Behind the Wheel: CEO Insights and Aerodynamics of the Solar-Powered Aptera
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
- For more information, visit www.airshaper.com and www.aptera.us
Filmed October 2023.
Dive into the future of sustainable transportation with our in-depth exploration of the Aptera, the solar-powered electric vehicle redefining aerodynamics and efficiency. Join us as we go behind the wheel for a test drive and gain exclusive insights from the CEO on how this groundbreaking vehicle is crafted to harness solar energy for unprecedented range and performance.
In this video, you'll discover the unique design features that set the Aptera apart, from its ultra-lightweight structure to its advanced aerodynamics. We delve into the science that makes it possible for the Aptera to travel further with less energy, all powered by the sun.
Whether you're a car enthusiast, an advocate for green technologies, or simply curious about the next big thing in automotive innovation, this video is your gateway to understanding how the Aptera is driving us towards a cleaner, more efficient future.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with others who dream of a sustainable automotive future. Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what other innovative technologies you’d like us to explore next! 
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How cool to have the AirShaper CEO driving an Aptera prototype!!
Just a title, they're very approachable, perhaps you can have a go yourself if you have a RUclips channel :)
Must be so cool to see and drive something you had a part in making a reality!
Totally!
It REALLY is different to see it in real life versus on the screen / in simulations. It looks stunning, the proportions are spot on.
😎
I always appreciate learning about the influences on Aptera development. Kudos to Airshaper!
Thank you!
The Aptera is like a symphony, but composed by many.
Not a song, not an aria or an entertaining hit, but like a beacon sonata for what is right now and for the future.
With a brutal departure from the mainstream, instead with engineering lateral thinking in innovation and courage, simply for the best efficiency in every sustainable category. For the most beautiful chapter of automotive hope in the almost hopeless SUV & pickup truck jungle.
Conducted by Aptera, performed by an orchestra of the best suppliers and specialists and at the same time, like so many other advocates, and for such a unique project. And soon the wingless siren sings her love to the world. Quiet, efficient and convincing, worthy of imitation, eyed with longing envy, sirrrrrrrrrrrr
❤
C.P.C. Group, Ennigi, CTNS, Elaphe, AirShaper, the list of companies involved with bringing this vehicle to market is amazing.
But still no investors
Put money where the mouth is 🤔
@@shrimptopian3392 Over 2,000 Accelerators have put money where their mouths are! As well as over 40,000 pre-order customers who have put small deposits on this vehicle--where have you been? The CEO's have rejected a number of big investors because the terms were not favorable to keeping control in the hands of Fambro/Anthony. Lack of control is what doomed the original company to liquidation and they don't want that to happen again. Patience is a virtue....in terms of waiting for the right-minded investment partner is not only prudent it's brilliant! LEAN!!!
@@shrimptopian3392 They also have venture capital investment. Where have you been? (other than trolling without checking your facts) All the info is public in the SEC reports.
@@n.brucenelson5920
Yes sir no sir, you are the truth keeper
Very good
My apologies for seeing facts different than your facts, your facts are the only correct one, i keep forgetting that
@@n.brucenelson5920
The sec report says they have enough cash for about 4 months, but hey
This is so great see and hear about the collaboration between Aptera and Airshaper, on Airshaper's own RUclips which I would have never visited if not for Aptera.
Thanks! Tons of other videos on aerodynamics on our channel if you like, including videos on Rivian etc!
It must be nice to see a vehicle that embodies the principals of superior aerodynamics (using your software) working towards actual volume production in the coming year. Most automakers looking for an improvement in aerodynamics to provide better economy and range, revise an edge here and a corner there. But resolutely stick to their traditional crossover body style. But the Aptera will be truly different, and the added aerodynamics, combined with a simpler, lightweight design will actually demonstrate the real world benefits. Showing good performance, better range, solar utilization at an affordable price (because they can use a smaller battery), all enhanced by a commitment to superior aerodynamics.
*A* coming year... because every year in the future is "coming".
Very true, it's an engineering dream to be assisting them!
Simply Fantastic. COMPLIMENTS TO APTERA AND TO WOUTER.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
This video is a great introduction to Aptera. It covers all the basics and is very clear. And to find out thet your company was involved with the development is great!
Just to say it, the Launch Edition is expected to be validated this year, with a couple of thousand vehicles delivered next year. The Launch Edition is around $33,000 with a range of 400 miles. The 1000 mile range is often mentioned as if it's going to be released right away, but it may take a few years of development. The $26,000 model, however, with 250 miles of range, will very likely come out right away.
