@eppyranch Today we learned all about the changes and improvements being made to the next generation of prototypes. All new vehicles go through four prototyping stages and Aptera will be moving in the second stage over the summer.
There are some very reputable, internationally-recognized companies working with Aptera. I believe the company has every intention of achieving their goals and of being successful in the long run: A scam would just be raising money with nothing to show for it.
That said, if you want your money back, email info@aptera.us
A dozen years ago I had a reservation for the Aptera. I sent them $1,000 and they gave me a reservation number. They were proposing two vehicles, a hybrid and an all electric. A year or so later they said they wanted to split the list into two lists so they would know which model(s) was most in demand. Since I couldn't test drive either one, I sent them an additional $1,000 so I could be on both lists. I had no intention of buying two, I just was hesitant to commit to all electric without driving it first. When everything fell through- they returned all my money. If this was a scam, do you think they would only ask for $70 or $100 deposit? I have faith in them, but there are many hurdles, some of which may not be in their control.
It is not too young to start thinking about it, and it is wise to be looking for examples that won't burden the world more than necessary. We have too many Hummers driving around with a single occupant.
@Kerbe #12705 Yes that was my reservation number. Not sure I'd want to be 15 again but still debating how I like being 4 times that age. Ah well, it's better than the alternative. Really enjoying the Aptera journey --- and yes there are women who read and follow the forums. It's actually a nightly ritual for me. Looking forward to the day when we see many Apterae on the roads.
@Heidi Strayer Yeah, same here. It's a nightly ritual here too. I once worked with a very smart mathematician. He was in his late 80s. He would always insist on taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This is probably why he was in pretty decent shape. One day we went up 4 flights of stairs and at the top he said "Phew! as he panted: "You know what the cure for old age is?" I said: "I don't know, what?" He said: "Die young!" 😂 I will never forget that. And obviously he was grateful to be around and still in decent condition. We were grateful too.
@Kerbe I car with 50kW max will be more likely to be close to 90% of max for a good part of the charging, have a bmw i3 and i takes >45 kW from 20-85%. In a Aptera it makes sence to talk about miles/ 10 minuts because it goes 3 times as far on a certain charge than the typical EV.
I don't have reservations because of the demonstrated thoroughness I've seen as Aptera has put itself back together over the last several years. I do agree with you about the lack of information though, I expected to see more on the ordering page and I hope that the lack of depth and detail is remedied ASAP.
To be specific, I would like to see a video of loading the back end of the vehicle with luggage or a cello or other items that would show what the shape and size of the cargo capacity is.
I would also like to see details on the charging capability. I don't see any mention of high-speed charging capacity.
Given the company's life stage, available proof, the good intent and past actions I think it's sufficient information at this stage. I brought cars before never have I wanted so much information like this time. Because it's a startup there is a lot of pressure. Given I sold 4 startups I think Aptera appear to be doing an awesome job. Only time will tell. To me it's a calculated and acceptable risk. The first contact post pre-order will shed light.
As to speed of charging, they've only started testing the new systems but they've spoken about the speed of Level 1 (standard wall outlet) and Level 2 (220V AC) charging. As to what you mean by "do they exist, where..."- are you asking about the availability of public charging? Most EV owners charge at home but you can find public AC and DC (high-speed) charging using an app or website such as plugshare.com
They've mentioned you will be able to put 500 miles in one hour (which suggests a 50kW DC charging speed) and that charging off 110v will give you 13 miles an hour.
@Rhynri I concur - and am sad that they selected such a slow speed: I'm guessing that it must be due to the vehicle's lack of radiators and fans to keep the batteries cool during charging, which is a necessity for charging at higher rates.
Am I wrong to want more details? Like WHY are they charging extra for safety features that are included at no extra price (LKA, ACC) in other vehicles? I'm also concerned that they're referring to Level 2 autonomy as "drives itself" when, indeed, that's the goal of Level 5 autonomy. And, if "enhanced audio" is "three extra channels", how many channels are there in NON-enhanced audio? And what, exactly DOES the audio system offer? Will there be Android Auto and Apple CarPlay or will there be only built-in navigation, etc.? I think I'll wait a bit before I make a reservation - perhaps until the "customizer" provides some images/information about what's actually being offered AND what the actual specifications include.
@rhynri Actually, it's the temperature of the batteries that has an effect on their charging capability. My PHEV has an 18kW pack that, during the summer, provides a range of approx. 50 miles. During the winter, with temps below 50F, that range drops to the mid-30s - which is independent of HVAC use as my summer range includes constant AC and my winter range relies more upon a heated seat more than cabin heat. I also precondition the car while it's connected to the grid.
Yes, PlugShare has started to show some single-unit DC chargers along various routes - but they are not always for public use and, if they are, are only about 50% reliable. Perhaps I should have said, "reliable, multi-vehicle DC charging locations". PlugShare shows several Level 2 EVSEs around my state but - to my knowledge - only one is public access: The rest require a hotel stay or employment at the business where they are located. There's one, for example, at the local Nissan dealership - but it's inside their service shop and only available if you purchased a Leaf from them, and then only during business hours.
