All about Launch Edition

[Uncle-Dirt]

I think this quote is very interesting…”To help us ramp up our production volume more quickly and as part of Aptera’s ethos of simplicity and efficiency, our Launch Edition vehicles will have one unified configuration.”

[jonah-jorgenson]

Yes, interesting.

Possibly a hint that one exterior color, one interior scheme, one battery size (I think we know that – 400 mile version), maybe no off road modifications, no enhanced audio or camping packages. We know no SafetyPilot at first. Also no all wheel vehice.

All keeps production simple and cheap as only a subset of inventory needs to be ordered, delivered, and paid for. That also simplifies testing as only one variant needs to go throug safety testing and validation before retail production and disstribution.

I suspect we will have information on 01/20/23 from the live web session.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Jonah Jorgenson. Reason: update content
• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Jonah Jorgenson. Reason: corrected spelling
• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

[Mike-Mars]

> Also no all wheel vehice.

Apparently the 3WD option is significantly more popular than the 2WD. Personally I find that surprising given that the 2WD performance is already extremely good. So if they are chasing the most popular configuration, then they may have that in the launch configuration.

Similarly, the launch config might also include the all-solar option, given that is also the most popular pick.

… however, the paradigm edition (which we previously thought would be the launch configuration) has 2WD. So is ‘launch edition’ = ‘paradigm edition’, or will that be two different configurations? Perhaps they may give people who ordered the paradigm edition the option to get 3WD.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Michael Marsden.
• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

[Mangoat]

I understand doing a streamlined 1 configuration to get more vehicles out quickly. Hopefully that doesn’t mean those of us with reserved Aptera numbers to be completely wiped. Rather I’d like to see us skipped for now, to get the 1 configuration out the door. Then focus on more custom orders, such as what I’ve placed a reserve for.

[john-trotter]

Aptera will decide what they will build, I understand that, but I will decide what I will buy: 400 mile, AWD, safety-pilot capable (could be later software), enhanced audio (could be later backfit), full solar, black (maybe). Aptera will also decide when that combination will be built. If I live long enough, I’m in. If not ….

[david-marlow]

The Launch Edition may be refering to the first 1,000 to be delivered to the Southern California area, to work out any initial problems not found or in Delta testing.

They have heavly advertised that thy will have a 1,000 mile version, but dident say when.

As with the Delta shown, the one color will most likley be Luna.

There may be a problem with Elaphe ramping up as fast with motor production, thus initialy limiting them to the two wheel drive version. It seems that the ramp up will be more that was thought, even 6 months ago.

[Jeff]

Out of all the different configuration options, I imagine that multiple exterior colors would be the easiest thing for Aptera to accommodate in early production.

If it’s just a wrap, the added cost and complexity would be minimal compared to offering multiple battery, drivetrain, or solar configurations.

[Biker]

From the Republic investing site in reply to a question about the first production run Chris Anthony’s reply was:

“And the first batch of production will have the full solar kit but long-term the hood and rear hatch will be an option you can choose.”

[Bureaucrat]

Will all those on the reservation list have a chance to opt to pick up in CA and be given a chance to get a Launch Edition, regardless of our chosen configuration and location?

[Mike-Mars]

> “Regardless of our chosen configuration and location?”

As far as configuration is concerned, you can keep changing that as often as you like, up to the point where they finalise the order. So maybe swap it to the launch config if you are in a hurry, then swap it back once other options start to become available.

[scott-gilbert]

Have a reservation with the Launch edition ready for initial delivery. Then reserve a vehicle once every six months to keep up with the demand and production schedule. You will be happy when they contact you and you can then provide details and even cancel (unless your neighbor, sister or uncle simply cannot resist!)

[UnidentifiedDrivingObject]

“This is important, because Delta will pave the way for the Launch Edition Aptera: our first and most exclusive vehicles we’ll start production on.”

Isn’t the Delta (and the earlier Gamma mule) the tri-motor/AWD variant..Take note of the wordings “most exclusive”.

Could the Launch Ed, possibly be of the AWD flavor..

[craig-merrow]

The efficiency of FWD vs AWD is a bit academic right now, although with the regen of the extra motor, I don’t think there will be much of a range hit. I thought I read somewhere that a dual motor Tesla had slightly better range because of this, but I might be mistaken. As the old saying goes, your mileage may vary.

[UnidentifiedDrivingObject]

Plus if you have Full Solar (lighter than the next larger battery size) trickle charging, whatever range penalty there is more or less, will be a wash. Range hit with AWD, would likely be more evident, in stock solar roof/dash config.

[Biker]

Jason Hill posted this with the tag: Our launch edition Aptera is coming into focus.

[paul-kirchner]

A little storage area in there.

[raymond-nettleton]

I am inline for the Luna 400 mile 2wd version with no solar on the hatch. I will likely change mine to the whatever is the launch addition. I was likely going to upgrade to the solar on the hatch anyway. I would just assume avoid the added expense of the rear motor as the performance is pretty good without, but I would take it. My vehicles are old. I need to replace something.

Sometimes special editions have custom graphics like seat stitching or the upgraded stereo as standard. It will be interesting if so of that is included. I guess we might see Jan 20th.

Who else will likely change their order to match the launch edition?

[Biker]

Looks like a storage area under the rear hatch floor.

[Biker]

A post from Jason Hill with the tag: We are ready to scale.

