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Dec 20, 2020
If the California models require side view mirrors, will side view cameras be in addition to the side view mirrors
If the California models require side view mirrors, will side view cameras be in addition to the side view mirrors
7 answers7 replies
They don't require side mirrors in California, as far as I know.
my understanding is that motorcycles don't require mirrors, but cars require 1 on the driver side and at least 1 more either on right side or rearview, and with a solar hatch, likely required to have both side mirrors. I feel cameras would be a better option than mirrors since windows fog and mirrors become pretty much useless when you can't see them. AND it looks more appeasing and sleek without gaudy mirrors hanging on it.
Maybe mount the mirrors or back-facing cameras on the back of the wheel covers.
Ooh! Fender-back mirror(s) sounds cool, even if only barely legally visible by the driver. I haven't noticed that idea yet on the other 2 mirror threads:
Regarding side view mirrors
mirrors and cameras?
I felt the best look would be cameras on the fenders with the screens interior to the vehicle. I haven't seen anything addressed to them, but I definitely hope they can configure something that looks stylish
The "fenders" ("wheel pants" in Aptera-speak) move - mirrors on them would not always be visible to the driver and, if visible, would not always show a clear view of the rear sides of the vehicle.
Right, fender-mount mirrors would move just those which work perfectly fine on motorcycle & bicycle handlebars. They don't need to be functional, just barely legal, using the camera screens for actual rear viewing. Ca law just says a mirror must give a clear view of the road 200' back. It doesn't need to do that in your driveway or parking lot when you're steering too heavily. They do have to be visible to the driver though, but I read somewhere that at least the left fender is clearly visible.
@kiteboarder handlebar mounted mirrors are much closer to the rider than fender mounted mirrors would be to a driver. Also, handlebar mirrors move with the rider: Aptera's front wheels are independently sprung and mirrors mounted on them would move up and down differently than would the driver's eyes. When I'm turning a corner in a car I can look into the door-mounted sideview mirror and see what's behind me: If that mirror was turning with the front wheel, I could not.
@Kerbe #12705 Right again, but They don't need to be functional, just barely legal.
Or a 120° camera on the rear corners to pick up the blind spot too ?
I use the rear view camera option on my Chevy Bolt EV and my Airstream Interstate Sprinter. The drawback I've experienced with rear view cameras is they tend to loose effectiveness in heavy rain.
@boxster1971 The rear view camera on the Bolt is mounted outside the vehicle where it can become occluded by moisture or dust - the Aptera camera is mounted inside. What I can tell you, from driving the very "aero" Honda Clarity, is that airflow over the roof keeps the roof and rear glass absolutely free of rain and snow - better than any wiper could - so I expect the same from Aptera.
@Kerbe #12705 I agree that is why I said there was a drawback with these outside cameras. I had not seen information on where the cameras are located. It would indeed be good if they were protected from the elements. But those right and left side camera pods where traditional side mirrors would be located will be susceptible to moisture and dust.
@boxster1971 No more so than a traditional side-view mirror - because they are directly in the slip-stream of air rushing past the body. I really think it won't be an issue. If you look at the far right image of the three solar implementations you'll see - at the top of the rear hatch - three "missing" solar cells: The one in the center is the high-mounted brake light and the two below it are camera locations. The Founders have said that the SafetyPilot system will not employ radar or lidar - the best optical systems currently available use multiple cameras for binocular vision - so the two "missing" solar cells at the top of the windshield are most likely camera locations, as well. There may very well be additional, external low-mounted camera in the rear for reversing - to show anything in the path of the rear wheel that would be hidden from the view of the high-mounted camera/cameras. We'll just have to wait and see!