While we wait for all the 2020 prototype validation work to be completed....to ultimate move to a production unit...
Whatever your Aptera might be for you (Trophy vehicle, commuter vehicle, weekend vehicle, etc... )
What will you plan for your (Aptera) ride?
Let me kick it off with this:
For parking (at home)... although I have always garaged my vehicles....since the Aptera should be exposed to the sun for the benefit of a “free solar charge” (Never Charge feature)...
Planned...A placemat for the Aptera with NEVER CHARGE feature”
I am improving a shade free space for “Park & Charge....
Basically a solar charging spot for the Aptera...something like this round pad, incorporating some other “green concepts”
(Annotation added to photo, both from bing.com)
With a porous pad, and a water outlet nearby...this could be a great spot for vehicle washing too ! NO puddle/ n
With tons of free local rocks and boulders here and plentiful desert plants, the cost is right (free) and the low desert succulents/cactus care (I.e., none), this is a very affordable and hopefully rewarding project.
The location is also near 120v outdoor outlet, if battery top off is ever needed,
when not in the garage overnight.
In the rural SW grassy desert regions it is always best to garage a vehicle as pack rats or snakes could explore the shelter of any parked vehicle.
🐀 like to chew the plastic on electrical wire😞 I understand folks who don’t have a garage use a outdoor light or strobe light under their vehicle or under their hood to deter rodents as they like dark spaces.
When I lived back east this was also an issue in the fall and winter after using gas powered equipment(mower, snow thrower, etc) and placing them in the shed....as the field mice liked to shelter near the warmth of the hot engine, there too...chewing wires. “Oh living with wildlife!”😞
So for me the Aptera could be that trophy vehicle in retirement.
🤔My big projects are done around the house... I could retire the mid size truck.
Depending on the final offerings of the Aptera and outcome of 2020 testing, decide if the 60 or 100kWH range fits into our final lifestyle with perhaps cross country trips or just exploring this beautiful country. It may even allow a spacious open hatch area to include the dog on some trips/drives.
Sounds like a great combo
I am not Aptera but live in southern AZ and at 4200’
I nevered owned an EV but my plan:
-60 kWh for max 600 mi range and any added from the full solar.
When I drive cross country I typically try to keep my driving to 500 miles.
- I will top off with the free AZ sun but park it in the garage when the sun is down.
My present home solar array provides a net zero home on our all electric home. So don’t plan to add additional panels
If theAptera is V2G capable I will look into that.
We are retired and live 30 miles north of Tucson. So, plenty of sun, but I don’t like to leave my cars outside unless I’m using them. We also have solar PV already, so having the car charge itself is not a high priority. We have a 2020 Tesla S, but even at 402 miles of “EPA” range, traveling in the vast west is dicey. For example, you can’t go from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and back to a Supercharger in Page, AZ. We did Page to the end of Bryce NP and on to Beaver, UT. Had to keep the speed down to make it. No DC fast chargers of any kind near Bryce. So, the Aptera with theoretically 600 miles is appealing. If Aptera is monitoring this, does 600 mean 500 or 450? I could live with 450 miles real world? We may or may not keep the Tesla S. Maybe get a Y in three years when it gets the 4680 cells and 500+ range. An Apetera and a Y would be a great combo!
I plan to do a 1 charge Electric Vehicle Challenge. I will drive a Apetra to Sierra Vista 400 miles round trip on 1 charge. Then another week drive to the Grand Canyon all in Arizona. Bother trips are uphill so coming back to my home in Chandler at 1,100 feet will be easy. We also have lots of Sunshine so the Solar will help a lot. I plan to ONLY use the 400 mile range Aptera. This will show how efficient they are. Maybe the 400 mile range model will be available in 2021.
I will also challenge other electric vehicles to join my challenege on 1 charge. I don't think any can do it except the Tesla Roadster II in 2021 with 610 mile range and at $200K ,we will see.
Well the above (Feb 8th) planned reserved solar charging (Never Charge) parking space is basically done. Just need an Aptera to be born. I could park the upcoming 3D model there.. while things settle/“shake out”😉
Hi Guys,
> Question: What would you do with an Aptera?
Well, I personally would buy it as a commuter vehicle as I only need to take a laptop with me and generally drive alone to and from work. For this reason it would make a lot of sense to have a lightweight car that has a champion Cw-value and low fuel consumption.
I used to drive a very frugal TDi back in the day which would easily get 3L per 100km and it weighed in at 830kg, the Aptera seems to be the only logical heir to this throne.
As it would fit an MTB I could even take it on a weekend drive to the Ardennes (Belgium) and be back home again on one charge...
I'd say; build it and I'll buy it (in 2024, as I need to drive my daily BEV another 4 years).
I hear you!🤜🤛
Spread the word and let’s support/ cheer them on to bring this to fruition!
Then see what they can innovate next... if this model doesn't “speak“ some folks needs.
This could take me through my final driving years and would be something I would love to hand over to my kids.
The number of investors are ticking up too
I've been waiting 40 years for this type car, i.e., efficient platform, practical BEV at a reasonable price.