Did not know they support right to repair! I am happy to hear. I'll keep this company in mind when looking for my next car. Hope all goes well with them.
@@scottmcshannon6821 Tesla hasn't done either one. The nearest Tesla service centre is 1000 km from me, which is one of the reasons why I won't buy one.
I'm hoping they might have some kind of official mechanic training materials. Maybe also some sort of certification for mechanics that might give them access to parts at a slight discount or authorize them to do warranty repairs.
if gamma had to die on someone *again*, I'm glad it was you at the yoke. I found your analysis of the first occurrence to be the most balanced reporting that I saw, and you did a good job at putting everything into context here. Gotta admit my heart sank for a moment when you uttered, "...and we have just died."
Props to Chris Anthony for owning up to another Gamma mishap. These guys are refreshingly transparent about what they do and why. Even if it looks bad, they'll shrug and say what's up. Warts and all. As an Accelerator, this is an exciting time as we await the PI builds. I know you will get a chance to record some video in a production intent build, looking forward to it.
I really think it can't be overstated enough how awesome it is that this company was transparent about that mishap. That builds alot of trust in my eyes for this company. I'm rooting for them.
@@nickvan4514 It's clearly either a sham or just a failed company. You *won't* get one, get over it. Going on 20 yrs and their prototypes barely work, production is so far off it's laughable.
I am happy you enjoyed the test ride and I appreciate that you forgave Aptera for allowing it to break down. I can't believe they let that happen AGAIN!
Shit happens, plus it gives Aptera an opportunity to build a software routine that can manage those set up tasks. Which makes it less likely to be overlooked in the final version.
Please would you give me the credit? You will be number 22 toward my own lovely SOL I got to sit in. And hopefully get a test drive. I am an Ambassador.
I love the sound of the motor winding up when I accelerate my Nissan Leaf. In an Aptera it will be even more like driving a jet powered car. We'll be like the Jetsons without the flying (we can leave that to Elon Musk). I much prefer the whine of a motor than to have an artificial sound pumping out of a speaker. Though I must admit the sound the Taycan makes is pretty cool, especially because it is clearly NOT a real engine sound.
My Bolt does the same. Love that sound. Like the Chicago Street cars used to sound. Hoping the lease of my Equinox EV with 400 mile range ( I will show you how if it is like the Bolt I get 320 to one time 356 miles per charge), will wind down so my next car will be my own lovely SOL. I am an Ambassador.
That motorcycle rider made my day. Really cool interaction and that's exactly the kind of thing that spreads the word about these kinds of things. Last time I went to a public charger (at a Walmart), I had an old lady come up to me and ask if she could ask me some questions. Of course I said "Absolutely!" and she said she was curious about electric cars but had some concerns (the usual concerns about battery life, expense, etc). We ended up talking for almost an hour and I'm 99% pretty sure that I convinced her to buy an electric car.
This is one of the reasons that I firmly believe it should at least say "aptera" SOMEWHERE on the body, despite the aesthetic advantages of not doing so. The owner won't always be around to explain it to interested passersby.
Thanks for sharing the hands-on experience. Credibility comes with showing both the good and not-so-good. Thank you for that. At the ~5:00 point in the video: "The turning radius of this pre-production prototype is about one half of what the production vehicle's turning radius will be." Really? Half?
I am thinking - mainly because of constraints up forward - that the turning radius magic will happen at the rear wheel. And this is a very good thing when trying to avoid obstacles inside your turning curve.
Great Aptera test drive and overview TE. Thank you for keeping it real and including all sides of the experience. My wife and I can't wait to be behind the yolk of our very own.... we are so excited for Aptera's success!!
Please drive the final version on the aged bumpy roads of the US northeast. 100 years of freeze-thaw cycles and cheap patches make a big difference from the lovely California roads you’re driving on in this video.
I recently tried to sound-deaden by rickety old car and actually found it to be much easier than I expected, having read people’s experiences doing it the hard way by stripping out interior panels and adding tons of layers.. While full-blown traditional sound deadening with butyl mats, mass loaded vinyl, et cetera probably works a treat, I was able to massively quiet my car with the judicious use of light weight upholstry foam. Way more effective than I had imagined.
This is an excellent video. I was so sad about the first moment, and I was thrilled to know the cooling makes such a difference! What an impressive vehicle for a prototype!!!
I can believe it could get 11 miles/kwh, my 2017 Kia Soul EV has gotten that once ( I had trouble believing it too ) but it was right there in trip history (trip only a few miles, and not all downhill is pretty flat around here (Richmond & Vancouver BC.). It typically gets between 4.5 and 7 miles/kwh with a tracked average of 5.3. That is city driving, doing door dash deliveries (quick, but thoughtful) and definitely not hyper-miling it. The Aptera aerodynamics far exceed the brick shape of the Soul.
...just back from a mountaintop airbnb vacay (where we had to drive a small econobox nissan on uneven/gravel/pothole access roads - VERY taxing on the suspension) - can't even imagine Aptera on anything other than smooth surfaces......
Than you for your very convincing video ! This is definitely the future of EVs for 2 persons ! I love it. I own an ioniq5, which is incredible but weights 2000 kg ! I will switch to Aptera if they succeed and start selling in Belgium... I do 1 commute of 400km (2×200km) per week to go from south of Belgium to Brussels the capital, and I am looking for the most efficient EV for 1 person. I would buy the biggest battery available. Ready to spend up to 45000 EUR.
With all the delays and revisions (how ever well justified) I’ve gone from chomping at the bit for my Aptera, to, “yeah, okay, we will see what I think and feel when they actually have a production vehicle.” It’s clear now that Gamma was obsolete before they even trotted it out, and that was more than a year ago. All that being said, this review does refresh my enthusiasm a bit. Still so much potential. These guys really need to make a success of this. Nikki’s well tempered enthusiasm and candor do them good service.
