Create the most efficient transportation on the planet.
We want to inspire people to do more than just drive their cars: We believe safe, fun-to-drive solar vehicles are at the heart of managing the Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
Aptera’s beginning
The founders of Aptera, Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro, helped to create the electric vehicle market in 2006 with an idea unlike any other. It was the first to achieve 300 mpg and it got a lot of attention, landing on the cover of dozens of magazines and even appearing in the movie Star Trek. However, funding didn’t exist for EV programs like it does today and Aptera faced challenges. Even with the support of thousands of fans around the globe, the team realized the time was not right for Aptera to fulfill its mission of creating a healthier world and a better way to travel.
Flash forward: A decade of evolution
So, Chris and Steve went off to start other businesses, innovating in emerging industries such as lithium battery technology and vertical farm production. While the dream of Aptera was quiet, it was not forgotten. Flash forward a decade. EV technology is more advanced, the supply chain is more established, consumer demand is even greater. After Chris sold his company, the two founders met again to talk about how things had evolved. They were surprised that, with all the new EV brands on the market, there was still no company focused solely on efficiency. In fact, the current trend is toward larger and heavier vehicles requiring even more materials, batteries and energy.
Aptera reborn
Recognizing an opportunity, in 2019 our founders relaunched Aptera as a solar electric vehicle (sEV) brand. Our goal is to build lightweight and aerodynamic vehicles powered by the sun that are able to handle most daily driving needs completely off the grid. We launched in late 2019 and have 35,000+ reservations from customers in 100+ countries. We plan to begin production in 2023.
Meet the Aptera Team.
Thinkers. Innovators. Industry-leaders.
Steve Fambro
Co-CEOSteve Fambro
Co-CEO Bio:Venture partner and COO of Ocean Holding, an investment and development company dedicated to advancing the use of clean, renewable energy. Founder of Famgro; raised $8m to launch a superefficient pesticide/ herbicide-free indoor food-production system.
Chris Anthony
Co-CEOChris Anthony
Co-CEO Bio:Founder and former CEO of Flux Power, an advanced lithium-battery technology company that launched its first products in 12 months and has reduced carbon emissions in industrial spaces by over 1,000 tons of C02 per year. Has raised more than $100m in private equity, DPO, and grant funding for technology ventures. Chris holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of North Carolina.
Michael Johnson
Co-FounderMichael Johnson
Co-Founder Bio:Venture co-founder, owner, and president/CEO of Esenjay Petroleum, an upstream O&G exploration company based in Corpus Christi, Tex. Co-founder, major shareholder, and director of Flux Power, a lithium-power provider.
Sarah Hardwick
CMOSarah Hardwick
CMO Bio:Founder of award-winning agency Zenzi. History of success collaborating with high-profile brands including Nestle, Chiquita, Crystal Geyser, AOL/Mapquest, Churchill Downs, DirecTV, and many more. Savvy digital marketer, passionate community builder, driver of revenue and growth.
Pablo Ucar
VP of ManufacturingPablo Ucar
VP of Manufacturing Bio:Pablo Ucar leads manufacturing systems and factory operations for Aptera Motors. Previously, Pablo was President of USH’s manufacturing division. He was Vice President of Supply Chain at Faraday Future and sourced the partners and components that went into the FF91. He also served as Sr. Director of Supply Chain at SpaceX, VP of Operations at Grupo Antolin, and Director of Operations at Detroit Diesel. Pablo has an MBA from Thunderbird, a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Jason Hill
Chief of DesignJason Hill
Chief of Design Bio:Founder and president of Eleven LLC, a design studio whose clients include Subaru, IAT, WM China Motors, and SUNRY Automotive. First designer at Porsche’s American design studio; designed exterior of Porsche Carrera GT show car (basis for production version).
Akos Feher
VP of EngineeringAkos Feher
VP of Engineering Bio:Akos Feher leads the Mechanical Engineering side of Aptera’s vehicle development team. Prior to joining Aptera, he helped numerous startups scale up, both in the US, and internationally. Previously, as VP of Operations he developed and lead Shelby American’s manufacturing operations in Las Vegas, NV, twice. Prior to building Shelby Mustangs, Akos lead the Hot Wheels Racing brand at Mattel. Akos holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego, and an MBA from USC.
