Aptera Introduces Sol, Its Newest Alpha Prototype
21 May 2021 by Elena Gorgan
In keeping with its initial promise of keeping customers, investors, and industry players in the loop with progress on the Aptera sEV (solar electric vehicle), Aptera Motors has released a new update.
Available at the bottom of the page is a 1-minute video with co-CEO Chris Anthony delivering a series of quick updates. Aptera is arguably one of the most anticipated EVs of the past couple of years, a truly revolutionary vehicle if all goes well and it reaches mass production.
For the time being, Anthony says, Aptera is nearing the beta stage. That means that changes to body structure and aerodynamics of the alpha prototypes will make them more energy-efficient and “slightly roomier.” Speaking of alpha prototypes, Anthony also introduced Sol, the Aptera alpha in a pearly white color (and a black roof), and with FWD. The previous one was Noir, in all-black, which we’ve seen tested at the track; the next one will be Luna, in silver.
Later this month, a new Aptera webinar will offer more details on Sol and allow reservation holders the chance to ask questions. On the same occasion, Anthony announces a new round of funding coming up, accessible directly via the Aptera website.
The first Aptera vehicles will be delivered later this year, and Anthony says they’re making consistent progress toward sticking to that timeline. Full-scale production will start in the summer of 2022, with deliveries going out later that year.
Aptera is a lightweight but tough three-wheeler that boasts a range of 1,000 miles (1,609 km) on a single charge and a variety of trims. With room for two passengers and luggage, it’s trying for a new approach to personal transport. It's one in which the owner is offered a product that’s safe and lasts a lifetime, comes with minimal running and maintenance costs, and offers the ability to add upgrades and improvements later on, thanks to the use of 3D printing technology.
I am really hoping we can get a more significant update as well. I am on board if they are keeping quiet about this version if they are planning to make significant changes for the Beta Version. Things should really pick up though in the 2-4 months if they stand a chance at releasing anything to a customer by the end of the year. Website
Investing Real Road Testing Full Solar config Vehicle Testing by Elaphe to fine tune their motors for Aptera
Battery Config and BMS
AWD vs FWD comparisons
Crash Testing
Real Capacity Battery and Range Tests. (ie 70mph - 400Mile Range for 400 Mile unit)
Real User Interface
Traffic and Navigation
Charging Support
Running the vehicle in Reverse.
Real Turning Radius and capabilities.
Real Color options
Wraps actually on the Aptera
Real Interior Design (Colors, Combinations, Possibilities with customized option)
Number of Cup holders :-)
Driving at speed and sounds in the Cabin (How quiet is it?)
Side by Side comparisons with competing vehicles (Model 3, ID 4, Mach E)
Regen and One Pedal Driving
Default Audio vs Upgraded Audio
Camping Kit
Dog Kit
SafetyPilot Upgrade
Off Road Kit
Vehicle to Load support
Loading up a Real Vehicle to truly gauge space (Suitcases, Groceries Etc)
Parking Tests
After all that is complete in the next few months then we need Test Drives for customers, Insurance support, Financing info, and of course a plan to get to Production capability. I really hope they get things in order for make some deliveries before the end of 2021 but things really do need to pick up to make that possible.
After waiting so long for the Elio vehicle from Elio Motors, only to have the company disappear and apparently die, I believe Aptera is moving at lighting speed.
If I was in Steve's or Chris's place, I would not want to give details because I would then be flooded with many detailed inquiries. I would not have time to manage the company.
They have not updated the FAQ spreadsheet for a while and I don't blame them. The latest set of questions are extremely detailed and take time to answer in depth. It is also difficult to answer questions about designs that are not finalized.
I thought the media could be hard on people. We members of this forum are worse than the media!
I'm frustrated with this "update". Not much actual progress, another alpha. More promises - talk about "nearing" beta. Now "volume production" is summer of 2022. Yet he still says shipping end of '21? I guess they will ship one unit to a friend in December 2021 to meet that? Maybe Jay Leno or Sandy Munro will get a car, or they will use it as a press mule? Frustrating wait. I used to think my car was coming in 2022. Now it seems first half 2023 at best.
I'd be happier with an update about the Sol. What parts are new, better, or more production ready? Only thing we learned is its 2 wheel drive. What do they expect to learn with this one?
Who knows, if there are continuing delays, maybe we'll get 4680 batteries and heat pumps?
I have this pit in my stomach. I think, based on so many clues, that Aptera is making the body rounder (as stated by Nathan Armstrong) as opposed to the more elliptical shape we see in the Sol and Noir. There goes the smile, mine and the Apteras. He stated that it is a little longer (possibly to make up for loss of some edge mounted solar cells) and roomier. I love the look of the current design but not the tube look. It may be that the 77 inches was true and they are just not sharing this info yet. Man I hope I am wrong! I would like what I placed a reservation for not what I believe may be offered.
There have been other comments about doing there own fund raising. I hope that next announcement will get Wefunder to return the money to us that they are holding in escrow and will allow to invest directly with Aptera.
Sense they know there will be some minor body changes now, they might want to skip the third Alpha and move to making Beta types, to have some that would be acceptable examples for valid crash testing. Also this may help get back on schedule for some deliveries this year.
Neither of the two prototypes thus far have had wheel pants inner portions. That is, the inner part facing the body.
Nor are the front suspension A-arms covered.
Both of these would improve aerodynamics, but they were both planned from the beginning. I don't know if he was referring to design changes or implementing existing design.
There was talk of the 100KW version being a bit bigger for allow for the bigger battery but it seems like all of them will be bigger with the beta version - the question is, where will it get bigger?
Will the third prototype be a Luna?
I hope each prototype has a different interior so I can be confident what the Coast, Codex, and Vida look like.
So will the third prototype be a beta or another alpha?