Aptera is Back. It's a Very Different Beast. And We Just Put $100 Down. Here's Why
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
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The Aptera three-wheeled electric car first broke cover more than a decade ago. Then it suffered the same fate as many startups at the time, with the firm declaring bankruptcy in 2011.
But now it's back - and on Friday last week it announced specifications and pricing for the newer, more efficient, more powerful reincarnation of the car that looks like it's from the future.
We look at the company's history, examine what's changed... and explain why Nikki just put herself on the waitlist to own one.
Watch the video above to find out more, support us with the provided links, and let us know what you think below -- but remember to keep your comments civil!
Presenter: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Produced: Transport Evolved
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There's no other company out there that I want to survive and thrive more than Aptera.
I couldn't agree more. We need an environmentally conscientious car company that still wants to give it's users something unique, reliable, safe, and fun. And we definitely need more right to repair everywhere.
Right? They are a company you can get behind!
Hey! I LIKE TACO BELL!!!
th-cam.com/video/RbCJK1-yhnk/w-d-xo.html
Agreed but with the old (and new) CEO's back at the wheel ?
@@VUO4E If you knew anything about Aptera's history you'd know why that's a good thing. They stopped making a profit and stopped having a good plan once the CEO's were forced out. Not to mention they both have thriving businesses now.
This is an exciting development. I’m glad you’re supporting a right-to-repair company.
Of course she is, she supports you
The new LAZERUS mobile. YES
Now that massachusetts has passed the new right to repair laws. It will make it easier for everyone around the world to work on their vehicles. Unless the manufacturer doesn't sell in the US.
It's not like a company can release software and other technology information needed to repair, only in Massachusetts. So it'll help everyone.
"right to repair" is a bizarre concept to me.. Once you pay for a product, it legally becomes yours, , and yours alone.... You can do what ever you want to it...
Communism is different.. Government owns everything, and they designate who gets to use it..
@@musicmanmatt87 Texas is a Right to Repair state too.
12 years ago, it was favorite design to come out. And its still is today. The aero design is near or as close as it can be to perfection. And congrats on the order. Can't wait.
I think it could be better resolved to maintain the low drag. Still too toyish.
That’s 2 years more than me! It’s a fun thing to dream about the car we’ll never own..;:-)
My observation is that external aerodynamic efficiency means less internal space efficiency. Note how the current-gen Kia Soul EV does approximately the same in BjØrn's banana box text as the Tesla Model Y, but the Model Y covers a lot more payment to have not much more internal space. One is more externally efficient, the other more eternally efficient. So it depends on your priorities. Personality, with electricity inexpensive and 98% made from renewables where I live, I went with a car that was internally efficient with space instead.
@@ScrapKing73 Wat?
@The Moth very odd logic, lol
I hope they make it, just as a counterweight to all those who argue that EVs should look and behave exactly like "normal cars".
I wanna see multiple Apteras on the road alongside multiple Cybertrucks. We've already got the sum of human knowledge in our pockets-the 2020s are shaping up to *look* like a sci-fi movie.
Shame we'll all be in home lockdowns forever more. Lol
The combo of the two is actually a great set for a two vehicle household. You could take both camping and use the aptera for side trips charged by the cybertruck's 120V outlet. I see the aptera as a fun ultralight sports car (their marketing kinda misses this opportunity); I'll probably be 40 by the time I'd get it so time for that midlife crisis. If the car with all its solar and 100 kwh battery is 1800lb I would expect the minimal base solar 40 kwh version to be more like 1300 (1500 if they use LFP for the short range ones); with tuned wheel motors this thing will out handle any normal sports car.
Thrilled to see Aptera back. Used to be so excited way back when.
This car almost made me cancel my cybertruck order and order this! No, I must have both. Well interest rates are low, right?
Interest rates?
Good luck, that's what turbo charged the Celtic Tiger boom
I think you're right. I could see a house with both of those parked outside, no problem.
As a stainless steel tank with 7 cameras you have access to at all times, the Cybertruck is poised to be a perfect asset for a rental business. I am going to use 2021 to make a business model and business plan for my dual motor FSD Cybertruck. If it goes well, through 2022, I will have enough money to buy my single motor FSD CT, and maybe even one of the new 3 wheelers - in a few years. Arcimoto is my current favorite, but this Aptera is giving them a run for their money on value!
The Cybertruck (like all Tesla's) should have great resale value.
Especially in America where trucks have better resale value (FYI, Tesla's Model 3 has better resale value than trucks, 5% loss in 1 year compared to 11.5%)
They will look great next to each other!!
