Aptera

[Johnny Acree]

So they have 1! Prototype, and expect to be selling next year!
Sorry
As I recall, the first aptera had handling issues.
How many other "issues " need to be worked out?

 

[pistonboy]

This is an interesting video about Aptera:

\

 

[pistonboy]

Another interesting video.

 

[BigWarpGuy]

I think the Aptera in black is very nice. Since it is quiet and stealthy, it could be The Shadow's next car? Perhaps Batman could go green and drive one?

 

[Rickb]

 

[AriLea]

I think the Aptera in black is very nice. Since it is quiet and stealthy, it could be The Shadow's next car? Perhaps Batman could go green and drive one?

I agree totally. In AZ I would normally go for a sun worthy color. But with the solar panels already taking the brunt, and since they are black already, it just looks better that way, All Black. Very cool.

I talk a bit about how a ecco car can pay for itself. I park mine outside at home and work, always in the sun, year round.
This new solar endowed Aptera definitely would do that here. I think it will be more popular here for that reason.

 

[Rickb]

Perhaps Tesla will develop a driveable solar Power Wall that parks outside the garage to meet our everyday power and commuter needs in one economical/environmental friendly package.

I have to see the Aptera production model and the Beta testing data that validates all the target Aptera specs to believe it and doubt the styling has wide market appeal.

 

[AriLea]

<wide appeal>
That is a major issue of course.
But arguments in the past about that have probably changed out from under us.
There are sooo many people now, that it's more about the idea; "-will 'Enough' people like it to buy it
at a price that makes it worth while to build it?"

This is where Tesla made a big splash.
Without fully conclusive evidence he said "yes, there is enough interest to have a working business model."
(one that will get the needed investment) And he was right.

So how many is enough?
10k units was enough for smart cars to make a go, at $25 -30k each, while they offered something unique.
I think if Aptera can get funded for a production of 20k/yr, they could make a good go at $35k each.

Would I buy one at $35k? If it used zero gas? Yep I would.

I think if they have a plan that does not need all the investment up front, that would work best.
Elio required all of it before production could start, $350m of it. That turned out to be a tuff sell.

 

[AriLea]

We skipped back here from a side-tracked discussion here..post #1913..

So today or yesterday OPEC has decided to limit production see OPEC discussion around here..post#58..., the extra interest can only help all EV's including the Aptera, as well as helping a vehicle like the BEX.

 

[Rickb]

The Aptera appears to be so wide it barely fits between the lines of a standard sized parking space. Also, fender/shrouds not practical in cold weather climates………ice and snow buildup.