@Kerbe In regards to your first paragraph: Yes, you are absolutely right the temperature of the batteries does have an effect on their capacity (small, and you regain it as they warm up from use) and their charging capacity (which would effect regen), but shouldn't have any impact on their discharge rate. I apologize, but I'm not entirely sure what message you are trying to convey here, and would appreciate additional information.
In regards to the second paragraph: I'm also a little confused about your use of Level 2 EVSE - which most people would construe as an AC station with a J1772 at 3.3kW to 12kW in public locations - and DC Fast Charge (DCFC), which generally are CCS/Combo, and 50kW and up. Could you clarify which spec you are talking about? Thank you!
@Rhynri Level 1 in the US and Canada is plugging into a 110/120 V AC / 15 A wall outlet. It requires only the EVSE cable supplied by the vehicle manufacturer. Level 2 in the US and Canada is 220/240 V AC - 16/30/32/40/48 A and uses either a specialized EVSE cable or a wall-mounted or public EVSE. DC chargers (which are not, in truth, "Level 3") in the US and Canada come in 3 "flavors" CCS, ChaDeMo and Tesla Supercharger. The CCS standard starts at 25 kW and, currently, runs up to 350 kW - ChaDeMo tops out at 50 kW.
I shy away from terms like "quick charge" and "fast charge" because they are relative and non-specific. AC charging devices are all lumped under the term, "EVSE" (rather than "charger") because they do not, in fact, "charge" the vehicle: That task is handled by the vehicle's onboard AC-DC converter.
I do not understand what you misunderstood about my use of the terminology: There are multiple Tesla Supercharger stations in my state. There is one Electrify America DC charging station with multiple CCS and one ChaDeMo outputs in my state. I have found one other publicly-available single semi-functioning (it's reported as "down" more frequently than it is as "running") DC unit in my state (it has three outputs: 25 kW CCS, 25 kW ChaDeMo, and 32 kW Level 2 J1772).
I wish I could afford the 1000 mile version. Might have been able to justify it if it could do bidirectional charging and I could use it to run the house. Bummer that I missed the first 10.
How to get a refund from my deposit of $70 I hope this is not a scam
It is not too young to start thinking about it, and it is wise to be looking for examples that won't burden the world more than necessary. We have too many Hummers driving around with a single occupant.
14 here
They have been saying their engineering software that generates their rendering is basically what they build to???
In one video they flipped the seat forward and said a ~ seven foot person could sleep in the back, when they were answering camping kit questions...
Hope this helps “for know”
Lots of videos out there and new ones and articles hitting the internet now that the protype (has landed) is on the road
It reads 500 mi/hr with DC charger in their Product Spec Sheet
I don't have reservations because of the demonstrated thoroughness I've seen as Aptera has put itself back together over the last several years. I do agree with you about the lack of information though, I expected to see more on the ordering page and I hope that the lack of depth and detail is remedied ASAP.
To be specific, I would like to see a video of loading the back end of the vehicle with luggage or a cello or other items that would show what the shape and size of the cargo capacity is.
I would also like to see details on the charging capability. I don't see any mention of high-speed charging capacity.
Anybody else have reservations about the relative paucity of information at launch?
Don't know my number, but I ordered the 400 mile Paradigm with off-road and camping packages. One of the first 220! 😍
I’m wondering how fast charging works. Do they exist, where, how long etc.
I ordered at 3:30 pm and my order # is 10189. How did people get 2 digits, surely 10k people did not order in 8 hours??
What is the passcod?
Am I wrong to want more details? Like WHY are they charging extra for safety features that are included at no extra price (LKA, ACC) in other vehicles? I'm also concerned that they're referring to Level 2 autonomy as "drives itself" when, indeed, that's the goal of Level 5 autonomy. And, if "enhanced audio" is "three extra channels", how many channels are there in NON-enhanced audio? And what, exactly DOES the audio system offer? Will there be Android Auto and Apple CarPlay or will there be only built-in navigation, etc.? I think I'll wait a bit before I make a reservation - perhaps until the "customizer" provides some images/information about what's actually being offered AND what the actual specifications include.
I got number 69. That cannot be a coincidence 😎.
Hurry! Got the code and got my order in!
I wish I could afford the 1000 mile version. Might have been able to justify it if it could do bidirectional charging and I could use it to run the house. Bummer that I missed the first 10.
I went through this 13 years ago, but even more excited this time around.
#24, 1000 mile range. Now the long wait begins, should be exciting though.
60 Here. Lots of questions regarding things I saw for options.
#58 here, 1,000 mile range, Sacramento, CA.
Drats I'm not first!! NUMBER 33 CHECKING IN!
I guessed right after the hint to guess, thanks
Wohoo!!!
😁
Smile?
not yet
Anyone guess the password yet?
Yep. We are waiting!
I thought we were supposed to get an email already. I keep hitting refresh, but nothing.
See you here soon! It will be hard to sleep tonight!