Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Aptera?

Aptera will create the most efficient transportation on the planet. We achieve this by leveraging breakthroughs in battery efficiency, aerodynamics, material science, and manufacturing.

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. We are an efficiency-obsessed brand offering an array of safe, comfortable, and fun-to-drive vehicles. Through innovation and intelligent efficiency, we pride ourselves on our creative solutions to problems previously thought impossible.

What is Aptera made of?

Aptera’s specialized composite structure is 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.

How does the referral program work?

Once you “sign up” and create an account at  https://aptera.us/, you will receive a custom referral link that will be accessible on your Aptera Member dashboard. Here is how to locate your unique referral link once signed into your account:
– Click “My Account”
– Then, click on the “Referrals” tab
You will find your link that can be copied and shared with friends to reserve their Aptera! They will receive a 30% discount on the $100 deposit, and you will receive one referral point for each person that places a reservation with your link. Please note, that only after configuring their Aptera will a 30% discount be applied. Please refer to the Referral Dashboard for more information, terms, and conditions.

Is there any safety between the cabin space and the cargo area?

In the rear cargo, Aptera will have six tie-downs — four for separation between the cargo area and the seats. We also plan to offer a high-strength cargo net and dividers to shield the luggage space and the cabin. There are plenty of aftermarket possibilities to explore as well.

What is the expected vehicle warranty?

The first 100 Apterae will get special treatment, but after that, we will have a fairly standard warranty. Comparable to that of any modern electric vehicle. We expect to offer a 10-year warranty on the high-voltage battery pack. Warranty information will be released on our website nearing the start of production, and we encourage you to subscribe to our email newsletter at the footer of our website to stay up-to-date with all announcements.

Preorders

Will Aptera be available in Europe?

Our goal is to sell Aptera worldwide everywhere possible. Our first three-wheel vehicle may not meet every global market’s requirement— we have an EU homologation and certification expert working with us to investigate minor model changes and help streamline the process as much as possible to meet the earliest production deliveries. We are still preparing for U.S. deliveries— we hope to begin international deliveries shortly after. Please follow our social media handles @aptera_motors and subscribe to our email newsletter for updates.

We encourage you to reserve your spot and help bring Aptera to your region even sooner. You can reserve your very own Aptera at https://aptera.us/

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.

What type of vehicles will Aptera offer in the future?

We will focus on aerodynamic, lightweight vehicles with efficient powertrains. And those will likely not look like standard passenger cars. We will expand to more seats and wheels over time, always ensuring our vehicles exceed the highest safety and performance standards.

When will Aptera start delivering preordered vehicles?

The Aptera team has been hard at work in our final development phase, Delta. Our goal is to begin production in late 2023. We are stepping into a 10,000-per-year production plan, which will ramp slowly. This strategic approach keeps the company well-capitalized and decreases the risk of high warranty costs.

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 path to production with you.

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?

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!

We will optimize order delivery and early adopter satisfaction, by announcing that certain configurations will be made first, such as the 400-mile range battery pack. The goal is to deliver vehicles as closely as we can to the order in which they were placed. 

How often should I expect to replace the 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 our packs are smaller for a given range.

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 production rollout plan? What configuration will you make and deliver first?

The first Apterae we plan to produce will be the 400-mile range version Launch Edition vehicle. Timing (or your reservation slot number) will depend on factors including – your geographical location, vehicle’s configuration, and reservation date. Additionally, through the Aptera Accelerator Program, the first 2,000 Launch Edition vehicles produced during the first few months of production will be prioritized for early deliveries to investors for us to accelerate the production plan for everyone, then our 350 Paradigm members.

We will share a delivery timeframe or approximate position in the delivery queue for all Aptera preorder reservation holders once we meet our funding objectives and have finalized our regional rollout plan. We are in the business of doing the once-thought impossible and are committed to bringing solar mobility to life. It would not be possible without the strong and passionate community behind us and the sun that powers our movement. The road for solar mobility is paved, and we are a team of innovators and pioneers who are not afraid to challenge the status quo to change the world for the betterment of humanity.