Nathan Armstrong
CTONathan Armstrong
CTO Bio:Founder of Motive Industries, an automotive and industrial-design firm VP of Engineering at Metalcrafters, Aria Group, Draganfly and Havelaar Canada Boeing CAD design engineer on the International Space Station.
Brian Snow
Board MemberBrian Snow
Board Member Bio:As a venture capital investor and the Managing General Partner of Impala Ventures, Brian Snow spearheads the incubation, acceleration, and scaling of sustainable technology organizations. A member of Aptera's Board of Directors, a key investor, and a strategic advisor, Brian is closely aligned with Aptera's mission to build the world's most sustainable transportation.
Jim Chyou
CEO of Asia Pacific OperationsJim Chyou
CEO of Asia Pacific Operations Bio:With 30+ years of industry experience, Jim Chyou focuses on building strategic alliances in the Asia Pacific region to advance Aptera's efforts to create the most efficient solar transportation on the planet. Most recently, Chyou served as Vice President of Product Development at Chery Jaguar Land Rover in Shanghai, China. He founded the Automotive Perceptual Quality Concept (PQ), trained teams, and conducted over 50 seminars.
Saleh Abdullah Mutabbakani
Principal Advisor for Saudi ArabiaSaleh Abdullah Mutabbakani
Principal Advisor for Saudi Arabia Bio:With four decades of strategic consulting experience in technology and transportation, Saleh Mutabbakani focuses on building strategic alliances in Saudi Arabia to accelerate Aptera's goals of creating the most efficient solar electric vehicle on the planet. Most recently, Mutabbakani acted as Public Affairs Advisor to Saudi Arabia's high-net-worth individuals. Beyond his broad business experience, Mutabbakani is also an entrepreneur and author of "Saudi Arabia, Modern Economy Traditional Socety," the first bilingual exports magazine, "SEARCH," and more.
Size Thao
Lead Technician - Vehicle TeamSize Thao
Lead Technician - Vehicle Team Bio:A San Diego native, Size Thao is Aptera's Lead Vehicle Technician. His passion for vehicles has taken him from ICE vehicles to hybrid vehicles to electric vehicles and now Aptera, where he can be part of the solar mobility movement while happily doing so in his own backyard.
Quincy Hilla
Digital Marketing ManagerQuincy Hilla
Digital Marketing Manager Bio:Quincy Hilla is a digital marketer and brand builder. Honing in on her skills as a self-starter and efficient problem solver, she has spent the last few years helping San Diego start-up companies execute their creative visions and marketing strategy. Quincy holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing from San Diego State University.
Blake Ryan
Controller of FinanceBlake Ryan
Controller of Finance Bio:Blake has over 16 years of experience in accounting and finance. He is responsible for monitoring the company’s financial health by maintaining, managing and analyzing financial statements, payroll, budgets, tax compliance issues, and more. Blake holds a BS in Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Shrikant Chopade
Senior Manager, EngineeringShrikant Chopade
Senior Manager, Engineering Bio:Shrikant Chopade is a mechanical engineer having extensive experience in automotive body, closures, mechanism design and development for the complete life cycle of the product. Worked with OEMs like Toyota, Honda, Navistar in USA and Renault-Nissan, Tata, Mahindra abroad in all automotive segments. Always willing to explore new technologies and cost-effective lightweight solutions.
Louie Dietz
Mechanical & Industrial DesignLouie Dietz
Mechanical & Industrial Design Bio:Studio engineer and program manager with extensive cad and hands-on experience as owner of Customs Factory. Specialties include mechanical and industrial design for concept and limited production automobiles. Customers include Fisker, Nissan, Ford, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, GM, Chrysler, Toyota and more.
Shashidhar Chakalabbi
Engineering Manager, InteriorsShashidhar Chakalabbi
Engineering Manager, Interiors Bio:A passionate mechanical engineer well-versed with automotive interior and exterior body design and development. Hands on experience in new product development, reverse engineering, product integration, benchmarking, and cost reduction.
Brian Homsangpradit
Lead Chassis EngineerBrian Homsangpradit
Lead Chassis Engineer Bio:Mechanical engineer with extensive background in suspension and steering development. Previously owned and operated a 3D printing and scanning business specializing in rapid-prototyping for small businesses. Prior Chassis-Mechatronics Manager for Faraday Future.
