Frequently Asked Questions
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General
What is Aptera?
At Aptera, we are focused on creating the most efficient transportation on the planet. We achieve this by leveraging breakthroughs in battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing. Through our unique design and revolutionary technology, our vehicle is able to achieve extreme efficiency.
Aptera’s Launch Edition vehicle is the first product in a portfolio of Solar Electric Vehicles (sEVs) being produced by Aptera Motors that are powered by the sun and won’t need charging for most daily use. Aptera is an efficiency focused brand with the goal of making every journey powered by the sun.
Our vehicle will be made of a specialized composite structure called a Body in Carbon (BINC). The majority of the BINC is made of Carbon Fiber Sheet Molding Compound (CF-SMC) combined with Glass Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). Fiber-SMC is a lightweight material consisting of a random arrangement of short fibers that make it possible to mold intricately shaped parts. It offers much higher stiffness and strength than standard SMC and can be press-molded, substantially reducing manufacturing time for the vehicle’s body. We are looking towards more organic fibers like Hemp and Bamboo for our non-structural parts.
What is the expected vehicle warranty?
Aptera’s warranty coverage will be on par with that of other modern electric vehicles, providing you with peace of mind. As we approach production, we will provide you with precise details regarding our warranty terms and the costs and procedures associated with repair and replacement. To ensure you receive timely updates on all our announcements, we encourage you to subscribe to our email newsletter, which is located at the footer of our website. We look forward to keeping you informed about the latest developments.
When will Aptera test drives become available?
We are excited for vehicle test drives to commence – the team is anticipating this, but we are not there yet. Production is slated for 2024. Once we have production vehicles, we will begin test drives near our facility, at events, or on the track. Currently, we only have our prototype vehicles and cannot provide test rides due to insurance and legal reasons. In the meantime, your support fuels us, and we will keep you posted on the timeline through our email newsletter and social channels. Our team is excited to launch a vehicle that promotes a world that runs on sunshine and freedom from the gas or charging station.
How large is Aptera’s trunk? Does a bike fit in the rear cargo space?
Aptera’s rear cargo space is about 32.5 cubic feet, the size of a small hot tub or a large refrigerator, and big enough for 2 adults to sleep in. Here’s an idea of what you can fit inside
Do I need a helmet to operate Aptera since it is classified as an autocycle?
Aptera is technically an enclosed autocycle, so you will not need a helmet in forty-seven states. We are working with our lobbying team to help nudge for change in legislation in the last states with this requirement for drivers under 18, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Preorders and Production
Is financing available?
We are in the process of selecting financing partners— our goal is to offer market competitive rates, and you are always welcome to find your own financial institution if you have a favorite bank or credit union. Our team will keep all Aptera members up to date with the options available at purchase time! Please look out for updates as we near the start of production.
When will Aptera start delivering preordered vehicles?
Once we meet our funding objectives, we will purchase all equipment, tooling, and parts to begin production to ramp up our launch edition as quickly as possible. At that time, we will be able to provide an accurate delivery timeline for our reservation holders. As more information comes our way on the timing, you will be notified through your online Aptera dashboard, available once signed into your account. Until then, your patience, support, and enthusiasm power our solar mobility mission. We hope you’ll follow us and our progress on our social channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. It is exciting to share the road to solar-powered mobility with you.
How does the referral program work?
What are my delivery options?
We will contact customers who have preorder reservations for Aptera with more information about shipping options once production is underway. You can find out an estimate of the current timing in your Aptera member portal, along with configuration information for your vehicle.
Will updating my Aptera’s configuration impact my delivery timeline?
By updating your configuration to a Launch Edition, you will not lose your place in line. However, if you do change from the launch edition, your vehicle will not be ready until further down the line. You can make changes to your configuration once logged into your Aptera account until contacted to confirm the final selections closer to the date of purchase and delivery!
The goal is to deliver vehicles as closely as we can to the order in which they were placed.
What is the lifetime of Aptera’s battery pack?
Many cells can fail in our pack design before things need to be replaced, and if replacement is needed, you would only need to replace the pack itself. We expect to offer a 10-year warranty on the high-voltage battery pack. The replacement costs will vary, but they should be far less than any other EV, as due to our efficiency, we can achieve the same range with a smaller pack.
