cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
17108
50-50
I hope it is a success. I have a reservation in, relatively low number in the line.
But the talk during our visit was quite pie-in-the-sky, such as "you'll be passing this car down to your grandchildren" (Patek?) and "eliminating all your carbon footprint" and "upcycling old skateboards into the pedals" and "you can fix it yourself; we will overnight the parts to you at no cost"
They do have Sandy Munro on their side, an expert on vehicle assembly and efficient engineering. He's an investor and consultant. (check his videos on YouTube)
But they are way behind what they predicted the last guess was "starting production end of 2022."
Now they are saying, "design finalized by end of 2022" and "we will build a few for crash testing by end of Q2 2023" then "be ready to start some limited production by end of 2023 if the crash goes ok", etc.
Meanwhile the fanboys here are asking "how about autonomous driving?" and "can we have cameras not mirrors for lower drag"
and they are telling us about the air ducting for the interior A/C vents, and getting rid of all buttons & levers except turn signals and horn -- everything else is on the touch screen.
Getting rid of the wheel and adopting the yoke. Seats don't move but pedals and wheel will. One wiper. Central headlight(s). Cupholders!
California just gave them $22M to speed things along so they are halfway to their latest $50M hurdle. But I think we all know $50M doesn't go very far in the automotive manufacturing world!
Mike
Moderator disclaimer: Aptera gave me a 3-D printed model, a hat, a soda and a sandwich, while I paid for my own electricity to get there and back.
How Do You Feel About Electric Vehicles?
I've spent some time this week with Aptera, then at the "Fully Charged" electric vehicle & home show. Having been to at least 50 auto shows, I have developed a "nose" for what's happening. And this is what's happening at the Fully Charged Show -- Aptera s...
Very cool!
The Apterra just looks too unsafe for me to drive on public roads. Imagine getting hit by a big truck or SUV in that thing! Extra defensive driving required. I like the Tesla car. It's "normal sized," safe, but I did wish they made it a bit more luxurious...
It looks small but it's quite long and wide, and very noticeable
Here's a comparison with my newer Elan. ...
Wow! Such detailed analysis!
I guess I'm fortunate that I know my cars will fit in my garage. Until I buy a Honda Ridgeline Pick up truck. I'd probably have to measure it just to get a good idea. You may recall I had a RR Ghost as a company car, that fit, no problems. I just assumed ...
Great points on Tesla vs 'Others'....
I've always thought the same way - their vehicles were neither impressive nor disappointing, simply competitive and capable, decently made options among 'mid-market' EVs.... The only manufacturer of EVs whom I remain hugely impressed with to this day, aft...
50-50
I hope it is a success. I have a reservation in, relatively low number in the line. But the talk during our visit was quite pie-in-the-sky, such as "you'll be passing this car down to your grandchildren" (Patek?) and "eliminating all your carbon footprint...
I’d love to have a drive in the latest version …
The experience would be interesting.
Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but...
...if and when everyone is driving EVs, you will be at the mercy of the grid and the government...
The Aptera will solar charge at 40 mile a day
Battery will hold 400 miles. So keep it in the drive, not the garage. We are almost always under the thumb of the government
And when every car is digital, every car can be disabled at will...
...better keep up your social credit score : )
I don't have one
I suspect I irritate as many as I attract, so it comes out zero. I still have cars that have points and jets, remember those? ...
I used to tune up my first car...
...a Datsun 510 that I saved and bought for $500 in the mid-late '70s. Plugs and points...gotta get those gaps just right : )
Hopefully you will have solar panels by then!
But then the government or mother nature may have like some freak weather and then our sun will be blocked. Like in the Matrix movies.
Varoom, varoom, screech
Buick T-Type Turbo - more torque than anyone knew what to do with back in the 1980s ...
A friend in high school had a Grand National.
Man that thing was QUICK, and it burned rubber like nobody’s business. But it handled like your grandparents’ Riviera…
Careful, I had a couple of those Rivieras too!
My T-Type was essentially a Grand National with silver alloy wheels. I was doing a consulting job with Buick and they told me that they had an overstock situation. They offered me a Grand National, fully loaded, executive's car. But I had to decide in 24 ...
This concept certainly peaks one's curiosity....
With that said, like I mentioned to Patrick in another post, the only EV manufacturer I've been thoroughly impressed with since inception more than ten years ago is Rimac. Notwithstanding my coincidental Eastern European heritage, what Mate Rimac has been...
Oh dear…
I wrote a lengthy response to this question but decided not to post it. In short, not for me for practical and aesthetic reasons. As far as the “ESG benefits” of EV proliferation are concerned, we’re being sold a false bill of goods.
I agree
I’m not interested in the esoteric philosophy behind Aptera, just its light weight, nimble handling & aero.
Fair enough. If it’s something that will meet your needs,
and something you want, get it. My problem is with those who want to make the decision for me.
To answer your question about EV’s ….
I’ll start by saying that I have been a life long “Petrol Head” and I’m very fortunate to own a collection of petrol cars, stretching from the 1960’s to the current year and I enjoy nothing more than a blast in my E Type on an early sunny morning. I also ...
