[randy-j]

I’m wondering and hoping this might help Aptera.

Solar panel manufacturer Maxeon said this month that its new Maxeon 7 panel set a new efficiency record for its type at 24.9%. The figure was confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The new benchmark serves “to set the pace for the entire solar industry,” Matt Dawson, Maxeon’s chief technology officer, said in a company statement about the achievement. The most efficient residential solar panels available today have maximum efficiency marks that top out at just under 23%.

American solar shoppers who want to have Maxeon 7 panels installed will have to wait. Though the panel is available for “select partners” in Europe, it won’t be available across “all regions,” including the United States, until the third quarter of 2024, according to the company’s statement.

Highly efficient solar panels can squeeze more electricity out of limited space and can be a good fit for people who can’t install a larger number of less efficient panels. It might be cheaper to install more panels to get the same electricity with a lower efficiency rating.

Not every panel will be available from every installer. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to talk to multiple solar installation companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal available to you.

Maxeon’s new efficiency record continues the long-term trend of increasing efficiency. In 2004 nearly all residential solar installations used panels with an efficiency rating below 16%, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In 2022, nearly all residential installations used panels with an efficiency rating of 19% or better.

Maxeon 7 panels are also rated to withstand golf ball-size hail (up to 45mm or about 1.7 inches in diameter).

There’s a New Record for the Most Efficient Residential Solar Panel (msn.com)

[randy-j]

This came in my email today. I originally thought EV’s were going to be cheaper to insure. Not true says the author:

Good morning,

Canadians already complain about the higher costs of electric vehicles, but just wait until they get the insurance bill.

By 2035 all vehicle sales in this country will be zero emission, according to a mandate from the federal government.

But as Canadians replace their gas and diesel vehicles with electric in coming years, they should expect to pay more for insurance, says a report by credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS.

EV uptake has been slower in Canada than in Europe, the United Kingdom and even the United States for reasons ranging from the higher cost of vehicles, “range anxiety” in Canadian winters and a lack of charging stations.

New vehicle registrations of EVs in 2022, including hybrids, accounted for just 2.7 per cent of the total in Canada, according to Statistics Canada — far lower than in Europe and the U.K., where rebates are more prevalent and infrastructure more advanced.

Judging by the experience of drivers across the pond, Canadians can expect higher premiums, mainly because EVs are more expensive and cost more to repair. Average electric car insurance costs in the U.K. leapt 72 per cent last year, compared with 29 per cent for gas and diesel models, the Financial Times reports.

One carrier has even suspended coverage for EVs as it reassesses the cost of repairs, it said.

While an electric car has fewer serviceable parts than an internal combustion engine, the cost of replacing batteries, the availability of parts and fewer technicians to fix them can drive up the bill for repairs and insurance, said DBRS.

Batteries are expensive, representing about half the overall vehicle cost, and even minor damage can be a big deal. A small dent can destabilize the battery, potentially causing fires or even explosions.

The FT reports that EV claims are typically 25 per cent higher than for gas or diesel vehicles and take 14 per cent longer for repairs.

“These vehicles are, in effect, computers on wheels, packed with expensive and complex parts and advanced technology that can make EVs expensive to repair after a collision,” said DBRS.

In fact, there have been reports of insurers writing off an EV with low mileage rather than replace the battery.

A media report out of British Columbia said the province’s main insurer ICBC wrote off an entire EV because the cost of replacing the battery would be the same as buying a new vehicle of the same model. And there have been reports in the U.K. of insurers writing off EVs after minor collisions, rather than repairing the battery pack.

One thing Canadians drivers have going for them is a highly regulated auto insurance industry, said DBRS. Rate changes must be approved by provincial regulators and this could ease the impact of rising premiums.

“However, we expect that auto insurance rates will trend upward over time as insurers generate more claims data for EVs and reflect that experience in pricing,” said Victor Adesanya, Morningstar DBRS vice-president of insurance.

[randy-j]

I watch BNN every day up here in Southern Ontario. Imagine my surprise when I see the host doing an interview with Chris A. Tuesday. Christmas came early.

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/video/solar-powered-car-maker-shoots-for-us-40-000-launch-price~2817426

Solar-powered car maker shoots for US$40,000 launch price

Chris Anthony, CEO of Aptera, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss his company’s solar-powered car, said to be the first of its kind in North America.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by  Randy J.

