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Living in Southern California, I knew about Aptera during their first iteration years ago. For me, Aptera has the futuristic look of a Studebaker Avanti that will probably always feel ahead of its time. Sometimes, such a massive change can catalyze an entire industry in a new direction, and Aptera has the potential to make that happen with ultra-efficient design backed by some innovative solar and battery engineering.
Of course, when I put my MBA hat on, it all has to make sense financially, and customers have to see the benefits for themselves. Not that I want to wish $6-$7/gallon gasoline on anyone, but the fuel savings value of Aptera is pretty obvious these days! I’m amazed at how much range will come from solar, but giving up a comfortable seat isn’t part of the deal for me. Guilt-free road trips need to be comfortable! Despite some pretty rigid looking early seats, I reserved an Aptera last fall and signed up to be a Brand Ambassador the same day, excited for the opportunity to help out.
I’ve been a part of start-ups and high growth companies and wanted to be part of something that would be so incredibly worthwhile to pull off.
I’ll be replacing my Acura TSX Sport Wagon with Aptera. I love the VTEC engine and low center of gravity, but not the premium fuel. Just as we’re downsizing our house this year (practically down the street from Aptera) and choosing furniture that can serve multiple purposes in our smaller space, we want our vehicles to play numerous roles too. Aptera’s 2-seater will take me around town for errands, with room for both my husband and our dog on road trips. I’m from a car family; I think of the drive as part of the experience of any journey, so my car has to be both fun and practical. But one lesson learned as a former Prius owner: There’s such a thing as too practical.
When Aptera ships in California within the next year, I and my fellow California buyers will receive a $750 discount through the California Clean Fuel Rewards program, and I’m proud to say I initiated Aptera’s approval for that program as a Brand Ambassador. So far, the Brand Ambassador experience has been a little like going to Apple Macintosh User’s Group (AMUG) meetings in Berkeley during the late 90s, except now, we’re all making our comments online. But the spirit is there, and I hope that spirit helps fuel Aptera.
Written by Michael Brooke
Over 700 global volunteers make up our dedicated Brand Ambassador Program. Aptera Ambassadors are sEV enthusiasts and leaders that play a fundamental role in the spread of Aptera’s mission: to create the most efficient transportation on the planet. In this series, you’ll discover who our ambassadors are, what attracted them to Aptera, and what it means to be an Aptera ambassador.