We will have exact answers regarding our battery warranty and repair/replacement cost and plan as we get closer to production time.
What is your plan for the start of production? What vehicle will you deliver first?
The first Apterae we plan to produce will be the 400-mile range version Launch Edition vehicle. Timing will depend on factors including your geographical location, vehicle configuration, and reservation date.
Additionally, through the Aptera Accelerator Program, the first 2,000 Launch Edition vehicles produced will be delivered to investors, helping us accelerate the production plan for everyone. Following that, we will deliver to our Paradigm Edition vehicles to their owners. We will provide all Aptera reservation holders with delivery timeframes once we meet our funding objectives and have finalized our regional rollout plan.
Will Aptera produce a right-hand drive (RHD) version?
Will I be notified to finalize my Aptera preorder before production starts?
I have moved locations. How do I update my shipping/delivery address?
How will Aptera be insured? How much will insurance cost?
Aptera is registered and insured as a motorcycle. We are working on partnerships in this area to make it as easy as possible for Aptera drivers to obtain coverage. For companies to quote you, it will take a VIN #— those will become available closer to our production start date! Please stay tuned for more information through our website and email newsletter as this develops.
Will Aptera be available for purchase outside of the U.S.?
Our goal is to sell Aptera worldwide, though it may take some time to be fully certified. As we near the start of production, the timeline, pricing, and delivery details will be announced through your Aptera account page. We encourage you to reserve your spot in line so that you will be one of the first to experience Aptera in your region. Please stay tuned for announcements through our social media channels; you can also subscribe to our email newsletter at the footer of our website.
If I pick up my Aptera from the assembly facility, can I get it sooner?
Accepting delivery at our final assembly facility in San Diego, CA, may allow for earlier delivery, but it is too soon to provide specifics. Our team will contact you to discuss your options that way, you are well informed and can prepare ahead of time.
How tall can I be to fit comfortably in Aptera?
What is Aptera’s Launch Edition?
Aptera’s Launch Edition is the first vehicle we will begin to produce out of our final assembly facility in Carlsbad, California. You can review core specifications here. New and existing pre-order reservation holders can configure their vehicles online to the Launch Edition with the click of a button through the Aptera dashboard. To access your Aptera member dashboard, sign in to your www.aptera.us account and follow this link: https://aptera.us/your-dashboard/.
Do you lose your place in line if you modify your Aptera preorder reservation?
No, you do not. Please feel free to modify your vehicle’s configuration once signed into your Aptera dashboard at https://aptera.us/. You may do so until contacted to confirm the final selections closer to the date of purchase and delivery.
You can view your Aptera order online once logged into your account. Please click My Account on the top right-hand corner of the web page and then select Modify order next to your vehicle order identification number. If you would like to get your vehicle as soon as possible, we encourage you to reserve the Launch Edition Aptera.
How do I reserve an Aptera? Is the fee refundable if I change my mind?
You can reserve your very own Aptera upon creating an Aptera account at aptera.us. After making your account, please sign in, and click the green button Reserve Now.
You will then be prompted to customize your vehicle, click save and continue, and add any upgrades you would like to include in your preorder. After that, you will land on the checkout page. Here, you submit payment info to secure your reservation slot. We accept debit and credit card payments for online preorder reservation fees. This includes American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard.
If anything changes, you can request to cancel your reservation any time by submitting a request online through our Contact Us page.
How much does Aptera cost?
Aptera pricing is between $25,900 to $46,000+ ~ depending on the range and options. You can configure your very own at https://aptera.us/. The exact vehicle price and fees have not been finalized. Until then, check out how much Aptera will save you through our online savings calculator. It pays to use energy responsibly!
Company
What sets us apart?
Aptera has the longest range of any electric vehicle ever created – breaking the 1,000 mile per charge barrier. Integrated solar can be configured to provide up to 40 miles of range per day with over three square meters and 180 efficient solar cells designed into the body structure. This makes the Aptera the first vehicle capable of meeting most daily driving needs with solar power alone. In addition, we have solved key manufacturing challenges allowing for rapid, high-volume and cost-efficient vehicle production – Aptera has just six main pieces.