[randy-j]

I’m in the Southern Ontario area and did receive one. I’m wondering about the questions I saw mentioned on Aptera Owners Club. Where does one answer those. I can’t find them on this site.

[randy-j]

Here’s a copy of the discussion I had that started with me asking about HOV lanes. Scroll to bottom and read from there

On Mon, 13 Feb 2023 at 21:00, Audra Leslie <audra.leslie@aptera.us> wrote:

Hi Randy,

Yes, thank you so much for the follow-up. I received the email from the Ministry of Transportation and sent it to our team overseeing motor vehicle regulations for Canada and other international locations where we plan to deliver.

As you know, our goal is to produce and sell Aptera in any market. Our first Launch Edition vehicles will be delivered and tailored to U.S. motor vehicle requirements. Without our success here first, we will not be able to distribute in other places. We do not foresee any trouble with receiving approval from Transport Canada and complying with their motor vehicle regulations; however, we will work to show those outlier Canadian provinces, Alberta and Ontario, that the safety and ease of use of the Aptera should allow its operation without a motorcycle license or helmet. We are hopeful that it will only require a regular driver’s license to operate our vehicle in Canada, especially as enclosed autocycles become more common.

We are grateful to have many reservation holders in Canada who inform us and one another of developments, changes in regulations, and initiatives. We are following developments and will provide Aptera Members in Canada with updates as progress is made. We look forward to delivering your Aptera and need help sharing our story — so thank you very much for reaching out to them and putting Aptera on their radar. We will follow up with them in time. I look forward to providing you with more information as it comes our way.

Gratefully,

Audra

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Hazelden, Joanna (MTO) <Joanna.Hazelden@ontario.ca>
Date: Wed., Jan. 4, 2023, 5:19 p.m.

Thank you for your email regarding the Aptera motor vehicle.

I would like to clarify that the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) does not provide to the public, legal advice or interpretation of provincial statutes. If you would like a legal opinion on some aspect(s) of a provincial statute and how it may apply to your situation, you should seek advice from your own legal counsel. With that understanding, I am pleased to provide the following general comments. 

The province currently has a Three-Wheeled Vehicle Pilot in place, Ontario Regulation 28/16, which came into effect on March 1, 2016. Vehicles operating under this pilot are required to be federally-approved three-wheeled vehicles, designed for on-road use. Every participating vehicle is required to have a federal compliance label affixed to it, indicating that it is a three-wheeled vehicle. Under the pilot, the operator of a Three-Wheeled Vehicle is required to carry a valid G class driver’s licence or higher and the vehicle must be insured. In addition, all occupants are required to wear approved helmets. For more details on the pilot, please see the Ministry’s website: three-wheeled vehicles.

Please note that according to the company, the Aptera motor vehicle is not yet available in Canada. I recommend you contact Aptera directly to confirm the vehicle is compliant for use in Canada. Until the company can confirm that the Aptera satisfies a Canadian vehicle classification that is permitted to operate on-road, vehicle use is limited legally to strictly private property.

While solar powered vehicles are not currently eligible for green plates, we appreciate the interest and will consider how your suggestion could be used to support the Ministry’s ongoing work related to low carbon vehicles.

Thank you again for your inquiry.

Joanna

Joanna Hazelden (she/her) | Manager

Emerging Technologies Office

Transportation Policy Branch

Ontario Ministry of Transportation

438 University Ave, 12^th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K8

cell: 647-267-5954

Joanna.hazelden@ontario.ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello,
I noticed your list here https://www.ontario.ca/page/<wbr>get-green-licence-plate is missing a new type of EV.
I’ve ordered a solar electric vehicle or SEV, known as an Aptera, and have heard I would be able to ride the HOV lanes as a green vehicle.
Can you confirm this? It is classified as an autocycle in some jurisdictions across North America.
Just an FYI, this is the vehicle in question: http://www.aptera.us

I’m thinking the new Solar powered vehicles (SEV’s) that are coming to market have to be the greenest vehicles a driver can buy/drive.

From your site:

The following types of vehicles are eligible for green vehicle licence plates:

plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
battery electric vehicles (BEV)
hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs)
used 2010 or later model year PHEVs and BEVs
PHEVs, BEVs and HFCVs currently operating in Ontario in limited numbers as part of a pilot study or test program

Can you add SEV to the list?

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by  Randy J.
• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Gabriel Kemeny.

Aptera

[randy-j]

I’m subscribed to at least a dozen threads or boards, yet I’ve not received an email in several weeks telling me there’s a new post on any of them. I’m here today and I see many new posts on most of those threads.

