera efficiency at all? He is just deluded Aptera Fanboy. A fairy tailor. Just ask the geman fanboys why the Aptera cannot be registered in germany.
Management has stated their intention to re-introduce AWD sometime after the Launch Edition.
The body is largely forged carbon fiber. The chassis aluminum.
The vehicle’s efficiency stems from aerodynamic design and lightweight materials.
I will ask Aptera.Solar members about registration.
= Best =
@@Rich1Rodriguez Aptera management has stated a lot in the last 5 years. And before in 2009. And all of it were just empty promises.
@@Rich1Rodriguez The structural body is now aluminium, the plastic panels are glued to this aluminium frame. Aptera promised a structural carbon fiber body, but like all else: Just empty promises.