If you're new to Aptera, there's a preorder list in the thousands, so you won't be able to get yours for a couple of years at best. So do what we do.and follow the Aptera channels and watch the progress. 😂 When we start seeing them on the roads we can all celebrate.
Delivery of a "couple of thousand vehicles" next year is "expected"... by whom? Certainly not anyone who has seen every previous Aptera production promise sail by.
We will see. It would be extremely foolish to make predictions now that could be disproven easily within a few months. Far better to wait for events to unfold and report on that.
Wow! Must be so rewarding to see and experience the results of your software!
It definitely is! It's super cool to see something go from the screen to reality 🙂
Great video. Thank you AirShaper
Thank you, so much for your support in helping this happen.
Fantastic.
It's with great pleasure 🙂
Your comment about how planted on the road the Aptera feels as you drove it were very helpful to me. I also enjoyed the perspective you brought to the vehicle. Having worked on the Aptera aerodynamics. I remember Chris talking about how little wind came in with the windows down. Thank you for sharing your experience with the community.
You're very welcome!
I'm not a professional test driver (or not a good driver at all perhaps), so perhaps search for videos where someone with skills drives it around :) JerryRigEverything also played around in it!
This is a great example of how Airshaper can be used to further enhance even the most streamlined designs ! 👍
Thanks a lot!!
Can't wait to get mine!
20k in line or so.
I hope they can ramp up the production quickly, the factory is quite spacious :)
I placed the 42nd order, but the vehicle that they will be delivering is far more advanced than what was on offer then!
Is your order number the number you are in line?
@@Johnny2FeathersNot strictly speaking. It also depends on the version build order.
Well done Aptera. I want one!
Amazing project! Congratulations.
100 watt hours per mile is excellent! My BMW i3 by comparison uses less than 250 watt hours per mile. I love that Aptera is succeeding in bringing this to market.
Aways enjoy watching the latest Aptera videos; looking forward to taking delivery of mine!
What this video fails to mention is that the vehicle is designed to be easily repaired by owners or independent mechanics, unlike many other evs and ice cars. It is also designed to be easily updated or upgraded to take advantage of newer better components. Let's support Aptera's low impact transportion by making a reservation and purchasing shares.
Those aspects I didn't know of, thanks!
Fantastic review Wouter! I am certain the production interior and exterior will really exceed your already great experience
Thanks a lot Jason!!
Gotta say it is a treat to see this CEO nerding out. He has the best possible world going on here and I’m loving it.
Haha, yes, and just forget about the CEO title: it's basically 2 engineers geeking out :)
🤩stars in my view
And here, I thought there was some extra talented aerodynamicist working at Aptera to make the incremental body changes! Nice to see all your reactions seeing it in person. Thanks for sharing your drive and visit. Excellent job so far from both @AirShaper and Aptera!
Thanks for the video. Very impressive to see "Airsharper" concepts rendered in the real world.
Thank you!
It's AirShaper, but AirSharper also sounds nice actually :)
Due to the awesome development you brought to the Aptera, I hope they collaborate with you in their future plans. I highly anticipate a higher occupancy from Aptera in the future.
We're definitely rooting for them, fantastic product to be working on!
Fascinating! Well presented. I want one!
Aptera is amazing
I applaud Chris for his weight loss. Aptera still rocks!
great clip. but was the video footage from last year? During the drive they talked about crash testing "next year"
I caught the same thing. It can’t be from too recent because the vehicle they’re test driving has been boxed up and ready to go to the Driftx show.
Correct, this was shot October 2023
It still is correct, i expect no crash testing this year
Aptera is always 1 year away
When working at Cummins we developed our first EV AEOS semi-truck in 2017. We should have used AirShaper.
Hi Carl, if you're still in the game of improving aero, just drop me a message at wouter@airshaper.com!
Awesome
hell yeah
Brilliant work guys!
I’d have loved to see the aerodynamic performance as the vehicle approaches top speed. I think the aft of the “fuselage” flushing into the tail can be better…reduce some drag there.
I’d like a test drive …
Yes, at high speeds, the aero at the rear will be very important: you don't want too much lift!
Feels too close to fail now... which I hope stays true. It's really one of those pinnacle vehicles that needs to exist in numbers, if only for the reason that it seems like a promise of how the future could be, come alive and true.
Thanks for the great video Wouter! I don't know if you can speak to this, but do you know the impact to the Aptera's CdA if the side mirrors are removed and only the side cameras are present?