Good idea to go to Abu Dhabi they will one up each other in investing. A perfect desert vehicle 1,000 mile range and charging all the time. Go go Aptera! I am an Ambassador. Where are you Jay??
the rear view mirrors behind the steering wheel would be a deal breaker in my country where there are a lot of roundabouts and you NEED to see your mirrors with the steering wheel turned
Oh my goodness Nikki…THANK YOU. I am super excited about this car. As a desert dweller in Arizona, I would seriously consider this car for myself. Please keep us updated. 😎
Excellent review!! I've been watching Aptera for years, so it's exciting to see them at the level where journalists are able to get behind the wheel by themselves and give honest opinions about an "almost ready" vehicle. I found it particularly interesting that there was such a drastic change in the behavior of the Aptera after it died and was then properly started again. Like you, I'm very much looking forward to seeing people get their hands on the Delta variant so we'll have a solid idea what a production Aptera really looks and drives like. I've been on the fence about ordering one, as I'm 6'2 and a larger guy, and pretty much everyone who gets into the Aptera looks...well, cozy, if not cramped. Yes, the leg room is great, but there doesn't seem to be much head room, even for you (unsure how tall you are, but I'm guessing less than 6'2). I wonder if there will be any seat adjustments available on Delta and the production vehicle to accommodate larger people. I certainly hope so. Thanks, again, for such an excellent review!!
I have owned 2 models of car for 50 years or more. Volvo and Corvette. Now we want to get a Hybrid Volvo with regen capability and over 400HP AWD 4 door sedan. We rarely haul people anymore and I saw the Tricycle with Solar panels and looked into it. But my wife is afraid it will tip over, she is a retired MD and not a Car Person. So the visual makes her nervous, But we both like the hatch and all wheel drive 4 seasons. We did not make a deposit but I am sure we will give it serious consideration if they follow thru and build the car. Thank You for a pretty down to earth review and test. Dennis & Margaret. I wanted the Corvette E Ray But it will cost 130,000 Thats like 4 Aptera's !!!!
Aptera passes the moose test. It is more stable than many SUVs on American roads. They will be crash tested to US automotive crash standards and the results will be made public. You could put in a refundable $100 (or $70 with a discount code) and at least get in line. The line will become much longer once people start to experience it in person. (I recognize the grin on that face from my wife's and my ride in an earlier alpha prototype) The acceleration is not what you expect from an "economy'" vehicle.
I feel the same way you described that motorcyclist's smile at seeing the car driving (and being along for the ride... at least my eyes and ears--thank you for the video/audio and commentary/impressions). The promise of Aptera ticks many of the boxes we can't get in other offerings on the market today--and we can't wait to be driving ours!
Very excited about the Aptera. Such a simulataneously cool looking, efficient, and affordable car. This has a lot of promise and I hope that it drives other car manufacturers to compete on efficiency.
@@Josh-179 I guess you didn't see the Lightyear One. It had really excellent efficiency for a 4-seater sedan. Sadly, they gave up on producing vehicles and are now looking to license their technology.
It's a compelling design. The only serious reservation I have is regarding the sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio - a lot of weight in the two front wheels and a very light chassis, I have a suspicion the ride is always going to be 'crashy' on anything but very well kept roads. We'll see.
With first Sono Motors and now Lightyear out of the game, Aptera is the last of that slew of hyper-efficient solar-electric vehicles left. I hope they make it to the finish line and I can't wait to see them on the roads! The Gamma Prototype is really beautifiul and I was shocked when the biker started talking because I had no idea the windows were open! No buffetting! Like he said... SICK! And gorgeous camera work in the chase vehicle MIcheal!
Lol! The grin it put on your face truly speaks volumes. Hilarious it overheated on your test drive 😅. The poor media folks at Aptera must have been pulling their hair out that the company founder make the same mistake again 😂. Thank you for this in-person drive!
Had my reservation the first day! But also have a CuberTruck as well so we will see which one is first. With the Tesla NACS connector and being able to charge on Tesla network is a huge plus for Aptera.
I, too, have a deposit on an Aptera. So I have a great interest in how it drives. With something that light, I have been concerned about noise. It seems like the noise the vehicle itself makes is well under control. My biggest concern is noise from outside the car. I await your text of a production intent vehicle...
So happy to see a review of gamma, and major props to Aptera for being honest and up front about the issue, it shows a lot of good about the company. 🎉 Now just to get past regulatory requirements so I can buy my reservation in Canada! 😊
After riding I.C.E. powered two wheelers for going on half a century, I've had to overcome some major muscle memory habits after going electric. This includes overcoming the tendency to overindulge in the ginormous availability of torque(danger Will Robinson)! I DO LOVE riding electric and it was pretty much mandatory after going EV for my daily. I imagine my Aptera will take some getting used to but am looking forward to it and am betting that I'll love the transition even more... Cheers!
Really good to see you out of the studio for a change. It was obvious you were having a great time and was terrific to watch. You will be very exited when you get your own Aptera at some point in the future. 👏🏻
@@transportevolvedIf you've already reserved, maybe try throwing out the referral link so you can give followers a slight discount as well as giving yourself a leg up to purchase one?
We *do have a referral link* (check description), but because we're committed to journalistic integrity, I cannot PERSONALLY benefit from it, and will be auctioning off any 'free' vehicles for charity. If I buy one, it will have to be paid for in full by me - Nikki.
@@transportevolved You would not be getting a free vehicle. You are just not paying cash. You are trading a service (marketing) for a product. You have sponsors for TE and you do advertising for them, and don’t believe it destroys your journalistic integrity. I don’t see how it would be any different. OK, make it a TE vehicle rather than your personal vehicle,
Outstanding video for the honesty of your and Aptera's POV. I like that you didn't have a great experience and recovered from it on camera. Keep Evolving Nikki!!!
We have no idea why this is happening and apologize. sadly, RUclips is doing this and it’s affecting our income dramatically! (We’ve made lots of videos though!)
I really hope Aptera makes it. But yeah, that steering wheel would have to be a day-1 swap out for me. Hopefully with their commitment to right-to-repair they will also be more friendly to aftermarket equipment and add-ons.