Will Aptera produce a right-hand drive (RHD) version?

Yes, we will be developing right-hand drive versions for necessary international markets. Our goal is to begin international deliveries in 2024.

Will I be notified to finalize my Aptera preorder before production starts?

Yes! Aptera’s team will contact you closer to delivery time, by email and phone, to confirm your solar electric vehicle’s final configuration and provide you with a clearer estimate of your Aptera’s delivery timing. In the meantime, you can modify your order online once signed into your account. Please be on the lookout for updates on delivery timing through your Aptera dashboard online.
We aim to deliver vehicles as closely as we can to the date by which they were made, though many factors are involved with the start of production and scaling quickly to meet our initial delivery goals.

I have moved locations. How do I update my shipping/delivery address?

If you have moved recently, or have an upcoming move planned, here are the steps to updating your home address:
1. Log in to your Aptera.us account
2. Under “Your Dashboard”, click “Edit Profile”
3. Review the current address on file, and update if needed! Click “Save” after changes are made

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.

When will you begin delivering internationally?

Our goal is to sell Aptera worldwide, though it may take some time to be fully certified. Just like the universal nature of the sun, our movement is for everyone– not just someone. Updates to 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?

We checked ergonomically our seating design to meet the 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female to sit comfortably in the vehicle. We look forward to providing Aptera preorder reservation holders with the opportunity to sit in our production vehicles. We think you will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of space once you do. 

What is Aptera’s Launch Edition?

Aptera’s Launch Edition is the first vehicle we will begin to produce out of San Diego, California. Read more about its core specifications here. New and existing pre-order reservation holders can reconfigure their vehicles online to the Launch Edition with the click of a button through the Aptera dashboard.

You can access your Aptera member dashboard (or portal) once signed into your www.aptera.us account by following 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.

Company

Why are we different?

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 over 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.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 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.

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?

As you may have heard, 2 and 3-wheeled vehicles do not qualify for the federal tax credit. But not to worry— we have a team in D.C. working hard to fix this. In the coming weeks, you will hear from the Aptera team about how you can help. Spreading our story to any and everyone is our most effective tool to garner more support at the Federal level.
Because Aptera is in pre-production, time is on our side. By harnessing the power of the sun, our solar mobility is a cleaner and more eco-friendly way to move around. We are confident that we will be able to show Congress that our 3-wheeled sEV allows drivers to lessen their carbon footprint more than any other EV on the market, and therefore, Aptera should qualify.
Please look out for announcements from the team through our email newsletter and social channels @aptera_motors. We’ll also keep you informed on tax credits specific to your state.

What is the Aptera Brand Ambassador Program?

Aptera’s Brand Ambassador Program is 750+ members strong. As an Aptera Brand Ambassador, you join a community that speaks to the many reasons to drive a solar electric vehicle — rooted in efficiency. Each ambassador is core to our mission. Our Ambassadors join teams including events, communications, and government relations. The members attend events in their regions worldwide to promote Aptera, raise brand awareness, meet with groups about our goal to transform the world driven by the power of the sun, and run our Reddit forum (to name a few!) — if you’d like to apply and become a part of our movement, you may reach out to ambassador@aptera.us.
Read about one of our very own Ambassadors, Len Nowak, and his journey in the spotlight below.

Can I invest in Aptera?

You can sign up to invest in Aptera using one of the following platforms (or both) —
The time is now to be a part of Aptera’s movement and invest in solar electric vehicles — join us in bringing solar mobility to life.

Technology

How efficient is Aptera?

Watch this video to see efficiency explained.

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 can 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. We can burn 30% of the energy the average EV does to go the same distance. Aptera puts over 90% of its battery pack’s energy into propelling itself with regenerative braking to add 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 .13.

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. See for yourself at minute 1:37 in the video below:

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 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.

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.