You're welcome!
And you're right, I can't share numbers. Buy on regular cars, mirrors can make up 1-5% of the total drag (rough estimate). Just check our Ford F150 video (huge Mitros))
It's environmentally compatible.
I hope they keep the sporty handling and quick acceleration in the production model.
Yeah it felt really nice to drive, the front wheels are far apart so it feels really planted! And with such light weight, the acceleration is really sharp!
The acceleration should be even greater in the production model. In other videos Aptera has talked about how they've limited the gamma prototype to about 60% power due to the motor cooling not being attached.
Looks amazing! A bit worried about visibility in left hand side window as big black stripe directly in eye line. Otherwise an awesome vehicle.
Hi Brian,
I had the same concern but I didn't feel 'constrained' looking through the side windows. Perhaps because my test track was a wide open road with few turns, but it felt safe. The front wind screen distorted the view a bit, I think that is a bigger concern (but solvable I'd guess).
I hope that there will eventually also be a cheap model available, so that mobility poverty will also be addressed by electric cars!
Even the window controls are only on the touchscreen? Please, more physical buttons and switches.
I must say, if this vehicle is sold in Europe and fit's our B roads, that would be a nice addition for me.
If it makes it to Germany, take it the the "Ring" just for the fun of it, please 🙂
Also, a great collaboration guys, already follow both of you. 👍💪✌
What are "B roads"?
@@charangohabsburg1 narrower roads, less space and lower speeds than highways. Not national roads but state roads, does that make sense? Trucks are also there but limited by width and weight.
I'd be very curious to know what top speed it could hit, given its low drag coefficient :)
Racing does put a different focus on aerodynamics, as aero balance becomes a very important factor.
@@AirShaper top speed isn't important. lt would be nice to see the usage during the drive.
But the width may be hard to sell if it's over 2m wide.
@@rjung_ch True, top speed is quite irrelevant for this car, but it'd just be fun to know :)
I only drove it on wide lanes in the US - it'd be interesting to drive it around on smaller European or Asian roads.
I am waiting to buy one of these, no doubt in my mind - the sooner it is on the market the better. perhaps you may have under estimated the initial demand?
How do you feel about that cross bar in the window of the door? It looked like it was right at your eye level. It's my biggest concern with the design. I'm short, so it hopefully won't affect me if I ever make a purchase.
It actually didn't bother me during driving (although the test drive was short and I didn't have to look sideways too often). I did notice some distortion through the front wind screen - I'm guessing this is maybe because it was some prototype wind shield.
Ya still waiting, and waiting and waiting
My next car after the Hyundai ioniq5 that I adore
When you let off the accelerator this thing is just going to glide like an airplane. Hypermiling is going to be bonkers with one of these and I can't wait! #14257, I'm ready to write the check tomorrow!
I am an Ap;tera fan, but I have a burning question " Please address the bumpy ride I keep seeing in these test drives." I am hoping in the production model the ride will be much smoother.
Are you guys ever get the aptera to market before 2100.
ship it
Fantastic! The car I'm most excited about. I wonder how much it would harm the aerodynamics to shrink the width by a few inches - maybe in the next generation?
Depends on where you shrink it. Reducing the gap between the wheels and the bodywork could "choke" the flow / accelerate it around the suspension, which could increase the drag.
Yeah I was going to comment on this but I'll go ahead and put it here. I always assumed the reason for the width of the Aptera's track was that there needed to be clearance for the front wheel fairings to turn. Chris has also said, however, that he wants to ensure the right front wheel can be seen from inside the car. So I wasn't sure that the turn angle of the front wheels was a hard limit.
Your statement though, that bringing the wheel fairings in closer to the body increases the drag, adds an element to the discussion I hadn't considered. It's possible that the nose may need to be narrowed further to meet EU track requirements, or the EU may have to accept a slightly higher drag coefficient.
I did study the video very closely when you made a tight turn to leave the building. It looked to me that while the left wheel fairing was extremely close to the nose, there was at least an inch of clearance. I don't know if you had turned the wheel to the stop, but if so, Aptera could buy a few extra inches by reducing the turning radius.
More importantly, it looked to me as if the inner right wheel was nowhere close to touching the door on the inside, since it did not have to turn as far. It looks like the clearance between the nose and tip of the fairing is the main factor.
In another video the track of Gamma was measured and it turned out to be 85" not 87". Another three inches on each side will get us to 2 meters. We do not know the track of the PI build, but I hope it is announced just as soon as the chassis design is validated. We'll have to see if that requirement can be met without redesigning the body.