Audra Leslie
Customer Success ManagerAudra Leslie
Customer Success Manager Bio:Audra Leslie spent the past couple of years supporting customers across the U.S. at a start-up company based out of San Diego. With a vision and passion for a green, energy-efficient future, she is thrilled to be a champion for Aptera as the Customer Success Manager. Audra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, and enjoys traveling, running, and meeting new people from every walk of life.
Gabriel Iosif
Suspension & Chassis SystemsGabriel Iosif
Suspension & Chassis Systems Bio:Founder of Iosif Automotive Engineering leveraging over 2 decades of EV chassis and suspension design experience. Lead many race and electric vehicle programs into production or on to the track with a focus on lightweight materials and extreme performance.
Karl Schaffer
Lead Powertrain EngineerKarl Schaffer
Lead Powertrain Engineer Bio:Karl Schaffner worked as Master Certified Automotive Technician before completing a BSME with a Mechatronics Concentration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2002 where he led the Formula SAE Powertrain Team. After college he worked for aerospace and other companies in the San Diego area as a design and test engineer where he performed structural, thermal, electronics, and power system design for space (NASA LRO and MSL Curiosity Rover) and UAV systems. As a contract engineer, Karl amassed a diverse experience designing, building and testing electro-mechanical systems.
Nick Rocco
Vehicle Program ManagerNick Rocco
Vehicle Program Manager Bio:An Electro-Mechanical Engineer with 20 years of Technical Management experience in Aerospace, Commercial and Medical industries. Responsible for full lifecycle development of highly engineered systems from prototype through to production.
Charlie Bulkeley
Senior Staff Firmware EngineerCharlie Bulkeley
Senior Staff Firmware Engineer Bio:An electrical and software engineer with over three decades of experience in product development, including a stint developing EV body controllers for Aptera back in 2010.
Jesse Wood
Vehicle Firmware & Test EngineerJesse Wood
Vehicle Firmware & Test Engineer Bio:Jesse Wood is a creator and dreamer who is constantly working on projects and is more than enthusiastic to tell you about them. This, along with his Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, naturally led him to Aptera where his innate sense of curiosity and a drive to learn about the world around him are helping to develop Aptera's electronics, computers, and solar capabilities.
Daniel Morris
Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle IntegrationDaniel Morris
Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Integration Bio:Daniel Morris' experience lies with highly functional prototype vehicles from thought through design and manufacturing to testing. Function over form and disruptive concept advocate. Former President and Technical Director of UC San Diego's nationally ranked Formula SAE racing team. DIY mechanic and performance driving enthusiast.
Isaac Vineyard
Project Coordinator - People OperationsIsaac Vineyard
Project Coordinator - People Operations Bio:Isaac Vineyard is a United States Navy Veteran from Austin, Texas. After the Navy, Isaac earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix. As the Project Coordinator of People Operations for Aptera Motors, Isaac is the anchor for the office, helping to develop administrative programs and pathways to success for Aptera.
Keva Chin
Mechanical EngineerKeva Chin
Mechanical Engineer Bio:Keva Chin is a Mechanical Engineer with years of experience in design and manufacturing at the UC San Diego Machine Shop. He is passionate about bringing designs from concept to reality and specializes in CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Welding, and manual fabrication. He has always been fascinated by high performance vehicles, and is intent on contributing to the innovative automotive industry through Aptera.
Jake Wible
Lead Digital ProducerJake Wible
Lead Digital Producer Bio:Jake Wible has a unique range of skills in the field of digital production, ranging from Product Design to Game Design and Virtual Reality. He owns and operates the board game manufacturing company Tektite Games, and is the author of Tactical Tech, a sci-fi-themed strategy game. He came from a background of business and entrepreneurship with a passion for everything sci-fi, futuristic, and energy efficient. He also has eight years of management experience at an eCommerce business and has developed a full range of goods and services.
Nathan Engler
Mechanical EngineerNathan Engler
Mechanical Engineer Bio:Nathan Engler is a Mechanical Engineer from Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in the MotorCity, he has always had a love for automobiles. Combined with Nathan’s passion for sustainability, he strives to help create a green, renewable future through his contribution to Aptera Motors.
