While we wait for all the 2020 prototype validation work to be completed....to ultimate move to a production unit...
Whatever your Aptera might be for you (Trophy vehicle, commuter vehicle, weekend vehicle, etc... )
What will you plan for your (Aptera) ride?
Let me kick it off with this:
For parking (at home)... although I have always garaged my vehicles....since the Aptera should be exposed to the sun for the benefit of a “free solar charge” (Never Charge feature)...
Planned...A placemat for the Aptera with NEVER CHARGE feature”
I am improving a shade free space for “Park & Charge....
Basically a solar charging spot for the Aptera...something like this round pad, incorporating some other “green concepts”
(Annotation added to photo, both from bing.com)
With a porous pad, and a water outlet nearby...this could be a great spot for vehicle washing too ! NO puddle/ n
With tons of free local rocks and boulders here and plentiful desert plants, the cost is right (free) and the low desert succulents/cactus care (I.e., none), this is a very affordable and hopefully rewarding project.
The location is also near 120v outdoor outlet, if battery top off is ever needed,
when not in the garage overnight.
In the rural SW grassy desert regions it is always best to garage a vehicle as pack rats or snakes could explore the shelter of any parked vehicle.
🐀 like to chew the plastic on electrical wire😞 I understand folks who don’t have a garage use a outdoor light or strobe light under their vehicle or under their hood to deter rodents as they like dark spaces.
When I lived back east this was also an issue in the fall and winter after using gas powered equipment(mower, snow thrower, etc) and placing them in the shed....as the field mice liked to shelter near the warmth of the hot engine, there too...chewing wires. “Oh living with wildlife!”😞
So for me the Aptera could be that trophy vehicle in retirement.
🤔My big projects are done around the house... I could retire the mid size truck.
Depending on the final offerings of the Aptera and outcome of 2020 testing, decide if the 60 or 100kWH range fits into our final lifestyle with perhaps cross country trips or just exploring this beautiful country. It may even allow a spacious open hatch area to include the dog on some trips/drives.
I've been waiting 40 years for this type car, i.e., efficient platform, practical BEV at a reasonable price.
I hear you!🤜🤛
Spread the word and let’s support/ cheer them on to bring this to fruition!
Then see what they can innovate next... if this model doesn't “speak“ some folks needs.
This could take me through my final driving years and would be something I would love to hand over to my kids.
The number of investors are ticking up too
Hi Guys,
> Question: What would you do with an Aptera?
Well, I personally would buy it as a commuter vehicle as I only need to take a laptop with me and generally drive alone to and from work. For this reason it would make a lot of sense to have a lightweight car that has a champion Cw-value and low fuel consumption.
I used to drive a very frugal TDi back in the day which would easily get 3L per 100km and it weighed in at 830kg, the Aptera seems to be the only logical heir to this throne.
As it would fit an MTB I could even take it on a weekend drive to the Ardennes (Belgium) and be back home again on one charge...
I'd say; build it and I'll buy it (in 2024, as I need to drive my daily BEV another 4 years).
I think your use would have the biggest appeal for Aptera’s initial vehicle and Belgium is a beautiful country. Got to visit frequently for business but wish I explored more. Another thing I should put on my “Bucket List”
Well the above (Feb 8th) planned reserved solar charging (Never Charge) parking space is basically done. Just need an Aptera to be born. I could park the upcoming 3D model there.. while things settle/“shake out”😉
For the sake of keeping the car from degrading in the sunlight I'd park it under a canopy with solar panels and take the electricity from it to power the house and if needed, the car. I'm suggesting this as it looks like there is an incredible amount of sunlight where you live.
You could park it in the sun when needed and park it under the canopy when the battery is fully (80%) charged.
I live in The Netherlands and would do this to protect it against bad weather and to charge it as a canopy with solar panels will produce more power than the cells on the car, I drive more than the 'self producing range'produces.
Yes
I hope I can realize a purchase of an Aptera model with a full solar cell top, not only to maximize on the ~44 mile range, given our ~310 sunny days/yr but a solar cell glass panel surface should hold up better than the vinyl wrapped body of the vehicle in the intense SW sun. But I might consider adding solar tubes in my garage too, just directly over the parking bay where the Aptera will be parked. This “possibility” may be assessed by them, as their location is near a major solar tube company. But they have more important things to focus on at this time
We already have a 7kWH PV solar array on our home but could upgrade “if needed” for increased power needs. Our inverter is rated for battery storage too so have dreams for bidirectional power consideration someday
I plan to do a 1 charge Electric Vehicle Challenge. I will drive a Apetra to Sierra Vista 400 miles round trip on 1 charge. Then another week drive to the Grand Canyon all in Arizona. Bother trips are uphill so coming back to my home in Chandler at 1,100 feet will be easy. We also have lots of Sunshine so the Solar will help a lot. I plan to ONLY use the 400 mile range Aptera. This will show how efficient they are. Maybe the 400 mile range model will be available in 2021.
I will also challenge other electric vehicles to join my challenege on 1 charge. I don't think any can do it except the Tesla Roadster II in 2021 with 610 mile range and at $200K ,we will see.
Sounds good. I suggested “Apteravan“ idea, cross country, at some point in a previous blog, but a starter caravan in the SW might be a good starting point. I am in Santa Cruz County AZ so if you get your Aptera first and pull this off, do post it! My start is at 4167’ elevatiIon!
I am thinking of a 60kWh model, at this point, but not enough details to decide. I have done several cross country trips in an ICE vehicle and 500-600 mi a day is plenty! Need to leave time to smell the roses. I believe they may be able to add more batteries( upgrade) some lower models if you range requirements change. Lots TBD!
But my dream is also cross country trips to them east cost family too some day, if the charging infrustructure supports it! They said they may have a less expensive two wheel model at a later date too... but I need AWD given and occasional monsoon day and a few primitive roads to navigate! Good Luck!
We are retired and live 30 miles north of Tucson. So, plenty of sun, but I don’t like to leave my cars outside unless I’m using them. We also have solar PV already, so having the car charge itself is not a high priority. We have a 2020 Tesla S, but even at 402 miles of “EPA” range, traveling in the vast west is dicey. For example, you can’t go from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and back to a Supercharger in Page, AZ. We did Page to the end of Bryce NP and on to Beaver, UT. Had to keep the speed down to make it. No DC fast chargers of any kind near Bryce. So, the Aptera with theoretically 600 miles is appealing. If Aptera is monitoring this, does 600 mean 500 or 450? I could live with 450 miles real world? We may or may not keep the Tesla S. Maybe get a Y in three years when it gets the 4680 cells and 500+ range. An Apetera and a Y would be a great combo!
Sounds like a great combo
I am not Aptera but live in southern AZ and at 4200’
I nevered owned an EV but my plan:
-60 kWh for max 600 mi range and any added from the full solar.
When I drive cross country I typically try to keep my driving to 500 miles.
- I will top off with the free AZ sun but park it in the garage when the sun is down.
My present home solar array provides a net zero home on our all electric home. So don’t plan to add additional panels
If theAptera is V2G capable I will look into that.