I also don't know if the fairings can be made any thinner. That could buy an inch or two if the clearance is an issue.
Hi Wouter, don't you think the track is too wide for our Belgian roads? It's the only thing holding me back...
That may indeed be a concern. Not a problem at all on the wide US road, felt fine, but parking in a narrow Belgian parking space might be very different. To be tested, hope they send one to Europe soon to gain field experience!
My only comment is, if I went shopping how do I lock it so it can’t be stolen and how do I unlock the door so I can drive off in it ???
When was this filmed? Did anyone else hear Chris say "crash tests next year" ?
This was filmed Okt 2023 (I updated the description of the video to mention this, as many have pointed this out :) ).
👍
Now make it something someone would want to buy and can take the family camping or to a funeral for grandma. College students do similar things. One purpose is much leas of an engineering challenge.
True, turning this into a family car will be an interesting challenge. But you have to start somewhere, and other than student projects, this is a fully engineered product aiming for mass production - fingers crossed it'll be on the road soon!
I love this vehicle. I saw that you appreciate all the light airy feel of the car my fear is that with the rear solar hatch it will feel darker and more confiding
Yes I think that will make quite a difference for the interior feel - but the front & side windows are large on their own, so I think it should still feel very airy :)
I find that when I am driving, I don't notice the part of the car that is behind me. Unless I am backing up, and not even then if I am using the backup camera display.
😊
Looks pretty cool.
Let's see a 10mph crash test.
We'll see full automotive crash test results this summer
The crash tests will be performed by a 3rd party to FMVSS Part 200 standards.
He said they will be crash testing them next year, and this video was uploaded 15 hrs ago. I thought Aptera was supposed to start delivering at the end of this year?
This was filmed Oktober 2023 :)
It's always "by the end of" this year or next... whatever the year of the promise/prediction/lie.
@@brianb-p6586 Who is paying you to lie about it?
@@n.brucenelson5920 No one is paying me. Everyone at Aptera is being paid... that's how it works, being an employee.
@@brianb-p6586 Then why lie about what is happening? You clearly don't know the reason for many good things that happen. I spend a lot of time as a volunteer advocate for Aptera, as do many others.
I do this in part because I understand that it can help reverse the direction of our climate crisis
Aptera, just like anyone else in business can't foresee the future. No one knew Covid would happen. They also didn't know that the demand for their product was so much greater than they had expected. The changing predictions have been a result of responding to actual facts.
One thing about the Aptera that bothers me, is that it is so wide. I know that the space between the nose and the wheels is important for aerodynamics. How much difference would it make to reduce the width a little? And how much difference would it make for handling, road holding and stability?
In terms of aero, bringing the wheels closer could "choke" the airflow between the covers & the body. But then again, it might be an acceptable compromise - to be tested.
@@AirShaperThank you for the reply. Do you have any input on the handling side?
Regarding the 6% efficiency increase by improvements made possible thorugh the use of AirShaper, is this what the results suggested to do or are the 6% what could be applied to the production vehicle shape?
And am I guessing right that this 6% improvement refers to the drag coefficient (so that the 0.13 become 0.122)?
All shape optimizations combined we actually had a 15% reduction in drag, but those changes compromised the design & packaging too much. So the 6% reduction (indeed, in drag) is the end result, after all elements like cost, manufacturing, safety, ... had been taken into account.
@@AirShaper Thank you for the clarification! 🙏 Amazing results. 👍
Now I'm looking forward to the windtunnel numbers of the production Aptera (or PI build), and if the difference bill be traceable (if there is any difference beyond measurment accuracy at all).
@@charangohabsburg1 We too are very much looking forward to the final wind tunnel test result :)
missing alot of solar panel area by not using the rear hatch, just use a rear camera instead and cover it with solar
Not sure, but I think there is a version with solar on the rear hatch
AirShaper is correct, the first production vehicles (Launch Edition) are to have a lot more solar on them. There will be a total of about 3 m^2 worth of nominally 24 to 25% Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells. I expect that under Standard Test Conditions (STC) those ~3 m^2 will produce on the order of 500 to 550 watts after the MPPT's.
@@alainchuzel8341 Thanks a lot for the extra info!