Jamie Klopp
Director of DesignJamie Klopp
Director of Design Bio:With an extensive 20-year career in Automotive, Aircraft, and Product Design, Jamie Klopp is Aptera's Director of Design.
Anusha Ranganath
Mechanical EngineerAnusha Ranganath
Mechanical Engineer Bio:Anusha Ranganath is our brilliant mechanical engineer specializing in computer analysis from Southern California. After graduating from UCSD in Aerospace Engineering, she gained experience in the manufacturing and defense industries. As a FIRST Robotics and Formula SAE alum and mentor, she brings her skills and enthusiasm to work on Aptera's structures. Much like Aptera, she is driven by the sun, inspired by nature, and thrives on efficiency.
Austin Wright
Executive Assistant/Office WranglerAustin Wright
Executive Assistant/Office Wrangler Bio:Austin Wright is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana but has lived in California for seven years, where he considers it home! He serves as Aptera’s executive assistant and office wrangler. He is passionate about Aptera’s brand and ensures that Aptera’s mission statement is followed as the company moves forward. Austin is our office anchor and supports our amazing team daily.
Blair McNeil
Director of Enterprise StrategyBlair McNeil
Director of Enterprise Strategy Bio:Blair McNeill is responsible for Aptera’s enterprise strategy, which includes business development, corporate development, and fleet sales (B2B). Blair graduated from Boston College with a BS in Finance and an MBA from Emory University. He transitioned from large corporations to cleantech industry startups 8 years ago when he moved back to the United States from New Zealand.
Brandon Birnbaum
Commodity Buyer - Supply ChainBrandon Birnbaum
Commodity Buyer - Supply Chain Bio:Brandon Birnbaum is a commodity buyer for Thermal Management and Interiors. Brandon was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington State, where his passion for working on cars began at age 14. Through the years, he has greatly appreciated the clever engineering and fabrication involved with modifying and building vehicles. Brandon is excited about working on this cutting-edge project alongside Aptera's incredible team.
Charles Kaneb
Mechanical EngineerCharles Kaneb
Mechanical Engineer Bio:Charles Kaneb is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts. Charles is an engineer developing Aptera's wheel pants to enable a low-drag, open-wheel vehicle. He is also the FSAE design judge on both metallic and composite parts.
Chris Blust
Firmware EngineerChris Blust
Firmware Engineer Bio:Chris Blust is a Firmware Engineer. He is currently developing firmware for controlling solar charging in Aptera. He is from Syracuse, New York, and is excited to be part of Aptera's effort to reimagine electric vehicles.
Chris Torrella
Software EngineerChris Torrella
Software Engineer Bio:Chris Torella is a fourth-generation Automotive Engineer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is responsible for developing firmware for Aptera's distributed vehicle controller network within the Body Controls team. He is excited to help accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.
Jordan Andia
Manufacturing EngineerJordan Andia
Manufacturing Engineer Bio:Jordan Andia is a manufacturing engineer for the battery production assembly line. He is responsible for the selection, quotation, procurement, and installation of capital equipment for Aptera battery production. Previously, Jordan was a process engineer at Raytheon Technologies in Santa Fe Springs, CA, a participant in the SAE Aero competition as a mechatronics engineer at California State Fullerton, and a manufacturing engineer (missile launchers) at Marvin Engineering Company in Inglewood, CA.
Kayleigh Venne
Customer Success LeadKayleigh Venne
Customer Success Lead Bio:Kayleigh Venne is originally from a small town in Michigan and is still a Midwesterner at heart. She's a creative individual passionate about storytelling, customer communications, digital marketing, and our planet. With a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from San Diego State University, Kayleigh is thrilled to use her communication skills and love for connecting with others to help lead Aptera's solar mobility movement.
Luke Bockman
Battery Systems EngineerLuke Bockman
Battery Systems Engineer Bio:As Head of Battery Systems at Aptera, Luke has a passion and track record for developing great products and bringing them to market. At Hewlett Packard, Luke worked in several roles ranging from inventing part of H.P.'s MJF 3D printing technology to bringing up a factory in Singapore to Print Quality Program Manager and Architect. He has drawn on his experience at H.P. bringing products to market to hire a great team and create an industry-leading battery pack design for Aptera.
