Camping/Tent Kit option

[Scott Holmes]

Will the camping kit tent cover the solar cells on the hatch when in use ?

• This discussion was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by  John Trotter.
• This discussion was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by  John Trotter. Reason: Title expanded for search clarity
• This discussion was modified 3 months, 4 weeks ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

[Camille Mosley-Pasley]

Are there any videos showing how the camping kit is set up? How much space does it take up when not in use? Is it permanently attached/embedded or can it be removed from the car when not needed? How much does it weigh? Can you drive with it set up or does it need to collapse to drive? Are there security features to lock it while sleeping or if you’re away from the vehicle?

[Gabriel Kemeny]

About all of the info known is in the Sol launch video.

[Camille Mosley-Pasley]

Same here. I slowed down the video so I could see how the kit opens but there’s not much to go on.

[OZ (It’s OZ, Just OZ)]

1. Not yet

2. Unknown at this time

3. No / Yes removeable

4. Unknown at this time

5. Not bloody likely, or at least safely / You should collapse it to drive

6. Unlikely

[Fanfare 100]

Hi Camille, The video of where they take the Aptera to the edge of the cliff has a prototype of the camping option, but I believe that it is an early prototype: https://youtu.be/V17meWEKSik?t=60 It looked very thin and flimsy, but it introduced us to its potential. The original renditions showed something much more sturdy and durable. The mesh in the video was also not tight enough to keep noseeums out. Also, unless they make a hard-shell option, I would not drive with it on. And if you do, don;t be surprised if you see your mileage range plummet because of the air drag you would create. The only security features I might imagine would be if they came up with an harder shell option. But regular tents are only as secure as the tent itself. I doubt the end-product will be made of Kevlar, but I do expect it to be of a sturdy and durable material that will last for a very long time and be appealing to the camper’s eye and in a variety of colours that should at least not clash with the three main colours which are being offered at the present. Conceptual renditions of the ones which seem more durable and longer-lasting are in these attached pictures.

[OZ (It’s OZ, Just OZ)]

Aptera has verified that the portion of the tent over the hatch will be clear to either allow the solar to charge, or if you don’t have the hatch solar, to allow you to see the stars.

[Len Nowak]

Yes, I have seen the orange tent on the Sol

Clear top panel!

[Len Nowak]

I saw it in June, at an event they had.

It was just tossed easily into place to quickly shiw some curious guests…

Flexible straps and soft water resistant material ( I imagine) , like a basic tent. I would call it a sock tent in some regards.

You see it here just tossed in place and sitting in the the cargo area when they took it off.

As mentioned the Aptera viddis show it properly placed/ secured. Prototype or production unit? I do not know????

No I would not even think of driving with it.

[Gabriel Kemeny]

Aptera. Camping Kit Install. 4K – YouTube

[Vernon Sinnott]

I saw a video showing the Aptera tent that suggested it would leak and was ill fitted (not like the rendering). It showed open mesh. Would zippered flaps cover the mesh up like in a normal tent? Will it fit tightly enough to prevent leaks into the interior of the vehicle?

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by  Norman Roberts.
• This reply was modified 3 months, 4 weeks ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

[Bob Kirchner]

The tent they have been showing is really just a prototype for marketing purposes. Hopefully more thought will go into the production version.

[Paul Schultz]

They should work with PaHaQue. This is a company that specializes in RV canopies and is located in Poway, CA… very close to Aptera. PaHaQue makes quality, specialized products and have the expertise needed to develop something that would work well with the Aptera.

https://pahaque.com/

[Douglas Smith]

Great idea Paul. They are already outsourcing much already and the tent should be a money maker for PaHaQue.

[Glen Flint]

This video suggests some improvements are needed.

https://youtu.be/HT-l_5PNCS4https://youtu.be/HT-l_5PNCS4

[Thomas Bartold]

That’s an understatement, especially given the price ($600).

The more functional Habitent shown in the video costs $99.

[Curtis Cibinel]

Given the ample storage it is probably better to just buy a good tent and take it along with all your gear in the vehicle. You can buy a pretty nice multiroom tent or multiple good ultralight tents for $600 USD. Its a nice toy but will be very expensive for the utility it provides due to low volume of units produced.