Nothing in my spam folders and I don’t recall making any changes here or on my gmail account.

Anyone else having this problem?

[randy-j]

Magna put out this release today:

Magna’s SmartAccess Power Door System Hits the Market in Style

Complete power door system with first-to-market Haptronik^TM motion control

Market debut on Ferrari Purosangue

Redefines the consumer access experience

AURORA, Ontario, March 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magna is revolutionizing vehicle access experiences with the launch of its SmartAccess power door system on the opposing rear doors of the Ferrari Purosangue. The complete system includes Magna’s power door drive unit, SmartLatch with cinch actuator and first-to-market integrated Haptronik software.

Haptronik is an innovative motion control software that enhances the tactile feel of door movement, enabling effortless opening and closing. It can detect when the vehicle is parked on a curb or a hill and automatically adapts the gravitational force so that opening and closing remains smooth in these conditions. It also includes anti-slam and wind catch features.

“As an industry leader in advanced mechatronic systems, we are excited to bring one of our most innovative solutions to market,” said Jeff Hunt, President of Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting. “By combining our mechanical expertise with our advanced software capabilities, we have been able to reimagine traditional vehicle access and offer a unique and more luxurious experience when entering the Purosangue.”

The system will launch with several other Asian and North American automakers in 2023. SmartAccess can also offer a host of additional consumer-related features including:

Ability to customize the door feel to specific consumer desires,

Gesture control allowing the wave of a hand to open or close the side door,

Non-contact obstacle detection where the side doors can sense a post or adjacent vehicle and stop the door in a controlled manner, and

Keypad for seamless keyless entry.

[randy-j]

I’m unable to message Andrea Holden on LinkedIn. Don’t have the premium membership

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-holden-b973a91a3/

I watched this a few weeks ago, in it he mentions the next World Solar competition is in 2023. How cool would it be for an Aptera to be there? What a photo op that would be.

World Solar Challenge – How did it all begin?

https://youtu.be/r5PA-aKoeLI

This links to a better written article:

Aussie EV record breakers! Sunswift 7 goes 1000km on a single charge in world’s best time

It weighs just 500kg, about one-quarter that of a Tesla, and boasts superb efficiencies thanks to its aerodynamic design, the efficiency of the motors and throughout the drive chain, plus incredibly low rolling resistance.

The record attempt was not without drama, with a battery management issue causing the car to come to a complete halt at one point. The rules of the event stated Sunswift 7 could not be stationary for more than 15 minutes at a time – and it took the team 14 minutes and 52 seconds to fix the problem and get back onto the track.

Ultimate efficiency

Team Principal, Professor of Practice Richard Hopkins, says the world record shows what is possible and what can be achieved, albeit with a significant weight advantage over road legal cars which require a host of features, such as airbags and an air conditioning systems, that Sunswift 7 does not include.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  Randy J.

[randy-j]

Do we have a CND ambassador following this thread and topic? Perhaps they can confirm Aptera is aware of the situation and is taking action as per this response I received a few minutes ago from a real person:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello,

The manufacturer would have to apply to the program.

Thank you,

iZEV Program / Programme iVZE

iZEV-iVZE@tc.gc.ca

Phone: 1-800-OCanada (1-800-622-6232) / TTY: 1-800-926-9105

canada.ca/zero-emission-<wbr>vehicles / canada.ca/vehicules-zero-<wbr>emission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[randy-j]

I followed your suggestion and received this reply:

Hello,

Thank you for your email.

It is our pleasure to inform you that on March 31, 2022, $1.7 billion in additional funding was announced by the Government of Canada for the extension and expansion of the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program until March 31, 2025 (subject to funding availability). The new program parameters take effect on April 25, 2022.

Consumers: We encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for consumers as they have been updated with regards to the expansion of the program.

Dealerships: We encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage as they have been updated with regards to the expansion of the iZEV Program. A reminder that the Program only accepts the most recent versions of both the Consumer Consent form and the Incentive Received form.

If you are a dealership, please note that the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV Program) continues to process claim applications on a first-come, first-served basis. We are currently processing claims received the week of May 27, 2022.

To view the status of any of your claims, we encourage you to log into your account and go to the “My Claims” tab to view the status of claims submitted.

· For claims with a status of “Information required”, please check your email (including junk mail) as an email has been sent to you with details of missing documentation and/or information, as well as instructions on how to submit this required documents/information. You can search for these emails by Service Request Number and/or VIN.