What is Aptera’s mission?
At Aptera, we believe efficient transportation is crucial to managing our natural resources. With a focus on efficiency, Aptera makes better use of materials in construction and in their use. This saves resources we cannot afford to waste and lessens our overall impact on the planet and each other.
How was Aptera created?
Aptera was created by Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro in an effort to make a better future for the planet possible through more efficient transportation. You can learn more about how Aptera was conceived and launched in this video.
Who founded Aptera?
Hear from our fearless leaders, co-founders and co-CEOs, Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro.
Does Aptera qualify for a federal tax credit?
Spreading our story to any and everyone is our most effective tool to garner more support at the Federal level. We look forward to driving positive change into motion with you as we shift the paradigm.
What is the Aptera Brand Ambassador Program?
Can I invest in Aptera?
Technology
Is Aptera safe?
Aptera has significant safety advantages over other vehicles. Complete with an anti-lock braking system, forward collision warning with the safety pilot package, two airbags, four external cameras, and parking assist. We are designing to meet or exceed all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and use industry-standard testing protocols to ensure reliability and durability.
Our Formula One-inspired safety cell uses advanced Carbon Fiber Sheet Molding Compound (CF-SMC) that is ultra-lightweight and many times stronger than steel, paired with metallic front and rear subframes that absorb energy after impact. We will show our testing and provide Aptera’s safety rating upon passing a production vehicle through the full safety tests.
What are the benefits of a Solar Electric Vehicle?
One of the key features setting Aptera apart from other electric vehicles is our unique combination of solar and electric power to get you where you need to go with less impact on the planet.
Aptera uses the Sun to enhance its range — charging up to 40 miles a day from the solar cells alone when parked outside; this is made possible by Aptera’s aerodynamic design – fundamentally solving significant energy loss from drag. In other words, Aptera only uses 1/3 of the energy of a typical EV, charges more than 3x as fast, and gets 3x more mileage per battery charge.
And for those who drive farther than the sun can take you, not to worry. You can plug in your Aptera to a standard 110V or 220V outlet and achieve 250, 400, 600, or 1,000 miles in range, depending on your battery pack size. Watch our video and learn more about Aptera – a True Zero-Emission Vehicle.
How do you charge Aptera when you need to? Is it solar only?
You can plug Aptera in like any other electric vehicle — Aptera can be charged and travel 250, 400, 600, or 1,000 miles (depending on your battery pack size) by plugging in at home to a standard 110V or 220V outlet. The built-in solar power is a bonus.
We plan for Aptera to be compatible with Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC Fast Charge stations; and to ship the vehicle with a charging adapter so that you can charge it anywhere.
How quickly does Aptera charge?
Our charging infrastructure is stellar. You will achieve up to 40 miles of range per day while outside in the sunlight, trickling down into your battery pack. From a 110V cord, like what you’d charge your cell phone on, you receive about 13 miles an hour, or about 150 miles of charge overnight. At roadside charging stations, you’d likely get about 100 miles in 10 minutes. Once we have final charging specifications, we will be able to provide you with exact charge times based on your battery pack size, home outlets, and amperage available, as well as any onboard chargers we might recommend.
How will Aptera handle repairs?
We’ve revolutionized every aspect of transportation, including repairs and customer service. We are designing Aptera to require very little routine maintenance. Whether it’s you performing the repairs or the auto shop down the street, the documentation provided will be clear and easy to understand. We believe anyone should be able to diagnose and repair their vehicle and will provide all the documentation to do so and make spare parts easy to acquire. Learn about our philosophy in our video.
Additionally, we plan each part to have a unique QR code directing use to online videos and information guides on how to service or repair Aptera’s various systems. We are assembling a network of service technicians who will come to you and fix any issue on the spot through a mobile van service – and working to establish partnerships with service providers with locations far and wide as we get closer to deliveries.
Why is efficiency important?
Efficient transportation is crucial to managing our natural resources. With a focus on efficiency, Aptera makes better use of materials in construction and in their use. This saves resources we cannot afford to waste and lessens our overall impact on the planet and each other.