Thank you for this excellent video. I think that this is the best Aptera drive video yet, and certainly one of the best Aptera videos of all types. It's great that you included the overheating shutdown and the cause and resolution of the problem. Yes, it's a prototype... shit happens. As excited as I have been for this vehicle, this video has managed to raise my excitement level. One note, I am particularly bothered by wind noise, which makes driving with the windows down almost impossible. You can't imagine the degree of my surprise when I realized that you were driving with the windows down and there was almost no wind noise. WOW! Driving with the windows open may actually be a viable option in the Aptera. Yet another perk of their extreme aerodynamics.
Great video on the Aptera. I'm glad that you showed the breakdown as well as the recovery/reasoning. Most reviewers would have just cut out the entire first part of the drive.
Gamma looks like it's 60% there. They have a ways to go and to work out the electronics etc. so you're not preparing to drive the car like they did back in the day where in order to start the car they had to get out and crank the motor. All of that cooling etc you had issues with and buttons that needed to be turned on and no rgen breaking needs to get sorted. Beyond that it is an impressive car that definitely looks the futuristic part. It really felt in place when it was in the Star Trek movie. People prattle on about these futuristic car and Cyber Truck designs but in the future we'll look back at these boxy behemoths on the road and quotation why we were hauling around 1 person in such massive vehicles...
Thanks for mentioning how relatively quiet it is with windows rolled down. I noticed same thing when I rode in Gamma about 1 1/2 months ago. Incredible think that PI vehicle will be even quieter.
That does it! I got to touch the SOL early in San Diego facility, got to be inside in the driver’s seat of my future Lovely SOL at Del Mar Race Track. Now I want a test drive! I am an ambassador.
Aptera will have both driver and passenger side airbags. Although not required by law, they will be crash tested to FMVSS Part 200 safety standards by a third party and the results published. This will be part of the validation process with the first 16 production intent vehicles.
Look very promising. I hope they are close to production. While not all that practical except for errands and a short commute, I want one just because it looks cool.
If you are complaining about rough roads in Southern California where you don't have the freeze thaw cycle the majority of the country has that's not good. Try some of the not well maintained rural roads in a more northern state. Hopefully that can happen sometime in the next 8 or 9 months.
Hope they offer a narrow version for outside USA and with option of conventional steering wheel.. and physical tactile buttons for essential functions such as hvac, wipers etc.
I agree with you on moving the camera screens, the lighting portion from them will reduce visibility in the dark when there is wildlife at the site of the road read to run in front of you. Keep up the good work. I do love the car and I’m a reservation holder too.
Great work! This is the best Aptera test drive video I’ve seen. Really appreciate the detail about what systems are implemented, whats still coming, and your honest take on your experience.
Speaking from experience of using side view cameras and monitors in lieu of mirrors every day, it makes perfect sense for them to be in the more conventional pillar location concurrent with side vision. Though I 100% trust my field of view through the cameras, having that organic sense of overlapping vision with it is not something I would give up voluntarily. It's disconcerting without that.
Hm, as for the A-pillar blind spots, and ample legroom in front, possibly they could make it a three seater with the driver in the middle, slightly forward to passengers, like in McLaren F1 or Gordon Murrey's car?
Glad to see the Aptera making such good progress. We've seen a few solar powered cars hit trouble in development and I was worried Aptera would struggle in the various negative climates that surround EVs. I wasn't worried about the Aptera breaking down as it's a prototype. When the SpaceX rocket exploded I didn't worry about that either. Prototypes are designed for the purpose of seeing what issues arise and working out how to address them. If you make a prototype that works perfectly then something is wrong. Either you were lucky or you haven't pushed the design enough. I live in London, England so I have the good fortune of seeing the latest EVs on the roads around me pretty soon after they launch in the UK and sometimes even before that. I can't wait to see a production Aptera on the roads of London or better yet on the motorway. It will be as thrilling as the first time I saw a Tesla on the streets.
I am getting more and more convinced that an Aptera is going to be my first ever "car" whenever I'll need one, but they'll have to come out with a version with more seats. Me and my gf have no problem taking public transport everywhere, only reson for us to get a car would be hauling a family around.
WOW ITS so much smaller than than I had imagined. Still want one though. Yeah wouldn't have an issue with the cam for left and right. I have a Santa Cruz Limited and it's left and right cams also on the center console.
I have been waiting for decades for this car to hit the market just as I did with my current/parked ride a Smart Fortwo. First saw it in Automobile Magazine in a Cole's bookstore in 1993 and finally owned one in 2013... Hope I don't have to wait nearly as long for this one though. PS, as you may or may not know the Smartie is also is an attraction getter, at least when I road tripped it to the USA from Alberta. Here in Canada they became pretty darn common but in the Pacific Northwest? I had people stop me all the time to ask me about it... Just wish it was still available in North America but alas... China and Europe only...
These are likely to start shipping around the end of summer 2024. It will likely take a couple of years to catch up with demand, which I expect will explode once they are on the road and people start experiencing them.
I really want to see Aptera succeed, even if we will never see a model in Australia, the world needs this technology, and the courage to build such awesome efficient vehicles.
Such a special Aptera review. Like none other. Informative and, fun to watch you have fun driving the Gama Aptera with quarks for all to see. This builds confidence in Aptera. I even more appreciate Apteta leadership for sharing openly and honestly. So refreshingly genuine. A big plus for me over how I have been treated at national car brand's sleazy dealers. My takeaway is that Aptera, even with expected growing pains at this stage in development, is growing on track to be a commuter's dream vehicle from a company I very much wish to buy from in preference, even when considering very reliable Toyota or Honda hybrid brands for my everyday commute. Nice video presentation everyone ! Perfectly balanced. I say most seriously this is the BEST Aptera review video to date of the many-many I have watched over so many years. Aptera my certified check is ready to purchase, whenever you're ready to go to production. : ) If anyone has an extra 50 million U.S. dollars, would you please invest in Aptera now. Please !!!
