michael-rennick
Forum Replies Created
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The Aptera: The Future
1 – responsibility – lower footprint, adaptable and repairable vehicles
2 – accessible – bringing electrified vehicles to underrepresented groups
3 – inspirational – it looks like it came from 50 years in the future
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I wonder what kind of cargo retention options will arise after the Aptera is released. I know it was mentioned that the trunk floor will be removable for additional storage, but I could see cargo nets or even maybe a subdivided panel being valuable. Maybe not immoderately, but down the road, there are all kinds of thing that can be done with this space.
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For those asking for clearer pics I hope these help. I think the car looks great in Luna! I appreciate the video that was put together. It’s not the first artistic car video that’s been put out there. I think it did a good job capturing the values of Aptera.
For those who are critical or wanted more technical detail, I’d ask you to be patient. We are being allowed a view into the very early stages of the development of these cars. We are seeing how the sausage is made. Very few of us even knew the typical development cycle for a new vehicle or what the difference was between an Alpha or a Beta prototype before Aptera took us behind the curtain. How many established automakers allow this kind of early look and have open feedback channels during the development cycle?
All that said, we are one step closer to cars on the market and in our driveways.
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Lou, it has been noticed. I am one of the brand ambassadors and we are starting an initiative to reach out to a number of organizations to see if we can address this diversity question. Just looking at the ambassador ranks, as an example, we are over 90% male.
The groups that will be the initial focus are Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I have been lucky enough to work with each of these organizations in one form or another throughout my engineering career. They are reputable and long lasting orgs. The intent is to offer to discuss Aptera’s mission with them and to see if we can recruit some student to join the ambassador
Why focus on students and these organizations? I think the Aptera could be a great first car for a college graduate. They can use a reasonably priced, low maintenance, hyper efficient two seater with lots of cargo space. Seems like a great area to build interest. The organizations above cover a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Hopefully that will help us grow interest in a wider spectrum of folks.
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It was great to see the forward storage area. There is a good bit of space up there. I’m also interested to see what kind of storage ends up under the flat panel of the rear storage area. I’m sure it will all change a bit as we get closer to production.
The car seemed to do fairly well out in the wild, even if it is an Alpha. Kept up with traffic and did all the car things.
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None of those mentioned, but we own a classic Mini. It revolutionized lightweight car design while maximizing passenger space.
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Aptera has released its latest Makers Series video. It’s fantastic. The focus is on the body/composite engineers who are helping to make the car a reality.
Back in a previous role I led a team of composite engineers at a major airline. I really appreciate the work that is going on at Aptera and the challenges that Anusha and John must be facing. These two fit the mold (ha – composites joke there) of a good composites engineer. Creative and determined to get it right.
I wish more people understood the craft needed to get a good composites product. There are so many variables to keep track of and so many ways it can go wrong, but when it goes right they are amazing materials to work with.
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The article as a whole was fairly positive. I wouldn’t be too bothered by concerns that they raised. The AC system is an open question. I have my own concerns about belly cooling efficiencies while sitting in stop and go traffic here in Atlanta in August. It’s going to be a challenge.
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Polly – for polliwog – The car kind of looks like one and it is the first step in the transformation of the frog. Much like the Aptera is a first step.
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I’m more than happy to make the drive from SAN to ATL, if that is what it takes.
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Ideally, I hope the initial focus is on robust design and high levels of reliability. That said, the following would be nice:
Vehicle to home power transfer
Valet/teenager mode that limits speed, acceleration (I have a 14 year old)
A nice sound system
Good backup cameras and top down view for parking
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I’d recommend attending local, and regional, events when able. Aptera has done a great job building up grass roots support. Keep pushing that. Show up at a cars and coffee types of events on the random.
Here in Atlanta we have the largest event of that type.
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Like many, I followed the first iteration of Aptera with interest. I’m an aerospace engineer and the design ticked all the boxes. I’m also bored with the traditional three box design and this car is really pushing the concepts of what is achievable and practical.
I’ve loved cars, planes, spacecraft and basically anything that moves since a young age. I still have my first car, a 68 Mustang that I purchased when I was 16 in 1990. I like fun cars so I have a Mitsubishi Evolution VIII that we’ve had since new and a classic Mini that I work on for stress relief and drive for fun. I think the Aptera will fit right in with that group.
I’m rooting for Aptera’s success. The engineering seems sound. I’m hopeful that it can be refined for reliability and meet its goals. Fingers crossed for a 2022 delivery.
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That’s an amazing look! I’m not an off-roader, but it’s cool. I think there is good reason to lean into quiet EV off-roaders.
So, how do you mount the Hella lights?