Vidar Montell
Lead Engineer - IntegrationVidar Montell
Lead Engineer - Integration Bio:Vidar Montell is a car, boat and bike guy who is also a perpetual optimist that works in the automotive R&D EV space on the cutting edge of efficiency and solar mobility. He is our integration lead and mechanical engineer connecting the electrical pieces of Aptera. Vidar has earned the nickname of Aptera's "Swedish Chef" and has an extensive background with Volvo, Mercedes, FoMoCo and Class 1 Powerboat Racing.
Nathan Burdick
Associate EngineerNathan Burdick
Associate Engineer Bio:Nathan Burdick, a Mechanical Engineer from Southern California, works with Aptera's thermal team to develop the vehicle's coolant and HVAC systems.
Nathan Rasch
Mechanical Engineer - PowertrainNathan Rasch
Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain Bio:Nathan Rasch, originally from Winchendon, Massachusetts, holds a Bachelor's degree from Duke University, where he was Powertrain Co-Lead for their FSAE team. He has had experience in the automotive industry developing propulsion components, performing feasibility studies, and leading propulsion system execution for E.V. Programs.
Nicholas Moglia
Junior Chassis EngineerNicholas Moglia
Junior Chassis Engineer Bio:Nicholas Moglia is a mechanical engineer with experience in accelerated life testing and rapid prototyping. He has always been passionate about vehicles and is determined to see through Aptera's efficiency first ethos manifested in a vehicle.
Marcelo Esposito
Engineer - Composite & Process Production ResearchMarcelo Esposito
Engineer - Composite & Process Production Research Bio:For the past 20 years Marcelo has been using my skills designing, prototyping and fabricating production cells as well as products, packaging, material flow, floor plan layouts, processes and operator training. Marcelo follows Lean Manufacturing and 5-S methodology as a baseline for every project.
Gustavo Gonzalez
Lead Engineer - Battery Power DistributionGustavo Gonzalez
Lead Engineer - Battery Power Distribution Bio:Gustavo is a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. He is the Lead Engineer for Power Distribution on the Battery Team at Aptera.
Isaac Chapluk
Wire Harness EngineerIsaac Chapluk
Wire Harness Engineer Bio:Isaac is a reputable Maverick and Mechatronics Engineer. He has interest in cleantech and the outdoors, and is experienced in motorsports, oe automotive, and aftermarket R&D.
Join us to create a more efficient future.
We are supported by hundreds of ambassadors who are passionate…
about EVs, solar power, battery technology, engineering, science, technology, communication and more. They lend their expertise and enthusiasm to help us spread the word about Aptera and further our mission of creating more efficient transportation.
From the Dutch perspective of innovation and mobility, I am very pleased to see Aptera approach solutions for a better world from the ground-up. Aptera’s starting point of efficiency says a lot about the thinking process of the people who are developing this first great mobility machine.
As an architect, I want to invest in innovation and therefore in Aptera, not only with enthusiasm and promotion, but also financially when there is a possibility.
As a physicist and a lifelong car enthusiast, I have always thought about what my ideal car would be. Then I saw Aptera and it ticked all the boxes. If one is to think scientifically and logically about the problem of transporting two people and their baggage as efficiently as possible while still enjoying comfort, safety and driving fun then the only solution is Aptera.
I love how the team optimizes every aspect of the vehicle, from the advanced composites of the beautifully designed body through the clever camping kit to the “Right to Repair” program. Everything is done the right way at Aptera.
Aptera is a revolutionary paradigm advance in personal transportation. Powered by the sun, Aptera is a creative solution to the tremendous environmental cost of current automobiles.
Designed and manufactured in San Diego, Aptera places the US at the forefront of safe, quick, and efficient transportation.
I have been an Aptera fan for over a decade. It’s really exciting that Steve and Chris have returned with an even better version of their revolutionary vehicle.
There truly is no other product like this on the market today!
In the coming years, Aptera will be seen as a pioneer in producing ultra-efficient vehicles.
While I am excited to own this unique Solar Electric Vehicle someday, I believe in Aptera’s mission statement and want to be a part of helping them to accomplish it.
Not to mention the team has always been kind, helpful, trusting, and all around amazing!
Explore our latest news.
Aptera Announces Accelerator Program to Kick Off Production Plan
Community-led effort will help us deliver our first vehicles more quickly and make solar mobility a reality for all Last Friday, we showed you our…