I started following Aptera at its inception and was disappointed when it wasn’t produced, then Elio Motors was promoting an $8400 dollar 80 MPG car that didn’t happen. I read that Aptera won’t be delivering in 2024. I have also read that they don’t have all the capital needed to make this happen and are still trying to find investors. I really hope that in 2025 you don’t hear that production won’t be until 2026 because if you do it is very likely never to reach production. I guess we will have to wait and look at this in April 2025 and see if Aptera’s are coming off the production line and being delivered.
I'm hopeful that at least a few vehicles can be released to Accelerators in December just so Aptera can say they did it. As currently planned, the rest of the Accelerator vehicles will be delivered in 2025. They may have to make them slowly, by hand, but they say the funding is already available.
More importantly, once there are actual Apteras on the road being shown off to customers, I expect there will be big investors that will want to help Aptera start production. If there are not, there is nothing that can get Aptera to market. The people won't want it. It will just be a niche market that was surprisingly vocal.
As I said, I hope that doesn't happen. A lot of people have invested a lot of money in the gamble that the Aptera will be a popular choice for commuters. I guess we will have to see.
@@richardryley3660- This is what Arcimoto did. They hand built the first 10 and sold the first one to a Hollywood star. Once they got on the road (along with the star power) the investors came in and the sales took off. This is why it’s the benchmark to get it out there right away and it leads to success.
@@billsmith5960 Aptera is following the advice of Sandy Munro, and will not be delivering hand built production vehicles. There may be a few demonstration vehicles built this way.
I am not a accelerator and I am still showing a 2025 delivery date.
@@richardryley3660 - Then you are looking for what Arcimoto did. They built 10 of them and the first one went to a Hollywood star. Then 10 were on the road and the FUV fans believed that once they were on the road, people would be buying them up. People did but not to the amount the fans thought.
Most of the Elio fans believed that was Elio Motors downfall. Never got them on the street to where people would be buying them up like crazy one the found out it was $7450, gave 84 mpg, had three airbags, ABS, TC stability, and all of the other wonders of a car. They were so close.
So, Aptera will be different.
I wonder if he is also an Accelerator?
When will the Aptera be ready to sell??Wonder what price it will be offered for?? How will it perform on rough roads and potholes?? Love the concept but afraid it will only be for the Rich!!!
The price they are aiming for is quite low (order of magnitude 30k USD) - surprisingly low for the tech you get. I hope it'll be like this when they go into production! As they scale up, you'd expect costs to perhaps come down?
When did you film this?
This was filmed in Oktober 2023! Is something outdated by now perhaps?
@AirShaper The crash testing next year comment was surprising if this was filmed in 2024. Typical travel channels and development channels list the month filmed in the description. Otherwise, nice job. You seem to be one of their better vendors or consultants. Thanks for reply.
@@artsmith103 Thanks for the tip, just added the date to the description!
I drive a very distinctive looking un-aerodynamic car that there is only one of in my country and gets about the same gas mileage as a prius because it's small and light and I cannot go anywhere without people staring and taking photos and bending my ear for half an hour. Fun, unless you're in a hurry.;-)
Which one?
Does it turn into an aeroplane?
Three-wheelers do handle like four-wheelers, in sedate driving.
I did get to spin it around a bit on the parking lot and there too the handling felt great!
I'd be more curious to find out how things handle on a bumpy road, with just one contact patch at the rear. All to be tested!
@@AirShaper Thanks, but I suspect that most people would assess every vehicle, especially one as low and wide as this, as handling well in what they are willing to do in a parking lot.
@@brianb-p6586 Both my wife and I had fairly lengthy rides in an alpha prototype in 2021, and in my case the engineer driving really wrung it out. The suspension was harsh compared to the current refinements, but it was sportscar like, and did not exhibit the sudden understeer to oversteer transition that many rear engine sports cars have.
The Aptera WILL have A/C... this guy is talking about in context of the Gamma... not the production model.
Correct :)
Crash Test next year? 😮 Guys.. I'm a supporter.. but shouldn't we push a bit to things to happen? 😢
Updated the description: the video was shot end of 2023
I did not realize that the Aptera body had acquired those partial side windows with huge strips around them - that's horrendous for outward vision. Notice in the in-car video that this huge bar is at the driver's eye level and that it is easily three times the width that it should be.
It actually didn't bother me during driving, but perhaps a longer road test would be good to have a more decisive answer to that!
My wife and I were concerned about that before we rode in an alpha prototype. The sight lines are not as bad as they appear. They are somewhat different from the alphas in the PI versions, but we are not nearly as worried. Try it yourself before you come to a firm conclusion.
@@AirShaper I think once you get over the novelty of driving the unusual vehicle and start looking around normally, you'll notice it.