May the Schwartz be with Aptera. Glad to see it back.
What happened at 10:08? Looks like the presentation went a bit wrong there
Yep. It's not you.
yeah, that seems like some kind of media not found style issue but without the error message which would usually be in it's place.
I guess Nikki just forgot to replace the templates with actual footage here :)
I'm an English student and I must say that your pronunciation is impeccable. Thank you for your videos.
Has to be... She's from England...!!
Thanks for mentioning the chargeport and digging into it. No comment on it just makes us all the more curious 😉
What else would this mean? I mean defiantly in negotiations.
When I first saw the aptera years ago ..I didn't find the design attractive and yet at the same time I loved it...It's the car I wanted. I still feel the same...I want one!!!
Loved the aptera.
I wish them luck!
:-)
I hope that we get to see the vehicle on the street in the future. Interesting to see what happens with the company.
I understand they are presently working with Monro and Assoc. to design their manufacturing and production. This makes it a more serious attempt to bring it to market.
Did Sandy mention them recently? I know the other 3 companies making 3 wheelers, and he has done videos for each of them. I'd love to hear more about Aptera.
@@Nphen Yes, Sandy has talked about this in several of his videos.
No no no... I came back, I came back FROM the future!
...GREAT SCOTT!
Some say, the reason it drives that far is dilithium Cristals. Others say, the v4 will instantly get to the destination following the mecillian routes and a spore drive... All we know is that it lives long and prospers 🙃🙂
I think the Aptera looks great
I think it looks like it wants to fertilize an egg, but I like it anyway.
"Bite me" 🤣🤣 I always loved Aptera design and efficiency. Glad they are back.
if I took a shot every time you said "Cleaner Greener", I'd be dead of alcohol poisoning 10 minutes in :)
world's first (first.. first.. irst.. irst) of the future (future... future.. uture.. uture) first drive (drive... drive... ive.. ive..)
Thank you for pointing out that Aptera means "without wings." I wish they'd stop saying it means "wingless flight", it really doesn't....
@@nghisus Please explain. Did Aptera claim to have opened a factory already?
Wingless flight- Aptera
@@tahjaespencer3463 ptera = wings, aptera = no wings.
I've been wanting an aptera for more than a decade. I really hope they get to market.
Come on Aptera, you can do it. I wish you all the best.
Interesting, worth supporting, and 'Right to Repair". I'll have one.
I wanted the Aptera myself. When I couldn't get one I enventually bought a model 3 Tesla. I' m done with gas cars, I may just order one myself.
Nikki: Yes. I'm a nerd. Bite me. Or maybe live long and prosper would be more appropriate.
You crack me up sometimes Nikki. Don't change. We all love you.
Small ev, small battery, long range. Lets see if there is a market.
There is a market out there. Take a look at Arcimoto, 50k preorders
100kWh is a large battery pack. It is the aim to get 3.5-5X the range per kWh that is radical.
i’d certainly buy one
I’m here for it.
@@NeilBlanchard Per the website, it will also be available in 60kWh, 40kWh, and 25kWh versions.
Being tougher is the definition of “changed reporting”
I’m so excited to see Aptera returning! I loved the whole idea of this thing the first time around, and if the off-road kit can make it viable in a New England winter (along with cabin heating), I could 100% see owning one. Their support for right-to-repair is a huge selling point too.
This has my attention, especially since they support right to repair. I'd love to know about sidewind/18 wheeler passing situations. I am all ears.
With its thin fuselage it is probably actually very good. There will be little surface area for the crosswind to push on or for the 18 wheeler Venturi effect to pull together. It’s probably as safe as you can get in such circumstances.
@@davidlazarus67 The front track is also very wide. Something like 80 inches I think.
@@robertkirchner7981 Another very good point.
I presently have a Gen 1 Honda Insight. I have driven it from California to Kansas City at 80 mph and still averaged 53 miles per hour with my wife, dog, and camping gear. The wind didn't' affect that much and the Aptera should be much better with an even more slippery profile and traction control.
@@robertkirchner7981 78" for the track -88 total width.
I am an investor and also have my order in!
There needs to be a star trek model, like NC 17000 mark3 with the federation symbol on the side. It does remind me of a better looking shuttle craft.
I came for your comments on the Aptera, stayed for the unreal lighting. Holy crap, how did you light this? It's amazing!
"I'm a nurd. Byte Me." ;o)
I liked it too
It's gems like that which make it more fun watching youtube than TV...
