Fastback Louvers?

[Frank Chandler]

The 1965 Mustang Fastback offered a louvered rear window cover that allowed the occupants to see out of the rear window while providing privacy. It seems to me that this would be an ideal way to increase solar panel area while still allowing visibility through the rear window. Increased power generation would offset the slight cavitation resistance of the louvers. Have you/can you consider such a feature?

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[James Lines]

It would be nice to have the shade and privacy and still be able to see our, but I’ll bet they would dirty up the airflow enough that it would impact efficiency. There might be an aftermarket option for it.

[Frank Chandler]

I’d like to see a little more calculation effort than “I’ll bet.” The increase in photovoltaic capability should offset a lot of drag and remain a positive contribution, but only Aptera’s engineers have the data and models to confirm this.

[Alain Chuzel]

I’d like to see a little more calculation effort than your “Increased power generation would offset the slight cavitation resistance of the louvers.” and “The increase in photovoltaic capability should offset a lot of drag and remain a positive contribution.

[Michael Rohan]

I saw someone post this suggestion before. I think it would be a great way to have solar on the rear, visibility, and privacy. Though to help with aero, the louvres should probably be on the inside of the glass. Open/close feature like window blinds would be cool too.

[kerbe2705]

@Michael Rohan Comme ça?

[Dennis Swaney]

I had those in the back window of our 1981 VW Jetta.

[John Voules]

Had them on my 77 Camaro…after several winters I had to chuck them as they came apart from their mounting.

[Kevin Bradbury]

I may be wrong, but I’m of the understanding that the rear view will be a camera/monitor and not a reflective mirror, so unless you are going to turn your head 170 to 180 degrees, there will be nothing to see out the back of the Aptera. Therefore, you might as well get the rear solar hatch. Even if the rear view monitor has a reflective coating and can be turned off and used as a mirror, your field of view will be greatly reduce because of the sizeable “B” pillar and the sloping buttresses of the sides of the hatch.

[Dennis Swaney]

When I learned the rear view camera would be mounted OUTSIDE the body, I added the full solar hatch.

[Kevin Bradbury]

👍