I'm curious what you folks think. Since the Z is meant to come out by the end of this year and so is the Aptera, could the Aptera outsell the Z in the US over the next 3 years, assuming both automakers were able to meet demand?
They are quite similar, small 2 seater sports cars, similarly priced, but the Aptera is faster and has more trunk space, while offering fashionable EV goodness, solar, and proper touchscreen. The highest speed at the lowest price is what many people look for.
So could the Aptera win or will the Nissan enthusiasts give the Z the sales victory?
I think Aptera won't meet their demand until after 3 years... it could be close. The new Supra only sold 5,887 last year but it costs more.
The BMW Z4 sold 2,371, Mazda Miata MX-5 sold 8,807, and the Model 3 sold 206,500 in the US last year, during Covid.
The 370Z actually went from about 10,200 US sales in 2010 and has gradually dwindled down to just under 2000 sold in 2020. Interesting...
Based on these numbers, with over 12,000 reservations and counting, the Aptera will probably win the 2 seater division (depending on sales conversion and the amount of those orders that were in the US). More than likely the Z will outsell the Aptera in Japan, and maybe in the US the first couple years as well maybe only because they'll have more produced.
Lots of people still love "regular cars". EVs still aren't quite the norm in the US yet, so it's good to compare their specs while ignoring which one is better for the environment.
EVs aren't even particularly practical for a high percentage of people but the Aptera is, because you don't have to worry about fast charger access or trying to charge at home, whether paying the fee for level 2 or not being able to charge at home due to living in an apartment or condo. It's also cheaper than most other EVs, so there's no argument for gas powered cars over an Aptera except for the number of seats. But then when comparing the Aptera to any traditional 2 seater sports car things get interesting. To many, the 400Z has a looks advantage and a brand name advantage, but nothing else.
That car is soooo last century! Who wants a V6 anything in 2021 and beyond? If you miss the sound of V6 engines revving, get the Aptera with a premium sound system and play V6 recordings. 😄
I prefer sneaking up on people in a silent EV. 😎
Seriously, the 400Z is not an EV. It's not even a hybrid. So this posting doesn't belong in the "Other EVs" forum section. I've moved it to the General section.