[Phil]

Any idea what that large vehicle with the green Aptera logo on its side in the parking space closest to the building is? I know it’s not a real picture, but it looks like an Aptera version of a Canoo.

[Biker]

In his reply to the question, Jason Hill replied that it’s not a Canoo.

[GaryMiller]

Webinar take aways:

1. Single production model -very expected.

2. 400 mile range. I really wanted 1000 miles, but this is expected.

3. Steering yoke instead of a wheel. Meh, I can live with it.

4. Interior looks nice, but I may never get used to touch screens in the cockpit. I’m old.

5. Price is TBD. Yeah, I appreciate why that is, but I still want to know.

6. Fast charging is not available. I’m an electronics engineer: I understand the problem, solution and the compromise. I am also a driver. It is 300 miles one way to visit my grandson. I do not want to spend 2 or 3 hours at a charging station. I would need a different vehicle for long trips.

7. Production is in the future: 9 months after they get funding. Funding happens when it happens, and 9 months is likely optimistic. It sounds like the date is 2025, but that is utterly speculative on my part. The Aptera management will dislike speculation whether they consider it pessimistic or optimistic -or even on the money. Speculation is gonna happen anyway.

8. Overall, it is a good design. I have niggles, but then again I have niggles with my 10 year old Honda CRV that has proven itself to be a very fine and reliable vehicle. I am sticking with Aptera for another couple years.

Honda CRV niggles:

I would like my CRV to have 1 or 2 additional intermittent wiper speeds instead of 1 intermittent speed.

The CRV’s Bluetooth has not worked with anything later than the Samsung Galaxy 5 which I owned when I purchased the car.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by  Norman Roberts.

[Biker]

Another post from Jason Hill: We are ready to scale part 2…get some fleet.

Seems like a teaser for the vehicle in the background. In response to a post about the render Jason wrote: one persons rendering is another persons CAD data

[jesthorbjorn]

And still the white interior and especially the hand-grip portions of the yoke. Surprised that doesn’t seem to have been mentioned in this thread yet. There’s going to be folks who will take a pass on the L.E. just because of that. Certainly a consideration on my part.

Maybe there’s some magic means of keeping the white upholstery clean these days that I’m just not acquainted with.

[frank-brants]

Like many others, I asked this question of Aptera (on the contact us page), I will post the results here.

My question:

I’ve searched the FAQs & Forums & I haven’t found an answer, but I have found quite a few people with the same question:

Is it possible to add Upgrades (Off Road Kit, Pet kit, driver assist, etc.) to the Launch Edition, Either before delivery or (even well) after delivery?

A number of reservation holders have noticed they still have the option to add upgrades after switching to the Launch Edition.

Thank you!!

Franko

• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by  Frank Brants. Reason: corrected typo
• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

[Biker]

Chris M of Aptera sorta answered this during the 1/20 webinar saying that yes you can but will get them when available which could be well after delivery. Not sure how that would work with something like the off road package as that’s probably not an add-on.

[llewellyn-evans]

Does the Launch Edition have RFID for entry to the Aptera?

How do you unlock it …… i know it has knock-knock but what validates entry?

I ask because the basic circuit design shown in one of the presentations shows the knock-knock sensor but no RFID sensor.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by  Llewellyn Evans.

[Biker]

Assume something like Tesla uses: RFID card or a mobile device.

[laura-batchelor]

I wanted to get the Driver Assist Upgrade IF it will not delay my Launch Edition order. Is it possible to order the upgrade AFTER getting the vehicle, once it becomes available? Or do I need to order it now? Will ordering it now (when it is not available) kick me back in line to when it becomes available?

The reason I’m asking is just to clarify, since they specifically said that they are doing one configuration for the Launch Edition, which seems to omit Upgrades. I fully support the decision to create this particular Edition first, but want to make sure I don’t shoot myself in the foot when configuring my order.

[KayleighVenne]

Hey, Laura!

Adding an upgrade to your Launch Edition vehicle will not change your place in the queue! You will still have the Launch Edition vehicle reserved, even if you add an upgrade. Before you receive your Aptera, we will reach out to you to discuss each upgrade’s lead time. If the upgrade is not available immediately, it could most likely be added to the Launch Edition later (except for the off-road kit, which will take further engineering). We’ll confirm this in the future.

As for Safety Pilot: We are exploring the options and testing forms of autopilot to decide which one we will use. Our team will announce those details as soon as they are available. We plan for a safety pilot option to be available for all customers, even if it is not ready by the start of the first vehicle deliveries. More details to come.

Best,

Aptera Team

[laura-batchelor]

Thank you for the clarification, Kayleigh. We are SO excited about the prospect of getting a Launch Edition soon-ish! Odds are we will upgrade in the future to our originally planned 1000 miler, but we will enjoy the learning curve with the Launch Edition as our first EV. Heck, it will be our first vehicle with touch screens, cameras, gps… pretty much skipping over all of the interim stuff to go from last century old-school directly to the future. (I’m not giving up my flip phone though.)

[Biker]

We’re back to rendering some more:

[Biker]

A couple of more renders:

[Biker]

A post by Jason Hill:

“Each of the accelerator program vehicles will be uniquely identified as being one of the first 2000 vehicles from Aptera.”

So, you have a plain Launch Edition, an accelerator version, and a Paradigm version.

[Mike-Mars]

> “So, you have a plain Launch Edition, an accelerator version, and a Paradigm version.”

Also a Paradigm Launch Edition, and therefore presumably a Paradigm Accelerator Launch Edition.