I think they should have rear-view mirrors that fold seamlessly into the body only to be used if the cameras fail
As a three-wheeler, the Aptera is legally a motorcycle, and is only required to have one rear view mirror, which can be in the cab. Side view cameras exceed the legal requirement.
Sorry... No. Cameras should not be the main reliance of viewing. People are inherently lazy. Cameras fail, mis-see and so on. Your own senses being a distant second is not smart.
My God, if you could weave you voice into cloth, it would be the smoothest silk that no one could afford. Thanks for the info on the Aptera and the professional delivery.
I placed an order for one as well! Here's to hoping all of the promises are lived up to!
When do you expect it to arrive at your doorstep?
2022...
"Elon Musk is known to HATE three-wheelers." That's a very strong word to describe him not trusting their safety because he steered an Arcimoto into a wall like an idiot.
"Can’t support 3 wheel vehicles. Not safe enough."
That's basically all he has said about it.
@@MrGonzonator That's what he said, but what he did was steer an Arcimoto into a wall like an idiot.
@@user-to2rf1rj5v this sounds a bit like completely unnecessary defence of an ultra super mega rich idiot.....!!!
@@user-to2rf1rj5v , please explain the "physics" of why 3-wheel vehicles are not safe. I'm a scientist and it's not at all obvious to me.
@@kkobayashi1 The Aptera configuration looks like it would be prone to oversteer, but the real problems are collisions, due to lack of crumple zones and side guard beams, and rollover.
Excited to see you get an Aptera
It's now 2022, car still looks awesome. I'm in Australia 🇦🇺 a country that has unlimited sun rays beating down for hungry solar panels. Will I ever see cars like this here for sale, probably not in my life, is this the world I want to live in? Definitely not, we need these type of vehicles here now.
Thank you for this video, I put a reservation in as well. Felt like spending $100 to fill out a market survey form for them, I don't want to get my hopes up and I'm hoping to manage my expectations. There are a LOT of positives with the Aptera. I'm a Spark EV owner currently and the Aptera will probably be my next car IF it's able to make it to market. Thank you again for this video and the encouragement! 😀
Pretty difficult to avoid potholes with a three-wheeler.
This is where the saying suck it up gets used xD
Missed a perfectly good opportunity at around 13:04 to say "your mileage may vary".
Wonderful piece! Your openness and candor really instill trust in this viewer. Often you question authenticity of many TH-cam personas, but I didn't feel that for a second with this piece. I can't wait to see more of your work!
As an original reservation holder, I was really disappointed to learn Aptera had gone bust. I'm excited to hear Aptera is back! Thanks for the info! I'll jump back on the reservation list I guess.
This is the best *looking* Aptera, so far. The side windows look great, and the sweeping lines are bold and graceful and elegant, even.
Unfortunately, the side windows have caused a big design flaw in the design, though the rest of the Aptera is terrific. The upper retractable window edge (the solid black swoop that goes across the entire side window, below the non-movable upper part of the side window) will be a significantly annoying field of view blockage. It is directly at eye height and goes across the width of both side windows. It would be great if they can resolve what will extremely likely be considered an obvious flaw.
I put a deposit down as well. Looking forward to hear more about them and the vehicle.
Thank you for having the strength, endurance and alcohol tolerance that you do, to keep covering this tech as well as you do! Cheers! and Happy 2021to you!
Happy to be on that list as well plus
Collaborating with Sandy Munro and company..Excellent!
Would be great if Tesla makes their battery packs with 4680 cells and give access to use superchargers.
It would solve a huge problem.
And I want to see if Elon is true to his word and if he will use the EEE ( embrace, extend, extinguish ) over time on Apterra
I love this vehicle and was so sad when they tanked. I'm sure one of the things the founders learned from that experience is not to hire in management from the legacy makers.
I fear that he sold class A voting rights as part of the inducement to get those executives and hence why he lost executive control.
This time around I presume he got private / institutional money instead. Very curious who the investors are
Tesla?
@@exposuresofthesoul Huh?
@@earthwizz Lewis Mac is saying "Tesla?". Did you not notice the video where the Aptera's charge port is revealed to be ... the same as Tesla's?
@@RiotNrrrdUTube So? That may just be wishful thinking on their part. In any case am I supposed to get that from.......Tesla? Are you sure that's what he meant anyway?
Holy fuck. I cannot fathom why this is not getting more attention! Although the design is different, it looks really nice tbh! The range and the promises are quite convincing ! We need more startups and innovation like this.
YES!!! This vehicle is damn near perfect for my needs! Long distance and NOT a mandatory 4 seater!!! In my state this would be considered an autocycle so just a regular drivers license to operate it. This is so much winning right now!!!