I would love one (and I am a reservation holder) - I am a bit concerned about a very small thing - literally small. If it will have indicator buttons instead of a stalk, I don’t know if I can adapt to that. I don’t live in a grid, I need to start indicating with the steering wheel/yoke in various positions. It feels like it could be painful to adjust to the buttons being in different positions each time so to speak and I imagine clicking the wrong button sometimes due to that. I an also in Australia so it will be years before it gets here regardless - if it ever does. Others will have to adapt long before I do.
I’m not particularly excited about the yoke either, and on the Lexus plug-in. It’s an option on that vehicle, but it means that you’re never going handover hand with the yoke. But it just occurred to me that there’s another possibility: I know that Aptera has said that they are going to make it easy for third parties to make accessories and replacement parts. Perhaps there is a way for somebody to finish off the yoke and turn it into a steering wheel for those of us who would like it.
I'm in line for one; somewhere around #22,000 I believe. Something I keep wondering about is how that low cowling around the front wheels will function, over time. I mean, I get that it's there to reduce drag, but it's so low to the ground that it seems unlikely that it won't frequently bottom out (whenever the car goes over a pothole, for example). I now live in SoCal but previously spent most of my adult life in Vermont, which begs the additional question as to how it will handle in snow, or on dirt roads. Ultimately, it seems like I'll finally get mine and immediately modify it by cutting back the cowling, but I'd love it if the company would design something with a spring-loaded, retractable cowl so that when you hit a bump, it easily folds up a few inches out of the way.
The wheel pants have essentially the same clearance as the bottom of the vehicle. They move up and down with the wheel, unlike a normal car wheel which moves up into the body when you hit a bump, with the net effect of lowering the body closer to the bump. I had BMW with low sport suspension and the front air dam below the bumper would actually run into speed bumps, and even the road on steep driveways. The Aptera’s wheel pants should not have that problem.
Did not know they support right to repair! I am happy to hear. I'll keep this company in mind when looking for my next car. Hope all goes well with them.
Right to repair is a great option for small car manufacturers. It bypasses dodgy dealers.
if they didnt support right to repair they would need to provide a complete chain of shops. they cant do that.
@@scottmcshannon6821 Tesla hasn't done either one. The nearest Tesla service centre is 1000 km from me, which is one of the reasons why I won't buy one.
Doesn't matter, these don't exist to buy and probably never will.
I'm hoping they might have some kind of official mechanic training materials. Maybe also some sort of certification for mechanics that might give them access to parts at a slight discount or authorize them to do warranty repairs.
if gamma had to die on someone *again*, I'm glad it was you at the yoke. I found your analysis of the first occurrence to be the most balanced reporting that I saw, and you did a good job at putting everything into context here. Gotta admit my heart sank for a moment when you uttered, "...and we have just died."
Props to Chris Anthony for owning up to another Gamma mishap. These guys are refreshingly transparent about what they do and why. Even if it looks bad, they'll shrug and say what's up. Warts and all.
As an Accelerator, this is an exciting time as we await the PI builds. I know you will get a chance to record some video in a production intent build, looking forward to it.
I'd say he handled this incident way better than he did the last one, or at least what we could see from the NBC edit.
Just one more reason to support this company and their product.
Total FAIL, spin it how you like, wishful thinking doesn't work nor do their prototypes.
(little personal use for a lousy TRIKE anyway)
I really think it can't be overstated enough how awesome it is that this company was transparent about that mishap. That builds alot of trust in my eyes for this company. I'm rooting for them.
The mishap should not have been included in the video it's a prototype! Don't count on her being invited back lol
Serious props to Aptera for allowing the full version and for being open and transparent. Says a LOT about how they will operate in the future.
Decade plus and they can't even field a functioning PROTOTYPE? *FAIL*
@@Mrbfgray Cannot wait for mine
@@nickvan4514 Good luck, best result is most likely--you never get one, going to be a DOG.
@@Mrbfgray huh?
@@nickvan4514 It's clearly either a sham or just a failed company. You *won't* get one, get over it. Going on 20 yrs and their prototypes barely work, production is so far off it's laughable.
I am happy you enjoyed the test ride and I appreciate that you forgave Aptera for allowing it to break down. I can't believe they let that happen AGAIN!
Mistakes happen. We gave our advice to make sure it doesn’t happen again: Checklists!
Shit happens, plus it gives Aptera an opportunity to build a software routine that can manage those set up tasks. Which makes it less likely to be overlooked in the final version.
It looks like Gamma is pretty busy these days.
What do you expect, they just started 4 years ago and only spent 100,000,000.-
Maybe in a year time they will have a working prototype
@@shrimptopian3392 I guess you could have done it in half the time at a fraction of the money. 🤔
There is a lot to be said for designs like this. I hope they get to series production. Thanks for the “full story” of your visit…much more authentic.
Our job is always to represent what happened - not what we WISH happened - Nikki.
Production is not enough. They need to make AT LEAST 1000 a month. I don't think 1000 a week is too many.
@@fjalics Great point. Maybe in another 15 yrs they can field an obsolete but functioning *prototype.*
@@MrbfgrayYour ego needs calibration. It’s way out of whack.
@@hardcoreherbivore4730 Hahaha. You could learn from one like me but if you were *capable* of learning you would be where you are,...hmmm? Silly punk.
I want one!!!! They check all the boxes for me. Extreme efficiency and right to repair.
the right to repair part, I'm ready to see people do some whacky modifications
Please would you give me the credit? You will be number 22 toward my own lovely SOL I got to sit in. And hopefully get a test drive. I am an Ambassador.
@@daviddrake6875 You have a deposit on one?
Absolutely LOVED the sound when I got to ride in it. I hope they keep it too. Great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to drive it!
I love the sound of the motor winding up when I accelerate my Nissan Leaf. In an Aptera it will be even more like driving a jet powered car. We'll be like the Jetsons without the flying (we can leave that to Elon Musk). I much prefer the whine of a motor than to have an artificial sound pumping out of a speaker. Though I must admit the sound the Taycan makes is pretty cool, especially because it is clearly NOT a real engine sound.
