daniel-crotty
Forum Replies Created
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I bought my current car in SC and I live in PA (in 2011). The price was unbelievably less. Anyway, I had to research it.
Prior to the purchase, I informed the dealer that I was a PA resident. Had I paid the SC sales tax, I WOULD have had to pay a 2nd time when I registered it in PA. Which, you cannot do until you have the title. I doubt SC would have been in any hurry to refund the money. Maybe I would have had to file a SC tax return.
It was not a problem The dealer knew exactly what was needed. I drove down, wrote a check and was on my way home.
The thing is, Make SURE you and Aptera know this ahead of time. As I recall, I was issued a 30 day temp tag. I do not recall if I had to do that in Pa, or if the Dealer took care of it in SC. Aptera should be aware of this and be able to properly handle it. It has been mention previously. That does not mean they actually followed up on it. You need too Confirm. Im sure any CAL dealer can answer the question.
An OFFICIAL Answer from Aptera would be nice. Not just an forum post. A page on the website! Find it among the multitude of posts in the forum may be challenging.
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I mis-read the comment about Chris’ comment. They said steering/tilt. NOT with telescoping.
KEEP THIS thread alive!
To me, it is a rather big issue and As Jason himself said, an off the shelf part, so it should be easily resolved as well.
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Cool!
We can put this topic to bed!
I did think that I had heard someone say it was included previously, so was not happy to hear Jason’s comment. To be fair, he did say he would have to check it.
Regardless, I think that this discussion has/had value. It is no longer an issue and will not emerge to be a huge disappointment. And it is documented!
Maybe Steve can confirm on the next video.
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Today 11/16 on the Aptera Owners Club video with Jason, it was said that he does not believe that this a telescoping yolk is included.
Speaking for many people that have short arms for their body height, this is a mistake if true. Go get in your car, adjust the seat, etc. so that you are nice and comfy. Then lean forward about 3 inches and grip the yolk. Imagine making a long trip in this position. Believe me it is not pleasant. Even with this feature, my arms are totally extended to properly grip the steering wheel. I suspect that there are many of us who have the opposite problem and the device pushes their mid-section.
What equipment is most interfaced with by a driver! The seat, the gas pedal, and the Steering wheel. Get those right!
I EXPECT this as a feature in any current car, including Aptera. If you want to make it optional, fine. But just not having it is to not acceptable and we need to speak up. Yes! I do understand that most of you may not have an issue with this. But your car most likely comes with it. There may be other drivers in your family who need it.
It De-Values the automobile. My 1964 Corvette had one and probably every car that I have owned since. I expect both (tilt and telescope) and was under the impression that both of these are to be included.
SO… SPEAK UP NOW! This should be like the no Fast Charging issue, quickly recognized as an issue and quickly resolved. BEFORE it is too late to remedy!
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I replied to this long ago. While I do want the security option, I asked that at a minimum, they prepare for it now.
There should be a place for any extra cameras so they can simply be screwed in and attach a wire. I really prefer that it be a built-in solution that uses the existing display, and I don’t have one more dangle obstruction my view. But that should be mostly a software thing.
Video storage (an SSD) may be needed, so where will it go. Instead of having us fish wire, makeshift space and whatever else, think about that now. Actually, think about in many months ago when this topic was first raised.
It’s a bit late now, isn’t it. Then, many just say leave them alone so they can get the first one out the door. There is a price to pay for that too.
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What if they make a “Dummy” test version that can be downloaded to a NOT IPhone 🤓
Obviously, not the final app, but the functions can be faked. Start getting some feedback now instead of waiting till delivery.
What about people who don’t use a SmartPhone! What then! Seems like you will be required to provide one as an accessory. And the monthly phone fees!
And! While the “Card” initially sounds like a good idea, what about taking the magnetic encoding on the card, enclose it into some plastic, and you got a FOB, no battery required. Especially since I have a house key. Put it on the same key ring. One does not have to tote along their wallet or purse.
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I was so hoping this was a dead discussion!