To anyone questioning this, I say try running a strip of duct tape across the side windows of your own vehicle at that height and driving around...
@@brianb-p6586 Or sit in a Subaru SVX that had a similar window split
Fanstastic vehicle very efficient but will it ever be manufactured. Tons of money collected but no result so far.
Fingers crossed it will!
Exactly what happened in the parking lot at around 11:50? Did the driver scrape a curb with the stupidly widely spaced front wheels?
That was a speed bump :-)
@@AirShaper Thanks!
"Powered by the sun"? It was producing 80 watts, so at a very optimistic 80 Wh/mile that's enough to drive the car at one mile per hour. The Aptera guy on the test drive confirms this, talking about solar charging all day to drive 4 to 5 miles.
This one doesn't have the full solar package, which produces 700 watts.
@@craigmerrow225
They say 40 miles, but i think it will be closer to 4 miles, they promise a lot but never give real life proof
@@craigmerrow225 yes, it's interesting that what they're showing as their most advanced design has a small fraction of the solar panel capacity that they say it should have. Why not mount the full solar package? In the meantime, this is what they actually have.
@@craigmerrow225 the mythical 700 watts (which would only be a noon near the equator on a clear day) at the claimed "under 100 Wh/mi" would correspond to 7 miles per hour. It is intended to carry around a solar array which should be mounted on the roof of the owner's home; it isn't a solar-powered vehicle any more than any other EV owned by someone who has a solar installation.
@@shrimptopian3392 Only because you clearly never learned to do math. Several of the Aptera detractors who like to comment on RUclips are math challenged. Another has been trying to build a perpetual motion machine.
dont insult formula 1 with comparison
A question... Are they already putting the wiring harnas in the binc or any other parts, people like to know
Sorry, that I wouldn't know! Perhaps they mention this in one of their update videos?
Whatever they say about HOV lanes, the real reason for any production 3-wheeled car is exemption from safety standards and other federal and local (state, in the USA) regulatory and licensing requirements.
Another effect, at least in the past and perhaps still now, is that the car didn't quality as a car, and thus couldn't benefit from an EV tax credit. Not sure what the current status is on that one!
Untrue. Otherwise, why would they design to car safety standards, and confirm it with crash tests to FMVSS Part 200 standards? They don't have to have airbags, either, and yet they are included.
@@n.brucenelson5920 Promising to crash test and follow standards is good (for safety, but primarily for marketing), but it doesn't mean much unless they are required to actually pass. As it is, they can follow what they want and ignore what is inconvenient.
So keen to see the results of the safety tests. I wouldn't like to be shunted up the rear by an electric RAM! The big guy could hardly get in. No wonder he said it was "cosy". Good luck with the airshaper tech but this vehicle on main roads rural & urban is a gimmick. Maybe in special areas designated for covered trikes they will be used.
It did feel spacious and driving amongst the other cars felt fine on US roads. It might be a different story on small roads in the city, I hope someone gets to tests & documents that soon :)
The solar roof on Gamma failed and was removed a while ago so this is rather old footage.
I wonder what happened to Gamma's solar roof. Delamination like it's original hood panel maybe(?) They were both engineered and tested to last at least 10 years.
This was shot October 2023
This is the first time I have heard this clarified. I had heard Gamma NEVER had a solar roof, and the updated hood was the first solar panel it had ever had. I suppose that's typical of the kind of misinformation that is floating around.
I'm guessing that once the solar panel failed, it was not replaced because it is part of the body. The hood and dash board can be replaced, but they probably will leave Gamma with the rear window, so no solar panels there.
@@richardryley3660 Many an Aptera "fan boy/girl" would rather stick their heads in the sand than to accept the FACT that supposed 10 year life Aptera production solar panels failed within, maybe, a year. I have the privileged of knowing and occasionally working with someone that has been designing and building specialty 2-axis curve-able solar panels (mostly for solar race cars) for decades and he has been amongst Aptera's fiercest critics of Aptera's approach to making solar panels. From day 1 he tried to help Aptera (FOR FREE) and was essentially dismissed/ignored. I'm happy to report that he has given Aptera a thumbs up on the switch to a glass top!
FYI, ALL of Aptera's solar panels are supposed to be "replaceable". I think why they didn't replace the roof solar panels is because they can't make a glass top roof panel yet. They also can't make a hatch panel yet but I understand new equipment has been, at least, ordered to enable the making of a roof and hatch solar panel.