@theninjineer I just have to tip my cap to your excellent username. Well done.
My Bolt does the same. Love that sound. Like the Chicago Street cars used to sound. Hoping the lease of my Equinox EV with 400 mile range ( I will show you how if it is like the Bolt I get 320 to one time 356 miles per charge), will wind down so my next car will be my own lovely SOL. I am an Ambassador.
That motorcycle rider made my day. Really cool interaction and that's exactly the kind of thing that spreads the word about these kinds of things. Last time I went to a public charger (at a Walmart), I had an old lady come up to me and ask if she could ask me some questions. Of course I said "Absolutely!" and she said she was curious about electric cars but had some concerns (the usual concerns about battery life, expense, etc). We ended up talking for almost an hour and I'm 99% pretty sure that I convinced her to buy an electric car.
Loveit
This is one of the reasons that I firmly believe it should at least say "aptera" SOMEWHERE on the body, despite the aesthetic advantages of not doing so. The owner won't always be around to explain it to interested passersby.
Yeah he was cool.
@@robertkirchner7981great idea, huge graphic at least for prototypes
I love watching your video production. Get better and better with each passing video. Great job you guys.
Thanks for sharing the hands-on experience. Credibility comes with showing both the good and not-so-good. Thank you for that.
At the ~5:00 point in the video: "The turning radius of this pre-production prototype is about one half of what the production vehicle's turning radius will be." Really? Half?
Let me rephrase. The turning capabilities are less. the production will have twice as much steering capability, or 1/2 the current radius - Nikki
@@transportevolved Glad you meant the opposite to what you said in the video. 🤣🚀🎉
@@ThomasWaldmannmy thoughts exactly. Thanks for the clarification +transportevolved 😂
I am thinking - mainly because of constraints up forward - that the turning radius magic will happen at the rear wheel. And this is a very good thing when trying to avoid obstacles inside your turning curve.
Your smile in the second half says it all! I so want one. Thanks for another great and honest vid.
honestly this is the most exciting ev car company out there. right to repair alone makes it revolutionary in todays greed overdrive corp environment.
Great video! I loved the excitement of the biker that interrupted your review. Wishing Apterra success
Great Aptera test drive and overview TE. Thank you for keeping it real and including all sides of the experience. My wife and I can't wait to be behind the yolk of our very own.... we are so excited for Aptera's success!!
I like aptera and I like a happy Nikki video. Keep driving and keep smiling.
This is the first reviewer test of the Aptera vehicle I've watched. Great that they are letting reviewers test it out.
Please drive the final version on the aged bumpy roads of the US northeast. 100 years of freeze-thaw cycles and cheap patches make a big difference from the lovely California roads you’re driving on in this video.
I recently tried to sound-deaden by rickety old car and actually found it to be much easier than I expected, having read people’s experiences doing it the hard way by stripping out interior panels and adding tons of layers.. While full-blown traditional sound deadening with butyl mats, mass loaded vinyl, et cetera probably works a treat, I was able to massively quiet my car with the judicious use of light weight upholstry foam. Way more effective than I had imagined.
I just love how you gave your time to the biker :)
So informative and friendly ❤
He was awesome too 😎
Its an affordable vehicle that fills a need. Outstanding engineering and development. With low or possibly no drain on the grid. Well done!
This is an excellent video. I was so sad about the first moment, and I was thrilled to know the cooling makes such a difference! What an impressive vehicle for a prototype!!!
So glad you got the opportunity, thanks for bringing us along!
I can believe it could get 11 miles/kwh, my 2017 Kia Soul EV has gotten that once ( I had trouble believing it too ) but it was right there in trip history (trip only a few miles, and not all downhill is pretty flat around here (Richmond & Vancouver BC.). It typically gets between 4.5 and 7 miles/kwh with a tracked average of 5.3. That is city driving, doing door dash deliveries (quick, but thoughtful) and definitely not hyper-miling it. The Aptera aerodynamics far exceed the brick shape of the Soul.
Loved the attitude and frankness. Thanks!
...just back from a mountaintop airbnb vacay (where we had to drive a small econobox nissan on uneven/gravel/pothole access roads - VERY taxing on the suspension) -
can't even imagine Aptera on anything other than smooth surfaces......
I live in rural Iowa, and drive lots of gravel roads. I will report on my experience.
Than you for your very convincing video ! This is definitely the future of EVs for 2 persons ! I love it. I own an ioniq5, which is incredible but weights 2000 kg ! I will switch to Aptera if they succeed and start selling in Belgium... I do 1 commute of 400km (2×200km) per week to go from south of Belgium to Brussels the capital, and I am looking for the most efficient EV for 1 person. I would buy the biggest battery available.
Ready to spend up to 45000 EUR.
With all the delays and revisions (how ever well justified) I’ve gone from chomping at the bit for my Aptera, to, “yeah, okay, we will see what I think and feel when they actually have a production vehicle.” It’s clear now that Gamma was obsolete before they even trotted it out, and that was more than a year ago.
All that being said, this review does refresh my enthusiasm a bit. Still so much potential. These guys really need to make a success of this. Nikki’s well tempered enthusiasm and candor do them good service.
Might this writer say; I follow and fully agree with the Post writen
Good idea to go to Abu Dhabi they will one up each other in investing. A perfect desert vehicle 1,000 mile range and charging all the time. Go go Aptera! I am an Ambassador. Where are you Jay??
the rear view mirrors behind the steering wheel would be a deal breaker in my country where there are a lot of roundabouts and you NEED to see your mirrors with the steering wheel turned
Finally someone drives the Aptera and satifies my curiosity!
That's why they test, test and test and evolve. This is good- you learn more from failure than success!
I've been a long-time reservation-holder. I was a little worried at the beginning of your video, but I'm glad I held out.