Thank you for posting this!
Live long, and prosper 🖖
Damn. I'm retired and would almost consider going back to work to afford one of these...almost.
Great show! I do love the solar cars or trikes. I live in a desert, so lots of sun.
You help Aptera get known, I help you with the algorithm.
I remember your Aptera reporting in the past years! Same in depth quality! Thank you!
10:18 to 10:21 visual glitch?
or uploading error
Possibly a video rendering problem
Can't wait for a test drive! Hope it perform well in snow
You're the first car-geek-news source I've seen make any mention of this (so, subscribed!) also, I'm not sure which is geekier - the star trek references, or the *working flowerpot iMac* in the background!??!
I loved the original Aptera concept and was fascinated by it's efficiency potential. I was sad to see it struggle and though I own a Model 3 now, I am thrilled to see it back and better than ever. Pure EV, significant solar range, and pricepoint all seem fantastic!
I backed them originally. And I have backed them again. I'll try to keep my 2001 Prius running until it comes out.
That's what I call commitment.
@@robertkirchner7981 Yeah, does that mean you have accumulated a $200 deposit by now? ;-)
Sounds like Aptera's initial demise will actually be a benefit in the long run.
so glad you guys are supporting Aptera, i hope they make it to market. How did you spec your reservation out??
I'll put wings on it, make it fly and call it "Ptera" (With wings). I ordered the 250 with full solar. Thorough video.
Well, you can bet on it being a collectors item one day :).
I can't remember anything you said after 43 seconds .... I think I might have been sozzled!!!!! (Hick-up!)
I only vaguely remember the original Aptera, but I hated it when I saw the first images of the new version a month or so back, but the shape has quickly grown on me, and given the opportunity I might well be tempted to buy one. If you don't have a family the thing is just practical, more so if you think of it as a motorbike.
I love that they put in split windows so you can drive with the windows down and still be quite aerodynamic. That's some serious thought going on.
I have many questions before I put down a reservation:
Do batteries have active liquid cooling? Not having this is an automatic deal breaker.
Are there no windshield wipers?
What is the heating/cooling system and is it up to our northern winters? They have an all wheel drive spec which is awesome, but not cool if you're frozen inside.
Camping mode? Does it mean camping inside, and can it fit tall person(s) and dog?
Does the solar system charge directly to high voltage through a MPPT charge controller? How does that work with the 12v system assuming they didn't remove that and the battery to save space.
Why do I like it so much?
if the current running through a battery is half compared to other cars, you need less cooling. so, passive cooling could be good enough. also it depends on the battery tech.
Like Tesla 4680, perhaps...
I’m with Herb. I already want to know what the HVAC is like, does it use CarPlay, what’re the seats like, how quiet is it, where are the wipers.... 😬
Great questions! They are doing a live Zoom meeting tomorrow (12/9/2020) at 9:00 am Pacific if you would like to ask. They are taking technical questions specifically.
The website mentions liquid cooled motors, so it seems likely that the batteries have liquid based thermal management as well.
Well done and interest like I haven't experienced for a car is a long time.
What an awesome channel! i've been missing out on. subed and liked looking forward to your next video!
I have invested in the company and have ordered the 250 mi range model with all-wheel drive, according to the charts with the hood solar add-on the cost will be 28,700, and the solar charging since I live in Cheyenne, WY will be approx. 22 mi per day, as I only drive in town once or twice a week it is more than enough. Seeing as I now drive a Jeep patriot I'll save all fuel and maintainece costs associated with the Jeep.
The low end Aptera would be a perfect retirement vehicle for me. I hope it happens.
Adding wings to aptera will make it the greatest hit.
Wings and or foils, to glide over water. The ultimate all terrain vehicle
The Aptera does have an impressively low drag coefficient but that doesn't fully account for the low aerodynamic drag. The drag force is proportional not just to the drag coefficient but also to a reference area, which for cars is generally the projected frontal area. The Aptera looks to have have a particularly small frontal area.
Good luck with a great looking project . even at 76 years I love a good project . My 1980 project was a self designed and fabricated ground effects GT car .. I won the 1980 Donnington GT championship . My ground effect aerodynamics were so advanced that in a 12 lap championship race I would lap almost all of the 30 plus strong opposition . My 2021 project is a super efficient Wood burning stove with after burn and flue energy recovery .
Richard, you are an inspiration.
Yeah, believe it when I see it.
Spent way too much of my life excited about this 10 years ago and then NOTHING!
Me too. Then the Elio. Now I'm only interested if the market looks like it will support development. I don't see $46,000 for an enclosed motorcycle.