But, I do want to point out one thing. Somehow, everyone seems to be thinking that the wrap is going to cost 3K. That is the figure you get with a Google search on wrapping a Coupe. I don’t think you want to wrap the solar panels (or back window), or the underside.
I do not know the following:
1: The area to be wrapped
2: The cost of materials said area and application
3: Aptera may get some volume discount which can be passed on to owners
I suspect that many people’s views may change if a new wrap is 1.5k, or less.
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Assuming that you have 2 EV’s, driving at constant 70mph on the highway. Is a 2 wheel version more efficient than 3 wheel?
My first thought seemed to be obviously 2. But the more I think about it, it seems that while you are using 3 motors, each is having to do less work. Totaled up the same amount of battery should be being used.
There is the extra weight issue. But it seems that 2 motor version has to “run harder”, so I am not sure how much that extra weight is an affect.
Seems to me that while 3 motors may lose, it would not be by much. And in the long run, the motors may have a longer life span due to not having to work as hard.
I do NOT claim this to be true.
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Sometimes, I think I must be writing in Russian. People’s responses are to something other than the “point”. Thanks for point to it.
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For those Purchasers of Aptera who DO NOT live in California!
I live in Pa but purchased my current car in SC. Luckily, I realized that I was going to be charged SC sales tax. Then, when I registered the car in PA, they were going charge me sales tax again to get the car registered.
“In most cases, you will pay the sales tax based on where you live, not where you buy the car. However, you’ll need temporary registration from the state of purchase to drive it home, so you’ll have to deal with two Department of Motor Vehicles offices or similar state vehicle agencies.”
1: Get a temporary license from your home state (usually it is a 30-day permit, but check)
2: Make sure your new Aptera is covered by your Auto Insurance
3: When you make it home, complete the process. Register, inspect, license plates, etc.
Here is the big one.
4: MAKE SURE you DO NOT pay California Sales Tax! Imagine trying to get it back.
The main reason that I bring this up is to ensure Aptera is properly handling this in the sales process. Sure, they should know, especially if the car is being shipped. But you don’t want to get there and have to fight it out.
I say this PRIMARILY for the Aptera people that will be handling sales, but also because most people have not experienced this situation. So, if you are a person at Aptera, please respond so we know all is well or that you have passed the information along.
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I was just watching a YouTube video by Transport Evolved ( Older Electric Cars Are Out Of Warranty – And That’s A Problem Nobody Wants To Discuss – YouTube )
It made me once again wonder about this. Yes, I would expect to not need this for many years. Still, it will happen sooner or later. Hopefully, by that time, the batteries and pack designes will be even better. The story seems to be, replacing an out of warranty can cost as much as the value of the car, so it is off to the junk yard with it. Bolt, Volt, Leaf, etc. are either there or getting there.
I would like to think that the Aptera process is as simple as undoing some bolts and connections, out with the old, in with the new, and you are done. Yeah, lifting the car, etc. But a simple process.
What if it’s just a few batteries gone bad? Will the entire pack need junked?
I would like to see some Aptera personnel address this, or at least some knowledgable person. Hopefully, the Right to Repair has already addressed this. I would like to see a short YouTube on the topic. If it is not an issue, then start broadcasting it as it is a big feature Plus for sales.
Of course, a reply here as well.
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Does a Plug (or 2) for a Plug-In battery make sense? The plug should take up little if any of the cargo space. It doesn’t have to be a plug. It could be a slot where you slide in the battery and it touches + & – contacts, like most battery accessories. It may fit into that carve out in the cargo area. Wherever it best fits. Maybe there is usable space in the cargo sides or up front.
I just think it would be nice should there be a range miscalculation. Call home or wherever, get a charged one and get an emergency XX miles to make it to a charging station. It may even trigger a warning light any time one is plugged in.
Alternatively, it just adds a few miles to the range if you are heading out for a longer trip, though I doubt this would be used often, if ever. More like would be to plug a charged one in only when needed.
It seems to be that it would be in relatively close proximity to the battery pack. So, some additional cooling should be doable if it’s needed.