Thanks for another quality episode Nikki and big thanks to Aptera for allowing you to show us the car. Your huge grin says it all Nikki. Go Aptera.
Oh my goodness Nikki…THANK YOU. I am super excited about this car. As a desert dweller in Arizona, I would seriously consider this car for myself. Please keep us updated. 😎
Excellent review!! I've been watching Aptera for years, so it's exciting to see them at the level where journalists are able to get behind the wheel by themselves and give honest opinions about an "almost ready" vehicle. I found it particularly interesting that there was such a drastic change in the behavior of the Aptera after it died and was then properly started again. Like you, I'm very much looking forward to seeing people get their hands on the Delta variant so we'll have a solid idea what a production Aptera really looks and drives like.
I've been on the fence about ordering one, as I'm 6'2 and a larger guy, and pretty much everyone who gets into the Aptera looks...well, cozy, if not cramped. Yes, the leg room is great, but there doesn't seem to be much head room, even for you (unsure how tall you are, but I'm guessing less than 6'2). I wonder if there will be any seat adjustments available on Delta and the production vehicle to accommodate larger people. I certainly hope so.
Thanks, again, for such an excellent review!!
I have owned 2 models of car for 50 years or more. Volvo and Corvette. Now we want to get a Hybrid Volvo with regen capability and over 400HP AWD 4 door sedan. We rarely haul people anymore and I saw the Tricycle with Solar panels and looked into it. But my wife is afraid it will tip over, she is a retired MD and not a Car Person. So the visual makes her nervous, But we both like the hatch and all wheel drive 4 seasons. We did not make a deposit but I am sure we will give it serious consideration if they follow thru and build the car. Thank You for a pretty down to earth review and test. Dennis & Margaret. I wanted the Corvette E Ray But it will cost 130,000 Thats like 4 Aptera's !!!!
Aptera passes the moose test. It is more stable than many SUVs on American roads. They will be crash tested to US automotive crash standards and the results will be made public.
You could put in a refundable $100 (or $70 with a discount code) and at least get in line. The line will become much longer once people start to experience it in person. (I recognize the grin on that face from my wife's and my ride in an earlier alpha prototype) The acceleration is not what you expect from an "economy'" vehicle.
Show your wife the “Moose test” video compared to other cars and SUVs. I am an Ambassador.
Every video I see of the aptera makes me more excited for when I eventually get mine
I feel the same way you described that motorcyclist's smile at seeing the car driving (and being along for the ride... at least my eyes and ears--thank you for the video/audio and commentary/impressions). The promise of Aptera ticks many of the boxes we can't get in other offerings on the market today--and we can't wait to be driving ours!
Very excited about the Aptera. Such a simulataneously cool looking, efficient, and affordable car. This has a lot of promise and I hope that it drives other car manufacturers to compete on efficiency.
It's not a car though, it's a motorcycle. As such, actual cars won't be able to compete on efficiency.
@@Josh-179 I guess you didn't see the Lightyear One. It had really excellent efficiency for a 4-seater sedan. Sadly, they gave up on producing vehicles and are now looking to license their technology.
@patreekotime4578 the Lightyear One had a price tag of $265,000 to $270,000
It’s a nice looking bike, but it’s not a car.
@FuncleChuck at the price of cars today, this is a welcome option.
I'm retired and don't drive much although I love my 2017 Mustang. The Aptera would be perfect for me. ;)
It's a compelling design. The only serious reservation I have is regarding the sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio - a lot of weight in the two front wheels and a very light chassis, I have a suspicion the ride is always going to be 'crashy' on anything but very well kept roads. We'll see.
With first Sono Motors and now Lightyear out of the game, Aptera is the last of that slew of hyper-efficient solar-electric vehicles left. I hope they make it to the finish line and I can't wait to see them on the roads! The Gamma Prototype is really beautifiul and I was shocked when the biker started talking because I had no idea the windows were open! No buffetting! Like he said... SICK!
And gorgeous camera work in the chase vehicle MIcheal!
I'm so glad you got access like this.
Lol! The grin it put on your face truly speaks volumes. Hilarious it overheated on your test drive 😅. The poor media folks at Aptera must have been pulling their hair out that the company founder make the same mistake again 😂. Thank you for this in-person drive!
Had my reservation the first day! But also have a CuberTruck as well so we will see which one is first. With the Tesla NACS connector and being able to charge on Tesla network is a huge plus for Aptera.
I, too, have a deposit on an Aptera. So I have a great interest in how it drives. With something that light, I have been concerned about noise. It seems like the noise the vehicle itself makes is well under control. My biggest concern is noise from outside the car.
I await your text of a production intent vehicle...
So happy to see a review of gamma, and major props to Aptera for being honest and up front about the issue, it shows a lot of good about the company. 🎉 Now just to get past regulatory requirements so I can buy my reservation in Canada! 😊
This outfit is a JOKE. Hahaha. Can't even field a functioning prototype in over a decade.
@@Mrbfgray I hope you’re getting paid by Musk. Troll. 🤡
Love this video! Thanks for posting this - very excited as an Aptera enthusiast/shareholder
The guy taking a moment to apologize is insane these days, companies do everything to isolate themselves and that is cool
Very excited for this car! So cool to see your take (wise, as always) on it! Thanks for your work.
I can't wait for the Aptera to come to the UK. I really want one 😍
It won't come to Europe before 2030
In Europe this a car with 10x more regulations etc
It will also be way more expensive than the us version
Such a great concept. I want one to go with my Cybertruck.
That's the best video presentation I have seen on Aptera. Excellent presentation by you and effort by your team.
After riding I.C.E. powered two wheelers for going on half a century, I've had to overcome some major muscle memory habits after going electric. This includes overcoming the tendency to overindulge in the ginormous availability of torque(danger Will Robinson)!
I DO LOVE riding electric and it was pretty much mandatory after going EV for my daily.
I imagine my Aptera will take some getting used to but am looking forward to it and am betting that I'll love the transition even more...
Cheers!