@@richardryley3660 All of Aptera's solar panels are "replaceable".
FSD is necessary for us aging boomers….
Provides independence after driving skill are diminished.
Well there is Tesla if you want FSD
@@garywozniak7742
Duh…
@@cliffmorgan31 Duh back to. OpenPilot, what Aptera will be offering fir driver assist, seems to pretty good. Personally I don't want FSD, and wouldn't trust it.
"Full Self Driving" doesn't exist in any production vehicle, and most of us "boomers" don't need it.. and many of us don't want it.
@@brianb-p6586 -
Denial issues….?
Are you trailing edge boomer? YOU may never need it, but some of your peers will.
No, the average EV does not use 400 Wh/mile.
That did sound like a very high estimate - perhaps that is an averaged value which includes a lot of electric SUVs?
@@AirShaper the majority of EV models are now SUVs or "crossovers", and 400 Wh/mile or 26 kWh per 100 km is higher than most of them.
I see this is a video by Airshaper where the Aptera is praising Airshaper by using their technology for designing the car. So it’s just an incestuous ad where they pat each other on the back for being so wonderful.
For sure there is an element of both being happy with each other's product. But it is genuine - from an engineering perspective I really do like the car (and definitely the design), and I have designed a car myself in the past (I wasn't good at it), so I greatly appreciate what they are doing. And for them, we did actually reduce the drag by a lot. So I think it's a clean win-win :)
more solar cells please. and rear seats. and give us 4 wheels.
It's pretty much maxed out on solar.
Aptera says that it has plans for a 4 wheel, 5 seat model in the future, but they have to focus on getting the current model to production.
Keep in mind that four wheels will reduce the range. As will a back seat and two more passengers. It will probably still be more efficient than a Tesla, assuming they keep the same basic body shape, but it won't get 10 miles per kWh. Probably more like 6 miles. (About double a Tesla)
Yeah, and make it square and heavy and... oh wait, everyone else already makes that car.
@@garywozniak7742 said: "It's pretty much maxed out on solar" Nope. There's about 10 to 15% wasted space on the existing panels thus leaving 10 to 15% more solar range off the table.
No, people cannot "actually buy this for a reasonable amount" - they can't buy it at all, because it still isn't in production. The promised price means nothing until customers are actually receiving vehicles after paying only that amount.
Yeah, but how practical is that car in the real world? Great concept and demo, but not something our average family could use to go to the shops every week or carry the carry the family and baggage away on holiday etc. Then in the UK the solar capability works out over an average year to provide less than 10 miles top up daily, so it still needs plugging in and that 10 miles costs pennies on a cheap rate overnight tariff, so pointless really.
True, this would hopefully be the starting point for more practical versions later on!
It's a two seater with tons of storage. It doesn't meet everyone's needs, but no car does
This will never be in production , I gave my reservation fee 3 yrs ago.
So crash testing is already 1 year delayed? They were supposed to be happening by this time according to prior statements from 3rd quarter of last year. So delivery can be 2026?
This was filmed October, 2023. So crash testing next year means 2024. At one point, I thought they said 1st quarter 2024 but I can't be sure. I'm sure they continue to keep falling behind, but they aren't a year behind yet.
Looks like an empty warehouse..going under just like Fisker. Don’t give them money
The aero shape definitely has low drag (like an arrow), but the shape of the rear (like an *arrow or weather vane* ) would
cause the tail to swing out when hit by the wind off the front of a bus or big rig on the highway. The wind would also
lift the rear horizontal "tail" to reduce the rear wheel traction, and the vehicle would plow into the bus or big rig. :-(
This is untrue. There is very little lever arm between the wheel cover and the traction point. There is also downforce built into to the shape at the cost of absolute minimum achievable Cd. I have ridden in a prototype on the highway and you are spreading FUD with no data to back it up.
@@n.brucenelson5920 There is no need for significant "lever arm" between the rear wheel cover and the traction points of the front wheels. That there is a lateral wind force against the rear wheel pant AFTER passing the front wheel pants, and that the wind is held down from escaping by the horizontal tail, provide both the pivoting torque and the reduced traction to allow it. Those 2 "whale tail" flukes will have to go!
@@BillMitchell-lm8dg My ride in a prototype on the highway showed no sign of wind buffeting, even next to trucks, nor have others noticed it.
What is your source of information?