@@rodshop5897 I'd go for the 400 mile range at $30k. It's a very cool car and it would be a star on my TH-cam channel.
Plenty of room for my drones and camera gear.
It would be fun to go on long trips with it. I hope it happens, I put a $100 down. 😎
@@quantumphaser I wish you well. I just don't see this 'motorcycle' has a solid business case. I'm willing to gamble on a dream too, I put down 250 on an Elio. And I still would rather have an Elio for $8k, than an Aptera for $30k.
This looks like something that was designed 20-25 years ago. Time for an update!
@@rodshop5897 Honestly, I understand that too. I feel like an Elio is too compromised even if it was real, where this feels like a solid balance of efficiency, style and performance.
Thumbs up for the "Live long and prosper" :) Well, that and the good content.
I put my $100 down too. This is the car I have been waiting for my entire life!
Thanks for the update Nikki, I love the aerodynamic shape so I reserved one and invested too, through Wefunder.
Could being a motorcycle exempt them from the mirrors?
I too put a deposit in. The 2e and type 1s excited me so much and the bankruptcy was crushing
Yes, only one is required, which can be internal.
I preordered. Really nice review of the history of the company, thanks!
We love it, and intended to buy version 1. We'll put a deposit for sure, this time around; Run by the sun... the way go !!
I was scratching my head when I saw a video on the Aptera, thinking “didn’t they go belly up?” I also thought I was going to watch an old video. Guess the trike is back and I hope for good. BTW I live in south Florida so solar charging wouldn’t be a problem.
Oh lord if someone was already playing a drinking game this is the ultimate troll video. They’re gonna be sloshed 😂
looking at your Elio Motors! Never coming to market.
Lots of talk and salaries paid while nothing is built.
Just open a shop and build them.
Don't need 2000 a day output mega Shreveport factory just get it on the street. If it's good people will buy and you can step up later.
Two very good cars. Could be.
I was very sad to see Aptera disappear in 2011.
I’m stoked that they’re back! 😆
My husband is a Trekkie, and he knows all about Aptera from the Star Trek movie after asking what kind of car it was. My explanation went on for so long, he had to pause the movie and rewind.
(If he can Trek-out, then I get to Car-out)
Best coverage on the Aptera I have seen! Thank you!
That TH-cam award on the wall being crooked is really messing with my head 😁
Then tilt your monitor to make it level.
The plan is working!
The 2005-vintage lamp-stand iMac is messing with mine.
Good job Nikki putting down the $100 🖒🖒🖒
I'll be looking into doing the same....
(not sure about Aptera being interested in selling to Europe)
Aptera's FAQ's page says the autocycle meets EU requirements and specifications.
@@halllwd94 Thanks for the info.
[doesn't mean they're willing to sell to Europe (yet) but it's worth investigation (further)]
@@TestTest-eb8jr They want to do so. They have been working on homologation for some time, and will take orders.
A ton? What does the small battery weigh compared to the large battery?
@@dougandersen645 The 25kWh model battery pack will weigh about 250 lbs.
The 100 kWh pack will weigh around 1000 lbs.
Thank you for not littering your channel with ads.
Congratulations, Nikki. Looks like an interesting vehicle. With its rounded body and dual nacelles, kind of reminds me of the USS Enterprise. Live long and prosper.
I really hope it is a success this time around!
Love this car, would buy one hands down but will it ever make the uk???
Likely.
aptera was my very first hope for a better future, I loved it when I saw it for the first time
Brilliant, I am a original $500.00 deposit holder from 2006/7 ish era was so disappointed when it didn't materialize. Wonder if they will honor the original deposit, never received it back. In those days led lights were $40 & not very bright. Had those as well. Cheers from California currently driving lrdm3 and a egolf
Still waiting for the crash test rating.
If this vehicle is motorbike, the testing must be different than cars go through. But in category of motorbikes, this must be very safe.
@@petertraveller6421 sure sir, hopefully this have pillars.
This is like Wall-e's Eve made car, when it was white
I've always loved the look of Aptera, but looking at the wheel position again, I started wondering how it would work at a drive through. Also, we usually assume the wheels of the cars around us are going to be roughly where the passenger compartment is. Thinking of traffic jams or road construction where the lanes are narrower, would other drivers be able to know where those wheels are and not hit them, as they are out of line of site?
9:19 what an animation. The lighting really gives it away. Of course this is the older model but still. They even just flipped the video, and had the car driving the other direction.
I really like their stance on right to repair, and I hope they follow through.