I mean, what do you DO with your clutch hand?
or your gear foot? I actually held a coffee while riding the other day-just 'cause I could.
Really good to see you out of the studio for a change. It was obvious you were having a great time and was terrific to watch. You will be very exited when you get your own Aptera at some point in the future. 👏🏻
Nikki here - not sure I'll be able to buy one, given how little TE is making these days! -
@@transportevolvedIf you've already reserved, maybe try throwing out the referral link so you can give followers a slight discount as well as giving yourself a leg up to purchase one?
We *do have a referral link* (check description), but because we're committed to journalistic integrity, I cannot PERSONALLY benefit from it, and will be auctioning off any 'free' vehicles for charity. If I buy one, it will have to be paid for in full by me - Nikki.
@@transportevolved Geeze, your ethics are impressive.
I wish you could get paid for that.
@@transportevolved You would not be getting a free vehicle. You are just not paying cash. You are trading a service (marketing) for a product. You have sponsors for TE and you do advertising for them, and don’t believe it destroys your journalistic integrity. I don’t see how it would be any different. OK, make it a TE vehicle rather than your personal vehicle,
Outstanding video for the honesty of your and Aptera's POV. I like that you didn't have a great experience and recovered from it on camera. Keep Evolving Nikki!!!
Best auto review I've seen in a long time. Is there a price range estimate yet?
Even though I’m subscribed, this is the first vid of yours in my feed for months.
We have no idea why this is happening and apologize. sadly, RUclips is doing this and it’s affecting our income dramatically! (We’ve made lots of videos though!)
I really hope Aptera makes it. But yeah, that steering wheel would have to be a day-1 swap out for me. Hopefully with their commitment to right-to-repair they will also be more friendly to aftermarket equipment and add-ons.
Thank you for this excellent video. I think that this is the best Aptera drive video yet, and certainly one of the best Aptera videos of all types. It's great that you included the overheating shutdown and the cause and resolution of the problem. Yes, it's a prototype... shit happens. As excited as I have been for this vehicle, this video has managed to raise my excitement level.
One note, I am particularly bothered by wind noise, which makes driving with the windows down almost impossible. You can't imagine the degree of my surprise when I realized that you were driving with the windows down and there was almost no wind noise. WOW! Driving with the windows open may actually be a viable option in the Aptera. Yet another perk of their extreme aerodynamics.
REALLY rooting for Aptera! Can't wait to buy one
Great video on the Aptera. I'm glad that you showed the breakdown as well as the recovery/reasoning. Most reviewers would have just cut out the entire first part of the drive.
This is a the "more monethan sense" car for me. I love the look, the projected ranges, the expected Diy capable servicing, and the panels.
VERY exciting to see you drive the Aptera! Fun to see you so giddy while driving!!!
Gamma looks like it's 60% there. They have a ways to go and to work out the electronics etc. so you're not preparing to drive the car like they did back in the day where in order to start the car they had to get out and crank the motor. All of that cooling etc you had issues with and buttons that needed to be turned on and no rgen breaking needs to get sorted.
Beyond that it is an impressive car that definitely looks the futuristic part. It really felt in place when it was in the Star Trek movie. People prattle on about these futuristic car and Cyber Truck designs but in the future we'll look back at these boxy behemoths on the road and quotation why we were hauling around 1 person in such massive vehicles...
I bought a small amount of stock recently to help out on Republic.
Thank you from a fellow investor! Together, we will get there.
Thanks for mentioning how relatively quiet it is with windows rolled down. I noticed same thing when I rode in Gamma about 1 1/2 months ago. Incredible think that PI vehicle will be even quieter.
That does it! I got to touch the SOL early in San Diego facility, got to be inside in the driver’s seat of my future Lovely SOL at Del Mar Race Track. Now I want a test drive! I am an ambassador.
The contrast between the slick shape of the vehicle and the boxy ugly shape of the cars around on each stops is astonishing!
If this is not the definition of honesty, I don’t know what is 😊. Great video
Can't wait for PI Builds to be finished!
We need to hear about safety features, airbags and crashtest.
Aptera will have both driver and passenger side airbags. Although not required by law, they will be crash tested to FMVSS Part 200 safety standards by a third party and the results published. This will be part of the validation process with the first 16 production intent vehicles.
Look very promising. I hope they are close to production. While not all that practical except for errands and a short commute, I want one just because it looks cool.
My wife and I live in Iowa, and plan to pick ours up at the factory and make major cross country trips in it.
If you are complaining about rough roads in Southern California where you don't have the freeze thaw cycle the majority of the country has that's not good. Try some of the not well maintained rural roads in a more northern state. Hopefully that can happen sometime in the next 8 or 9 months.
Hope they offer a narrow version for outside USA and with option of conventional steering wheel.. and physical tactile buttons for essential functions such as hvac, wipers etc.
Wow, that's some of the best footage of the car I've seen yet!
So excited. Poor Gamma getting so much abuse.
Glad you like it! :) - Nikki.
The follow-on portion of this video is exactly why we should watch videos all the way through.
Thanks for a great report. ❤
I would buy it just for the smile factor you displayed during the drive! Good luck to get it to prod soon! Go, Aptera!
I agree with you on moving the camera screens, the lighting portion from them will reduce visibility in the dark when there is wildlife at the site of the road read to run in front of you. Keep up the good work. I do love the car and I’m a reservation holder too.
These vehicles are so cute! I'm not sure I could make one work for me though, for a variety of reasons. EDIT: The new supporter scroll looks sweet!
You did not mention the largest change in the PI vehicle and that is the CPC body.
Great work! This is the best Aptera test drive video I’ve seen. Really appreciate the detail about what systems are implemented, whats still coming, and your honest take on your experience.
Speaking from experience of using side view cameras and monitors in lieu of mirrors every day, it makes perfect sense for them to be in the more conventional pillar location concurrent with side vision. Though I 100% trust my field of view through the cameras, having that organic sense of overlapping vision with it is not something I would give up voluntarily. It's disconcerting without that.