@@n.brucenelson5920 Undougtedly, the employee driving the vehicle avoided the situation of passing the big rigs at 65mph , and he was talking incessantly to distract you. But I, while driving alone in my 2-seat 4-wheel sports car, am quite familiar with the transient effect - which is NOT "wind buffetting", a term you use to mislead with your feigned obtuseness. The vehicle just has to be redesigned to be a 4-wheeler without a "whale tail".
@@BillMitchell-lm8dg Too bad you are confidently wrong about things you weren't there to witness.
My daily driver is a Gen 1 Honda insight that is more affected than the Aptera was on the same roads on the same day.
I encourage you to try one yourself when you have the chance.
Nice but get rid of the front wheel covers
Bad idea
They will act like rudders at high speed😂
They could then help you steer in the right direction perhaps :)
Must be grea when crashing into a american truck or even a tesla . What a green way to go😂
Actual crash testing is coming, and it's likely to perform well
I wish they would stop calling it a car and say something like a new form of transportation or auto cycle
It has the functionality and drives like a two seater car. It doesn't drive like a normal autocycle.
I try to always use the term vehicle. But really, what is a "car"? We seem to have decided it is any four wheeled vehicle that isn't a truck. But that's an "automobile". So why do people keep calling the Aptera a car?
@@richardryley3660- This is why a Ford transit is a car. It does everything a car does, thus a car. So, we must call an Aptera a car.
The government rates it as an auto cycle
@@user-xp3oi7rj9f - I was told by an Elio expert, that doesn’t matter. It’s just like a car, does everything a car does, so it’s a car. This is why a Ram Promaster is a car too. I hope that Aptera changes the rear license plate mount to fit a car plate on it and has a front one too as the fans designate it as a car
I doubt the solar panels would generate enough for 5 km a day.
Why?
It's disappointing and suspicious that Aptera has never demonstrated any of their performance claims. I think the fund raising world should have forced them to demo current status on all their claims. In this video, he's multiplying 80W by 5 peak equivalent hrs on a sunny day to get 400Wh in a day. Then multiplying that by 10 miles/kWh to get 4 miles (6.4 km) in a day. I think it's a little generous but close enough.
Depends on where you park the vehicle and how much sun is available (and how many hours of daylight), but Aptera seems to be sticking to "as much as 40 miles (64 km) of added range from the solar panels per day.
@@DrTeeHenry Aptera does NOT "stick to" that. They often incorrectly say 40 miles a day and sometimes even over 40 miles a day.
@@johnreeves7261 Aptera says "up to", which is not incorrect. Of course it depends on the local solar insolation you get and your exposure to it. Each person's experience will be different.
Studio acoustics are BAD…
Referencing introduction.
I agree :) tried so many different mics, still didn't get it right
Not the mic. The room needs sound adsorption materials. Rug, curtain wall, tapestry, acoustical tile….. Whatever.
So you drove a prototype hat has nearly nothing to do with the indended production vehicle, that never drove more than 50 miles and dies when driving up a hill. YT videos easily available.
I hadn't heard of it not being able to drive uphill - did you see this in a video somewhere?
@@AirShaper Search YT, you will find several videos. Reason is that the Hub motors are not cooled.
@@AirShaper Vic is a rather frequent Aptera troll.
@@n.brucenelson5920 Bruce is a rather frequent Aptera troll.
Aptera must pay for these videos to get more investors. But they have never gone into production for over 12 years. I just see it as an investment scam with the model car as vapourware you will never get to buy. But they will have your money to reserve one.
20 years, the Aptera was conceived in 2004 😅
They didn't pay us for this video - it was AirShaper's request to come & shoot one :)
@@AirShaper
Many youtube channels do get paid
@@shrimptopian3392 Ah you mean to feature Aptera? Or other products in general?
I can understand that, but in this case, nothing was paid for :)
@@AirShaper
To promote Aptera and not be critical
Never trust a car salesman who talks constantly during a test ride - he's covering up noises.
That is a prototype and doesn't even have the same kind of build or body materail as the production vehicle. There is no need to "cover up noises"
@@n.brucenelson5920 The squeaks and occasinal rumblings can even be heard over the occupants voices! The constant spiel by Red Hari Wonder couldn't cover that up.
@@BillMitchell-lm8dg This is in no way representative of the sound performance inside the production vehicles, as you will discover. And - the prototype we rode in was no worse than a kit car we once owned and enjoyed.
The talking can also be a tactic to distract the test driver from various problems with the vehicle, unrelated to noise.
@@brianb-p6586 Right! The speaker directs the attention and supplies the informational and mood context to mold the driver's experience of the ride. That's what "selling" is.