I'm looking forward to purchasing this vehicle. I put a security deposit down the first go around a dozen or so years ago. I have a few questions:
I like the idea of the solar panels. I see in your renderings that there will be solar panels on the dashboard inside the car. I assume that the solar panels will be covered with glass. While driving in the direction of the sun, how will the glass on the dashboard prevent the reflection of the sun in the car occupants eyes?
For the solar panels on the outside of the car, how is the reflection off the glass for the people in other cars?
Are drivers able to see the top of front wheels to avoid obstacles? Probably the driver's side, yes, but what about the passenger side?
For the states that require a license plate on the front, can you show a rendering of what that would look like? What is the aerodynamic difference with and without a front license plate?
As a fan, I don't have any inside information about Aptera's solar panels, but I have researched alot about solar panels in general, including lightweight one used for camping and on boats and RVs. If you look carefully at these modern, flexible, light weight solar panels you will notice that they are not covered in glass as fixed installation solar panels are. Rather they are covered in a special impervious, clear plastic material, both for flexibility and lighter weight, often with a textured surface rather than a smooth, shiny one. Also they appear quite dark, as they are designed to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
So bright, blinding reflections won't be a problem. Rather, because they absorb so much, their main problem is that they can become quite hot to the touch, just as any dark object in the Sun can become.
I read somewhere that both front wheel covers will be readily viisible to the driver. In addition the Aptera will feature sensors to aid in driving, such as side and rear view cameras, which should help in parking. Probably they will have ultrasonic sensors too, to help with avoiding close objects during parking, but I don't know that for sure.
Are the solar panels on the rear hatch translucent? How do the solar panels on the rear hatch effect visibility?
I'm sure the solar panels are light blocking. They absorb light. That's how they work.
Now check out the image, https://www.aptera.us/?pgid=k096lhqx-ffb52bfd-e851-40d5-a18c-12130e55329c .
What looks like a rear view mirror is actually a rear view camera display, so you don't need to see through the hatch.
It looks as though there might be three triangles left open for a small physical view out the back. Agreed that the panels would definitely be light blocking.
@ddj Those look like a stop light and perhaps turn signal lights to me.
While Aptera has not mentioned it, there are translucent paints and films that can be placed on windows and interior surfaces that generate electricity - even using ambient and reflected light in addition to direct light.
Solar Window is one company making these films
Transparent solar panels are too inefficient to be useful in this application. The cameras will do a better job than mirrors and a glass rear window will display all the “junk in your trunk“ to criminals. .
Understanding your point, Tim, I’m wondering, since the Aptera appears to be using thin films in lieu of painting, could some added charge input be derived from a thin charging coating (not necessarily transparent) on all surfaces. This would allow more ambient light input.
Since they are wrapping the car already, could they use charging wraps?
Diminishing returns. I suppose anything is possible... for the right price. The Aptera already gets over 300mpge due to half the weight & 2.5x better aerodynamics than any 4 wheel ev. How bad do you need that PV wrap on the sides & wheel covers? How long will it take for them to pay for themselves? Those with rooftop solar pv are already getting free power.. But, if it makes you happy... it’s your money. 🙂
Also, on the sides, how often are they getting the direct light. I doubt its worth the extra cost.
The designed advantage of the Power Window coatings is their ability to generate electricity from AMBIENT & REFLECTED light. So a wrapped Aptera would be generating electricity from light bouncing off the pavement, buildings, and other cars.
This would all be in addition to the current Solar Panel designs.
It may not be for you. Look at your local solar radiation maps to get a sense of it. Where I live at 48 North it is a no brainer for as long as I plan to own the car.
Having driven a BMW i3 for over 4 1/2 years now, one of the big problems I’ve had is the loss of charge while in for service, or parked at a friend’s cabin, or at the airport, etc.. Coming back to a car with no charge is a HUGE problem for me and any charge at all from the Solar Panels, would help. However, in a roofed parking lot or partially shaded area, being able to get some trickle charging from the AMBIENT light charge coatings would be a lifesaver. AND, if the extra 360 degree wrap only added 30-50% of the main solar panels, that could get me a solar added range of 50-60 miles per day.
You can put them on your car after you buy it.
Most (all?) state classify it as a motorcycle or autocycle. I don't think any states have a front license plate for motorcycles.
Semi-transparent solar is ~8% in the lab efficient versus about 24% on regular solar. https://news.umich.edu/transparent-solar-panels-for-windows-hit-record-8-efficiency/
So the same area creates 1/3 the charge... That’d add about 13 miles to the total solar contribution.
They’re wrapping the vehicle anyway. How much more cost for a solar active wrap?
They will contact you when ready to build your reserved car. At that time you can change range, 2 or 3 wheel drive, interior & exterior colors & ask for custom options like wraps. This may be 1-2 years away. Specials like Solar Wrap may or may not be available. These new technologies are changing rapidly as is their cost & availability. (per my understanding.)
Keep in mind the cost of solar versus what energy it really gives you. If you opt for the $900 full solar package as I have, you will have a 700 watt system, which on a good day with 6 hours of full sun would yield 4.2 KWhr of energy allowing about 40 miles of range. Here in Maine with pretty expensive electricity at about 18 cents per KWhr the 4.2 KWhr would cost me $0.75. That is to say it would take 1200 perfect solar days to pay for the $900 solar upgrade. Here in Maine, with probably half the solar input described as perfect, I expect my $900 investment to take 7 years before it is actually saving me any money. My solar powered S10 pickup had a 1.1 KW array in place of a carpenters rack which gave me around 10 to 15 miles of driving a day, but at the time cost close to $5000. Loved driving for free, but really made no sense since it would take about 20 years for the array to pay for itself.
I don't think anyone is buying the Aptera solar roof for the cost savings. It's mainly for the convenience. For many owners, it can make the difference between having to plug it in once a week vs. never having to plug it in. (Except for long road trips.)