What a difference a smile can make....
The old Aptera 2e was cool😎 looking and ahead of its time, even back in the day....
But where’s it’s broad smile?
Aptera 2e
Enters ”Smiley”
Rendering of the new 2020 Aptera
☝( ◠‿◠ )☝ Groovy
┌(▀Ĺ̯ ▀-͠ )┐
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The "smile" is replaced with electricity generation, PVs. Remember, this platform is a paradigm shift based on efficiency. Many will find the design ugly or weird at first. I did 12 years ago, for about 15 seconds. Then, the gravity of what I was seeing hit me, and my attitude changed. Innovative is not a strong enough word.
Yes...I can only send energy back to the Aptera team, to help them get through. Using a little humor, to power them on... Here using a famous officier’s statement:
Where the “torpedoes” might be the “competition” and the “unplanned challenges” on the world in 2020
( photo source bing.com)
The actual quote is, "Damn the torpedoes. Four bells, Captain Drayton, go ahead. Jouett, full speed." Not quite so quotable - or carveable...
I think you folks have missed the mark on the new look. I agree with Don. I was in the solar business for over 7 years. Based on the mileage performance of what you are claiming, (even if you were off by 250 miles) does it make sense to install PV panels on the car? My guess is, most people will put it in a garage. Are you willing to add the additional cost to the car for solar? Possibly getting a few extra Kwh's on a car that should get you over 750 miles on a charge.
I'm 51, I don't remember the exact quote from a car executive back in the 80's, but I think it was close to this - Car manufacturers must try not to compromise looks for performance.
I think that is what is happening with this new look. I had the opportunity to drive the 2E when Aptera did a tour with the car. They came to NY. Loved the car and the looks. I was ready to buy one. Please be careful on this compromise. Many people, if not most people buy cars based on looks. Still love the car, not in love with that look.
I drive a Honda Clarity PHEV - a sinfully unattractive vehicle with extraordinary tech. Two things make me love this ugly duckling: 1) 68 mpg; 2) I'm on the inside - in the quiet, comfortable, attractive cabin - looking out so don't see the ugly.
Trust me - a three-wheeled vehicle is going to be a lot like a dancing pig: No one is going to care how well the pig dances - they're going to be fascinated that it can dance at all! The shape of an Aptera is going to attract much more attention than its solar panels or lack of an aggressive "face".
I love the look of my Clarity. (although, I would have preferred the Storm Trooper white to my Crimson Pearl) I also love the idea of the integrated solar.
@Ed Sprole Mine is "Titanium White Pearl" and it's a glittery, beautiful color - but it serves to highlight the awkward and unbalanced quality of the design - especially when viewed from the side. Head-on the Clarity looks terrific and even the rump-view isn't bad - but the side looks like a mashup of three different vehicles...
I once bought one of the ugliest cars for price/efficiency. I got my money's worth more than with any other car I have ever owned (driving since 1957). I forgot about the appearance almost immediately.
People who buy with looks a #1 priority are not practical. These are the same people who complain that life is a struggle, especially money wise. When questioned about their "due diligence", e.g., their research/study before spending they are silent. They are NOT proactive, just reactive, i.e., they don't study/plan; they rely on others, e.g., so-called "experts" based on their outward appearance. They are intellectually lazy, psychologically immature. Many products exploit these people, e.g., cosmetics. My take? It's their life, their choice, not my problem, but I would't cater to their weaknesses.
I “think” the solar array on the entire vehicle as shown in the picture is an option....which can make the vehicle look narrow, so “I think” if you had a light colored Aptera, like white and the panels only on the roof, the Aptera would look broader
The new Aptera width is only three inches narrower at 88” (which is wider than my truck!) than the 2e
I had a ride in the 2e when it was in NJ. It is easier to fit an 88” wide vehicle in my tight two bay garage! And I think it makes it more compliant for European roads from blogs I read.
As you will remember they only had a small solar cell array on the roof of that 2e model.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yes when all is revealed with options and pricing, hopefully this will all be clearer and we will have choices, like with many vehicles 🤞
I asked about a "solar option" and was told that, yes, eventually it will be optional but that it will be standard for the first few years.
That makes sense..... as I think they are listening to cost sensitive queries... at least in my humble opinion¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love the solar panels on the car, I don't understand why all EV don't have them? I drive to work and park in sunny lot for 8-10 hours then drive home.
Most EVs use 3 times the power to go the same distance as the Aptera. There is a vehicle called the Lightyear that is planned to use Solar, but it is projected to cost $179k.
The other factor to consider is that the Aptera panels are at best 23% efficient. In a few years we may have inexpensive panels that are as much as 66% efficient - and the ones on the Aptera are designed to be easy to replace.
To add to your comment: The most efficient cells currently on the market are about 23% - the average efficiency is 18%. Undoubtedly efficiency will improve as new discoveries are made.