By request of a friend I was asked to review Aptera. In my personal opinion we are barking up the wrong tree to try and reduce emissions as most EV’s are tearing up tires into the atmosphere faster than a gasoline vehicle can pollute at the same level. That’s not even accounting for other ways they cause pollution, but that’s not a real problem when the solution to pollution in our world already exists. This is also jumping into a world of unknown problems that have yet to be fully solved, but the higher the risk the higher the reward. Other than tire rubber and potential loss from minor body damage this has great potential to save the individual a great amount of upfront capital. After doing the math on Aptera’s claims of fuel economy (and realistically most fuel mileage isn’t what it claims) their value for fuel consumption to KWh actually makes the vahicle potentially as carbon nuetral as a gasoline engine. That was pretty cool, but then I found out that it only weighs 1,800 Lbs, which makes it the same GdW as a midsize SUV… That may be unimpressive to you, but given that most Tesla vehicles are about 5,000 Lbs as a GdW that’s very impressive. It will likely tear through tires still if they do not use the properly rated SUV tires, but at least it’s only twice as fast as a sedan.
I appreciate the futuristic design that takes me back to shows like the twilight zone, quantum leap, and even star wars the phantom menace with the look of a pod racer. This vehicle is engineered with cruising and commuting people in mind, but is missing the mark on the family and sport vehicle markets. This vehicle idea has a huge room for improvement and that would be incredible if the vehicle could become a four seater at least, could have space for groceries, or could have a convertable top somehow they would reach a wider market. I am not criticizing the original design, but there is opportunity to make it more valuable with versatility. I also will mention the fact that the steering wheel looks like Christina Ricci smiling as Wednesday, which might give people nightmares…
All that would need to be done might be a slight increase on the length of the vehicle by about 2-3 feet and a bench seat to reach the best market for the intent of the vehicle, and a finished steering wheel. Additionally, the vehicle could be a little wider to provide stability for the family version; however, this would add a little more space for solar panels as well.
I will give the manufacturer the benefit of the doubt that most midwesterners will not be purchasing one anytime soon like those in northern California as they don’t live in an environment where the vehicle can be regularly operated year round. This vehicle is not made for practicality, but is designed with individuals for communting in mind. I like the fact that they brought back wheel skirting, as that was a beautiful hallmark of 1960’s vehicles. Some steps definitely have been made in the right direction since the 2005 failed start attempt, but given the track record I wouldn’t be inclined to take the risk of being an early investor; however, if I felt like the risk was something I could handle I would be inclined to consider it. The battery that boasts 1,000 miles of driving before recharging probably is based on some measure of recharge day to day and not a one way drive across the country. The lack of charging stations is still a problem nationwide, but I figure Aptera isn’t trying to compete in Tesla’s Niche market. They did make the vehicle very easily repairable from a user perspective if you have the parts, which may be limited especially in the first generation.
It’s basically a two person enclosed motorcycle for all insects and porpoises. This car will have every 20 something guy and probably gal singing the barbara manitee song about their new Aptera until they realize it’s not an end all solution.
MundyWrites 
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