How many Wh per mile does Aptera use?
Aptera uses 100 Watt Hours (Wh) per mile, a fraction of the energy larger EVs are using to go the same distance.
How will you change a tire on Aptera?
There will be a jack point to lift the vehicle for wheel/ tire repairs. The wheel covers can be removed without unusual tools or special skills in a couple of minutes.
What is the max payload for the cargo area?
Aptera is designed to carry a 500 lbs payload of passengers and cargo, or a max of 300lbs in the rear cargo (if you only have the driver).
What is the full height of the open door?
This may change slightly in production, but it is 6’2″ right now.
What is the width across the front wheels?
Aptera is 87.6″ wide. We realize this may be wider than local regulations permit for some of our global customers and we are working through this process with industry experts to ensure we can make Aptera available in Europe and the UK.
Where are the vents and capabilities of the HVAC system in Aptera?
For production, our complete HVAC system will include the following— windshield and side window defrost, left and right under IP footwell vents, left and right outer corners of IP vents, and the main screen vent system, which will be fully controllable in both temperature and velocity of the airflow. The center venting system was born of our design process and philosophy with roots in intelligent efficiency and radical simplicity in that we had two needs fulfilled by one solution.
What kind of batteries will Aptera use?
Aptera will utilize Eve Energy’s 21700 NMC 811 cylindrical cells in its vehicle’s structural battery packs. These lithium-ion structural battery packs will be produced in San Diego. You can read more by clicking through this link.
What kind of technology do you have to protect Aptera from damage?
Aptera is equipped with two ultra-sonic parking assist sensors on the nose of the vehicle that will detect obstacles and protect the wheel pants from damage so that you can adjust in tight places to provide enough support for the driver to maneuver comfortably. Additionally, the front and rear bumpers on the wheel pants are made of high-energy absorbing, impact-resilient, closed-cell foam in case of any impact shock.
Performance
How does Aptera handle in the snow and cold weather?
With all-wheel-drive and vectorized torque control, Aptera handles beautifully in the snow and ice. Aptera will have a full climate control system capable down to -20 and up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Aptera will be equipped with defroster grids, and our sandwich core composite body offers great insulation and a nice heater, making it very comfortable to drive in the winter.
Additionally, according to our calculations, even the most dreary places would average about 8,000 miles of solar “free-charging” per year. In the winter they may not get a lot of sun, but in the summertime, these regions have even longer hours of sunlight. For most people in the world, 8,000 miles of free charging is a game-changer.
What tire size do you expect to use on Aptera?
We are using a standard 16” tire size that you can get winter tires for anywhere.
Do the solar panels charge while driving?
Yes. The vehicle is charging while driving now. The charge rate is just less than the rate that it is consuming, hence, it’s not a perpetual motion machine.
What are the advantages of all-wheel-drive?
Adding a third motor on the rear wheel allows for improved performance, handling, and traction. Those are the key value-adds for paying for the third motor. It is better for driving and handling in snowy, off-road, or icy conditions. The additional regenerative braking capability is a bonus with a third motor, but it is not the driving factor.
How will Aptera handle speed bumps?
Not to worry – Aptera will be able to go over speed bumps. Our wheels can take a pounding, and there is much less weight on them when compared to a typical EV. The wheel covers have EVA foam at the bottom, a high-energy absorbing and closed-cell foam in case of any impact shock. The vehicle’s 5″ ground clearance and good entry and exit angles on wheel covers will be able to handle speed bumps and potholes! The exact vehicle specifications will be shared nearing production once the design is locked down.
What is the curb-to-curb turning diameter of Aptera?
The curb-to-curb turning diameter of Aptera is 37.5 ft (11.4 m).
What is Aptera’s top speed?
Aptera has a top speed of 101 mph (162.5 kph). 0-60 mph in our all-wheel-drive version clocks in at roughly four seconds, and front-wheel-drive as fast as six seconds. We have our production VCU and have added a number of exciting features, including Launch Mode. Listen in as powertrain intern Bastian Mager goes over the details in the video below:
Accelerator Program
What is the Aptera Accelerator Program?