Obviously, I do not know the engineering on this, or cost, or battery size. It is WAY too late for the current Launch, but …. they are already going to need some change for Fast Charging. Maybe this can be tacked on easily.
It kind of reminds me of the ooold VW bug emergency gas tank.
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My recent inspection made me wonder about this.
Seems to me like no on the Oil, so no oil and filter changes. Or Air filter!
What about a Lub & coolant? I guess that are still be needed.
Anything else? The emission tests should be gone too 🙂
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To me it’s close to Orca now. But yeah! In fact, were you to go searching, some time back I mentioned the possibility of a Shark fin on the top, but not as a serious ask. Maybe just on the trunk part Can it be done without a big hit on the coefficient of drag? I do not think I would put one on my Aptera, but someone may. However, it would not surprise me that someone designs exactly that as a 3d party add on. Maybe some shark teeth too on the wrap.
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What about letting people submit designs for an Aptera Wrap! Maybe the top 3 get their design free.
Publish some images for people use as a base and perhaps a page where they can be viewed.
My first thought was a Zebra pattern, although suspect I may not like it once seen.
I would like to see what people create, even if it is not an option to purchase.
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Recent posts raised another point that I keep forgetting to ask.
Say you want to drive on the interstate at 70mpg. 2wd is going to be an X energy drain. Throw on another motor and that goes up. But now you are driving with 3 instead of two, so one would think that all 3 have to work less.
So, are you actually taking that big energy hit? I am guessing that there is more drain, but it may not be as big as people are thinking. Ignore the “more weight” or address it. There has also some talk about having 3wd and having the 3d turned off.
Anyone know? humm… may be a new post for this. People may never see this or replies.
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I have a similar post I want CAR CAMERAS The point is …..
Design for it now and not have Backers cramming stuff in !
Are the wires included in those wiring packages from (forgot the name of the company)?
If there is an additional screen, where will it go? I would think not a new screen, but accessed if needed from the large one, or an app.
Where will the cameras be? Let’s have some pre-designed aerodynamic spots. Do you prefer to have to cut holes in the body in order to put in a 3d party set of cameras.
That does NOT mean that it has to be included day 1, but, when it is available, it should be a minimal install.
As Mark said today “Properly done, this should not be an expensive thing to do, and it would
be totally in keeping with Aptera’s across-the-board intelligent
design.” Installing it in next year to a this year car, probably not so much! The biggest problem should be the software. -
I like the Weathertech option if Aptera is not going to do something similar.
On my current car, I have a rubberish cargo tray and mats. The first week after purchase, I went to the grocery store. Loading my goodies into the trunk, a bottle of chocolate milk was cracked and gave way. Milk, much less chocolate, does tend to be something you don’t want in your carpet. I was soo freaking glad to be able to pick that tray up and dump the milk before trying to drive home and do a proper cleaning.
Big proponent of the cargo tray.
I would think that smaller multiples would be an advantage. Flip them over if you want to sleep on them. PASS this on to Weathertech, else I suspect they may just make one big one. This also has the advantage that you don’t have to cover the entire area. On row across the should do in most cases.
The same goes for the foot carpets, especially if you live in snow area. I would think that people around the beach would want them for the same reasons.
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OK! If you have any doubts about the need for Cameras
Confronting Neighbor Who Keyed My Tesla! Cops Called!! – YouTube
Do you think our Aptera will be less likely to get Keyed because it costs less!
ADD the cameras! At least have an option.
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LEAVE MY QUIET car alone or, make it even more quiet! I don’t even want the noise to alert people I’m coming. That extra noise is a health hazard to my ears.
I’m ok with giving the people a watch that beeps or vibrates if a car is coming. A little signal to the watch that intensifies the closer you are to the running car.
If you really want noise, do what Hyundai did (or so I read). They play engine sounds over the speaker on a Veloster. At least that way its only your own hearing that is being ruined.
Quiet is a HUGE benefit of Aptera. You can put a glass-pack muffler on it, but it would not make it any quieter, or louder.