Hm, as for the A-pillar blind spots, and ample legroom in front, possibly they could make it a three seater with the driver in the middle, slightly forward to passengers, like in McLaren F1 or Gordon Murrey's car?
I am sure that some thought has been given to that. I had a ride in an alpha prototype and didn't find blind spots to be the problem I had expected.
Nearly every portion of this video made me smile, albeit each for many different reasons.
Glad to see the Aptera making such good progress. We've seen a few solar powered cars hit trouble in development and I was worried Aptera would struggle in the various negative climates that surround EVs. I wasn't worried about the Aptera breaking down as it's a prototype. When the SpaceX rocket exploded I didn't worry about that either. Prototypes are designed for the purpose of seeing what issues arise and working out how to address them. If you make a prototype that works perfectly then something is wrong. Either you were lucky or you haven't pushed the design enough. I live in London, England so I have the good fortune of seeing the latest EVs on the roads around me pretty soon after they launch in the UK and sometimes even before that. I can't wait to see a production Aptera on the roads of London or better yet on the motorway. It will be as thrilling as the first time I saw a Tesla on the streets.
Not even a footnote in history. Over a decade and can't even field a functioning prototype? FAIL
I am getting more and more convinced that an Aptera is going to be my first ever "car" whenever I'll need one, but they'll have to come out with a version with more seats. Me and my gf have no problem taking public transport everywhere, only reson for us to get a car would be hauling a family around.
Aptera has given indications in their SEC reports that their second vehicle will be a 5 passenger sedan. We will see.
@@n.brucenelson5920 I've heard about those plans. Question is, can they get it to the market fast enough?
As an investor, the curb appeal is encouraging. After production models are on the road, every one is a billboard advertisement.
WOW ITS so much smaller than than I had imagined. Still want one though.
Yeah wouldn't have an issue with the cam for left and right. I have a Santa Cruz Limited and it's left and right cams also on the center console.
I have been waiting for decades for this car to hit the market just as I did with my current/parked ride a Smart Fortwo. First saw it in Automobile Magazine in a Cole's bookstore in 1993 and finally owned one in 2013... Hope I don't have to wait nearly as long for this one though. PS, as you may or may not know the Smartie is also is an attraction getter, at least when I road tripped it to the USA from Alberta. Here in Canada they became pretty darn common but in the Pacific Northwest? I had people stop me all the time to ask me about it... Just wish it was still available in North America but alas... China and Europe only...
These are likely to start shipping around the end of summer 2024. It will likely take a couple of years to catch up with demand, which I expect will explode once they are on the road and people start experiencing them.
I Love apterra! Tell them they’re doing a great job and I’m so excited to see it in production! Also, the channel is great too!
Can’t wait to get mine!! Gonna be so much fun.
I really want to see Aptera succeed, even if we will never see a model in Australia, the world needs this technology, and the courage to build such awesome efficient vehicles.
Nice candid review. I think your reaction to the boot-up oops was fair. It must have been a blast driving it.
Such a special Aptera review. Like none other. Informative and, fun to watch you have fun driving the Gama Aptera with quarks for all to see. This builds confidence in Aptera. I even more appreciate Apteta leadership for sharing openly and honestly. So refreshingly genuine. A big plus for me over how I have been treated at national car brand's sleazy dealers. My takeaway is that Aptera, even with expected growing pains at this stage in development, is growing on track to be a commuter's dream vehicle from a company I very much wish to buy from in preference, even when considering very reliable Toyota or Honda hybrid brands for my everyday commute. Nice video presentation everyone ! Perfectly balanced. I say most seriously this is the BEST Aptera review video to date of the many-many I have watched over so many years. Aptera my certified check is ready to purchase, whenever you're ready to go to production. : ) If anyone has an extra 50 million U.S. dollars, would you please invest in Aptera now. Please !!!
I would love one (and I am a reservation holder) - I am a bit concerned about a very small thing - literally small. If it will have indicator buttons instead of a stalk, I don’t know if I can adapt to that. I don’t live in a grid, I need to start indicating with the steering wheel/yoke in various positions. It feels like it could be painful to adjust to the buttons being in different positions each time so to speak and I imagine clicking the wrong button sometimes due to that.
I an also in Australia so it will be years before it gets here regardless - if it ever does. Others will have to adapt long before I do.
I’m not particularly excited about the yoke either, and on the Lexus plug-in. It’s an option on that vehicle, but it means that you’re never going handover hand with the yoke. But it just occurred to me that there’s another possibility: I know that Aptera has said that they are going to make it easy for third parties to make accessories and replacement parts. Perhaps there is a way for somebody to finish off the yoke and turn it into a steering wheel for those of us who would like it.
Yeah make a bad product and let other companies solve the problems 😅
I'm in line for one; somewhere around #22,000 I believe. Something I keep wondering about is how that low cowling around the front wheels will function, over time. I mean, I get that it's there to reduce drag, but it's so low to the ground that it seems unlikely that it won't frequently bottom out (whenever the car goes over a pothole, for example). I now live in SoCal but previously spent most of my adult life in Vermont, which begs the additional question as to how it will handle in snow, or on dirt roads. Ultimately, it seems like I'll finally get mine and immediately modify it by cutting back the cowling, but I'd love it if the company would design something with a spring-loaded, retractable cowl so that when you hit a bump, it easily folds up a few inches out of the way.
The wheel pants have essentially the same clearance as the bottom of the vehicle. They move up and down with the wheel, unlike a normal car wheel which moves up into the body when you hit a bump, with the net effect of lowering the body closer to the bump. I had BMW with low sport suspension and the front air dam below the bumper would actually run into speed bumps, and even the road on steep driveways. The Aptera’s wheel pants should not have that problem.
@@LanderMaybe they are way too low for anything other than the smoothest roads.
Excellent commentary Nikki, and excellent editing and grading as well from the TE team. Absolutely fantastic subject matter too thanks to Aptera.
Exciting and well put together video ❤
Thanks for the review! Looking forward to seeing the production model test drive.