Through the Aptera Accelerator Program, the first 2,000 Launch Edition vehicles produced will be prioritized for early deliveries to investors who participate in the new program — between January 27, 2023, and until the 2,000th slot is filled, anyone who invests $10,000 or more at invest.aptera.us will be added to our leaderboard and become an Aptera Accelerator.
The investor with the largest total investment (all time) will receive the first delivery slot in the queue. The remaining 1,999 reservation slots will be prioritized according to investment amounts (all time). Everyone can continue to add to their investments while the program is running to move their position on the leaderboard up.
If you do not wish to participate in the accelerator program, you may still invest at invest.aptera.us.
Learn more about the program from our Co-CEO, Chris Anthony, in the video below. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
What’s the purpose of the Accelerator Program?
We want to deliver solar mobility to the world as quickly as possible. Our Launch Edition vehicle is only one of many future products that will make the world a better place. We are working on closing our Series B2 round, and we have many great conversations underway with large investors. However, this process takes time. Once funded, we expect it will be 12 months until production of our first vehicle commences. Without funding, we anticipate our timelines will continue to be pushed back. Our community has always been our biggest asset and we’re asking our order holders and other supporters to now help us to accelerate our growth.
If we can raise $20-50 million to execute on the first phase of our production plan, it will help tremendously. We expect our use of proceeds to include capital expenditures such as equipment and tooling and assisting in completing the requirements for obtaining the grant.
Does my investment in the Accelerator Program pay for the vehicle?
No, the cost of vehicle purchase is not included.
Where do investors in the Accelerator Program take delivery of one of the first 2,000 vehicles?
All customers must take delivery of their vehicle at our headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.
What are the perks of joining the Accelerator Program?
If you have invested $10,000 previously, you are eligible for a 5% discount (up to $2,500 value) toward the final purchase price of an Aptera and a $100 coupon to waive an Aptera vehicle reservation fee. New investors that participate in the Accelerator Program will also qualify for these investor perks limited to one discount and coupon per individual investor.
Additionally, in recognition of your commitment to the future, all 2,000 members of the Accelerator program will be receiving a special gift: a limited-edition hardcover book about producing the first Apterae, featuring CAD and design images from the development of the vehicle. Each book will be serialized to match the Accelerator program and will be part of the unique signifiers of the first 2,000 vehicles.
Investors who participate in the Accelerator program and contribute over $15,000 will be awarded a branded Aptera adventure bag, ready to fill up with essential items for their solar-powered journey. $25,000+ investors will receive the adventure bag and branded Aptera Accelerator jackets.
The first 2,000 vehicles we will produce as part of the Accelerator program will be the Launch Edition vehicle (400-mile range vehicle – Launch Edition spec sheet here) and these vehicles will have unique signifiers that will set them apart from the rest — as they are the first vehicles to come off of the production line.
Can I transfer multiple investments incrementally while the Accelerator Program is active to reach the minimum $10,000 investment?
Yes, you can invest in small amounts over time through your invest.aptera.us account to reach the $10,000 between January 27th and when the program ends. We will sum them all up and display the total on the leaderboard as they are received (it takes about 1-3 business days to update leaderboard totals after the investment acquisition date)
*Please note, you will not be entering the leaderboard until you’ve invested the full $10,000 amount.
Sustainability
What makes Aptera so efficient?
Watch this video to see efficiency explained.
How does Aptera get up to 40 miles of solar charge per day?
Depending on where you live and how your vehicle is configured, some drivers can get up to 40 miles of range per day powered by the sun. Our Co-CEO Steve Fambro explains the science behind this engineering innovation from the team at Aptera.
What makes Aptera so efficient?
Most vehicles today waste more than 65% of their energy at highway speeds due to aerodynamic drag. Aptera’s unique body shape allows it to slip through the air using far less energy than any other vehicle on the road. Mile for mile, we burn 70% less energy than the average EV. Aptera puts over 90% of its battery pack’s energy into propelling itself with regenerative braking further improving range.
What is Aptera’s drag coefficient?
The vehicle is made of lightweight composites that are many times stronger than steel, allowing its unique body shape to slip through the air with an unheard-of drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.13.