Imagine! Sitting on a NY City street and hear the children playing.
If I could just get a legal limit the volume on the Sound systems … !
Now, about those horns 🙂
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After reading almost all this chat, it comes down to $$$$$
Over the 10 or whatever yrs how much is a re-wrapping going to cost?
If its 3K every 2-3 yrs, that is a lot. But then, we don’t know how much a re-wrap will cost. How much surface area is wrapped? Blah! Blah! Blah! I DO NOT KNOW! It sure sounds like no one else does.
What we need is Aptera Engineering Input! Better yet, a short video that answers questions (Ambassador meeting).
Also, remember you do not have to replace an entire wrap. If you get a scratch, one piece needs to be replaced.
I don’t know — if there is a base color, as in a paint base coat or embedded pigment — A clear wrap over that should look great and cheaper than a repaint.
My preference — I would like a wrap if the recurring cost doesn’t eat up all my savings. I had considered putting one on the front of my car to help with those chip creating rocks.
I may even like to see the composite pattern (if there is one) through a clear wrap. But again, I don’t know.
Let’s hear from the guys who are deciding.
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People seem to be making points with little to no actual data to make decisions!
What is the area to be covered? What is the Cost? Life expectancy?
I would think area and there for cost is less than most other cars. If it is half that of the average car, one would think the cost would be more than half less. So, until we have more information, everyone is just tossing spitballs.
It would be nice if the Aptera personnel, at some point, jump in and give us a “best at this time guess”, some actual feedback and Facts to form opinions. We know the damage Alternate Facts create.
Personally, if I can afford it, paint it or embed the colors, and wrap it. The wrap protects the paint. It may not even have to be a high-quality paint. Maybe just a white base color, so that 500M paint shop not required. Ideally, the color in the composite. My vast experience in this area adds up to Zero + a Google search. Obviously, I am an expert.
If Cal prevents quality paint, paint parts in Detroit and ship it to Cal for assembly. There was already some talk about some such thing.
When those bouncing rocks have chipped the front, and you know they will, it may be time for a new Frunk wrap. Or that long scratch someone mentioned, OK, a couple of hundred to wrap a side.
If … it’s going to cost me 3K every 3 years for a new wrap, that is a different story. I think I would pass on that.
A last word! I do agree. Do NOT deliver a deficient product else you may be producing a new version of the Ford Pinto.
Reputation is earned. Rarely is it repaired.
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One does not have to be 6’6 to have this as an issue. I am 5’10, but the length of my arms does not make for a career in the NBA. About 2 inches shorter than average. This is a big deal for me.
However, I have ranted about it long enough to know that it is not going to happen. It is especially irksome since we are talking about a Currently existing off the shelf part. There is Nothing to be developed. It is, get the part and use it. I had one in my 1965 Corvette. Not exactly new technology. Anyone who says it isn’t available is, let’s say not well informed.
And it should be Standard in ALL models, including and especially on the Investors models. You know. The people who threw in the extra money!
As an absolute minimum, make it an option that I can select.
Unfortunately, there are those who fear it will cause a massive delay in achieving production. And others who it does not affect. And the decision has been made. It would be nice if we saw a similar response we saw to Fast charging. But people do have to speak up.
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Thank you Romad. I was biting my tongue to not reply!
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Aptera personnel said that, in support of Right to Repair, their design philosophy is to make it so that DIY buyers can do maintenance themselves. No “special” tools required, things are easy to access, etc. That doesn’t guarantee everything! It is a design philosophy. I do not expect to have a “lift” in my garage. I do believe I can electrocute myself easily. So, a mechanic will be involved.
What is going to be involved to replace a battery pack? The design should be such that it should be a relatively easy process. Not, buy a new car because it’s cheaper.
Watch that YouTube link that Inserted in my remark. We don’t want to experience the same situation.
I am saying this because, how many people can be scared away by posts like this. Let’s get some good info out there, assuming there is a good response.
I am not expecting it to be as simple as the systems the just exchange a low battery for a charged one. Still, the process should be as quick and simple as possible.