I am aware it comes with complications as warranty and liability, still I want to throw in the idea:
As you stated in your videos of having an "open" approach to home repairs, etc. -- What about:
"Aptera in parts" for "home" assembly? Vision? Possibility? At least to some degree of pre assembled assays? May be accelerating the availability?
Love to hear your comments on this one!
Citroen is partially implementing this kit idea on its new Ami EV. The accessories of the Citroen Ami are delivered home in such a box.
@Gordon Niessen Yes. This vid (click here) at 19 minutes in has the co-founders talking about small assembly plants. Sounds like he says "Many, mini-factories". For sure they say "parts align themselves without any external tooling or jigs.". It really seems like it's ideal for a driveway-assembled kit. Can you imagine your neighbors' reaction to that?!
Lovely....
I wonder if they could go with a micro assembly plan and have many distributed assembly plants, rather then all built in a single factory?
& how about TWO kits:
- One as a legal work-around, needing barely enough simple assembly to qualify as a kit at the delivery address, for assembly by the owner or any local shop.
- One as unassembled as possible for a reasonably competent, meticulous "back-yard" mechanic or any of their friends.
LOVE your "kit-car" idea!!! Main battery may be able to install in manageable chunks, especially if it's air-cooled (A/C blowing into the case?) like a longevity-prone eGolf:
Line 23 of Aptera FAQ Spreadsheet: "We are testing 2170s now and we may use liquid cooling but are testing to see if we can just convection cool to save weight."
I am more thinking about pre-assembled units and limit all electrical work to pluggable connections. Nothing exposed. Same for potential coolant connections.
Sure no idea what potential requires dedicated tools, ideally prefab.
But would be so cool if a technically skilled person could do it with a simple instruction guide. Then I'd be considerable confidant been able to late fix it also ;)
Roughly:
Cabin with battery/dash/seats etc. Interior gizmos/hood/doors,
Chassis/suspension parts to cabin assembly,
Wheel motors to suspension,
Control electronics, interior climate control system
Power/motor/brake control hookups
Only need a simple way to jack up the main cabin with battery???
The basis is a type approval for the respective country. Not everyone is a mechatronics engineer and is familiar with high-voltage technology. Local garages could carry out the assembly and technical acceptance under license from Aptera. Comparable to a Caterham Kit Car.
I have found, for example, the company RIPOWER in Germany, which also converts combustion vehicles into electric cars.
That's a pretty good idea, even for import.