What is Aptera’s MPGe?
Imagine going to the pump and filling up 1.2 gallons into your vehicle and then traveling 400 miles. That’s what our 42kWh Launch Edition battery can do.
Investments
How do I invest in Aptera Motors?
You can easily invest in our offering online using our secure investment portal, or by navigating to our offering listed on Republic.co – to invest directly using our investment portal, please take the following steps:
- Navigate to our investment portal
- Complete the investor registration questionnaire, including selecting a payment method and investment amount
- Read the Subscription Agreement, Customer Agreement and ACH Agreement (if paying via ACH)
- Type your full legal name to sign the Subscription Agreement
- Click “Complete Your Investment”
- Welcome to the Aptera Motors investor community!
How can I get more information about Aptera Motors and the offering?
You can view our offering circular at the link below. We recommend you read it before investing:
Link to Offering Circular (Dated August 10, 2023)
Link to Offering Circular (Dated August 29, 2022)
Link to latest 253(g)(2) Filing (Dated December 9, 2022)
Let us know if you have any additional questions.
What is the price per share?
The price per share is $10.50 in this offering.
Is there a minimum and maximum investment amount?
The minimum individual investment is $1,000, which is equivalent to approximately 109 shares at the current share price.
Please note, there is also a limit on how much non-accredited investors can invest, which is up to 10% of your income or net worth, whichever is greater. There is no limit for accredited investors.
What happens after I complete the online investment process?
Investment payments are processed by our Escrow Agent, Prime Trust. Prime Trust will be the name that appears on ACH and Credit Card statements.
ACH and Credit Card transactions can take 1-2 business days to process. You will receive an email notification from invest@aptera.us when your funds are received.
Once funds are received, it can take up to 1-2 weeks to process your investment completely.
In some instances, we may reach out to you requesting additional information in order to verify your identity & finish processing your investment, which may increase the overall processing time.
Once your investment has been fully processed and confirmed, you will receive an Investment Confirmation email with your Signed Subscription Agreement and Ceremonial Certificate. You are officially an investor in Aptera Motors only when you receive this email.
If a couple of weeks pass by and you do not receive an Investor Confirmation email with your Signed Subscription Agreement and Ceremonial Certificate, please email us at invest@aptera.us. We may still require additional information from you in order to process your investment fully. We recommend you check your spam folder first for any email communications!
What is Aptera?
Aptera is the world’s most technologically advanced solar vehicle thanks to a combination of battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing.
Why invest in Aptera Motors?
As the world adapts to accept more electric vehicles, there’s no better time to invest in this booming industry. Especially with initiatives like the California zero-emissions vehicle executive order, the time is now to invest in solar energy vehicles.
How many shares are being offered?
We are offering a maximum number of 13,157,894 shares of Class B Common Stock.
How will proceeds from this offering be used?
The net proceeds of a fully subscribed offering, after total offering expenses and commissions, will be approximately $46,250,000. Aptera Motors plans to use the net proceeds as follows:
- $20,812,500 will go towards Development and Design
- $15,262,500 will go towards Production & Equipment
- $10,175,000 will go towards Selling, General & Administrative expenses
Will I be able to sell/transfer my shares?
Currently there is no market of liquidity for Regulation A+ shares. As an investor in a private company, you typically receive a return on your investment under the following two scenarios:
1.The company gets acquired by another company.
2.The company goes public (undergoes an initial public offering on the NASDAQ, NYSE, or another exchange).
When does the offering close?
The offering will terminate at the earlier of: (1) the date at which the maximum offering amount has been sold, (2) the date which is one year from this offering being qualified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or (3) the date at which the offering is earlier terminated by the company at its sole discretion.
Do I need to be an accredited investor to invest?
No, the offering is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept payments using a Visa, Mastercard, Bank Account (ACH), Wire, Check, and IRA.
There are no fees in order to complete your investment.
Do I need to be a US citizen to invest?
Our offering is open to both U.S. citizens and residents as well as international investors.
How can I contact the company?
You can contact our support team at aptera.us/contact-us. Please select “Investment Support” from the drop-down.