· For requests with a status that has been “completed” for more than 5 business days, you can send an email containing the Service Request Number and we will follow up on any delays in payment.

If you have received a payment and inquiring on payment details, please contact tcpayments-paiementstc@tc.gc.<wbr>ca

Note that we continue to receive a very high volume of emails, which has caused a delay in responding to emails addressed to the iZEV program inbox. Our goal is to provide a response within 10 business days. We therefore rely on your patience and ask that you refrain from sending multiple requests on the same subject to help us achieve this goal.

Thank you,

iZEV Program / Programme iVZE

iZEV-iVZE@tc.gc.ca

[randy-j]

That’s very familiar looking. I like it. A lot. I wonder how wide it is.

[randy-j]

As I’m now owning several thousand shares I do hope the “niche” he speaks of is a big one :o)

5. Efficient Vehicles

A major variable overlooked by nearly all analysts is the efficiency of the vehicle that’s being electrified. Advantageous reductions in mass, aerodynamic drag, and rolling resistance—improvements in the physics of the vehicle rather than the efficiency of its electric powertrain—can cut required battery capacity for the same driving range by 2–3´. BMW’s 2013–22 i3, for example, paid for its ultralight carbon-fiber body by needing fewer batteries to move less mass, and by simpler manufacturing (with one-third the normal investment and water and half the normal energy, space, and time). Projected battery capacity per vehicle is therefore not a fixed number but should be parameterized to platform efficiency. What is that uncounted variable’s potential range? In September 2021, 2–3´—and later this year, severalfold more!

That’s because a further ~2–4´ efficiency gain is being demonstrated by a new generation of vehicles, entering the market in 2022, and so efficient that they can power a normal commuting cycle just by solar cells on their upper surface. (Disclosure: I advise two such firms—aptera.us at 343 mpge with two seats, and lightyear.one at 251 mpge with five.) Both designs can improve further. Such vehicles need proportionately smaller batteries and less or no recharging infrastructure. In round numbers, they’re 2–3´ more efficient than, say, a Tesla Model 3, one of the most efficient EVs on the market. Together, these efficiency gains can use batteries up to an order of magnitude (roughly, a factor of ten) more efficiently than many EVs now on the market, and could reduce their battery needs correspondingly, all with uncompromised safety and attractive driver attributes. The Aptera NeverCharge is a niche vehicle, but Dutch firm Lightyear’s is mainstream. Both are important, and there will be more.

[randy-j]

I should have posted my message here:

I’m wondering how we defrost the interior windows during the coldest of days. I remember years ago my old clunker’s defrost fans stopped blowing and I had to scrape ice off the interior windshield and my drivers side window (or I had to open it to check my sideview mirror).

Can I assume there will be heat blown towards windows or is there tech out there I’m unaware of to solve this issue?

• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Randy J.

[randy-j]

I’m wondering how we defrost the interior windows during the coldest of days. I remember years ago my old clunker’s defrost fans stopped blowing and I had to scrape ice off the interior windshield and my drivers side window (or I had to open it).

Can I assume there will be heat blown towards windows or is there tech out there I’m unaware of to solve this issue?

[randy-j]

I’m having a conversation on line with someone who believes the Aptera will be unstable on the highway thanks to buffeting winds. I thought I had seen something on this site I could use to change his mind. Multiple search phrases brings up nothing. I may have seen it on FB or youtube. He was happy to send me this little video. Ha, looks like I’d have to buy a Hummer EV to not see that happen to my next vehicle. Can anyone provide a link I can use?

[randy-j]

3 wheel drive should have better control. I too am wondering about that mound of snow that can build up in the centre of the lanes of rarely plowed side streets and country roads.

I like the low ride look of the Aptera, the off road option not as much. It may end up being my 8 month car and I’ll keep my ICE as a winter beater like I used to do with my Mustang convertible.

r.

[randy-j]

As I drive my new Aptera and people ask me about it I would like to refer them to the company and earn credit for it. To give out that referral code would be difficult. Will there be another way? Maybe a printout I carry in the car and they can scan it with their smart phone… assuming they have one.

[randy-j]

I see it as another advancing technology that will hopefully make my Aptera much better than the first year of production vehicles.

I don’t expect to see mine for a couple of years. By then all the bugs should be worked out.

[randy-j]

I have a different problem. I haven’t received an ATERA email notification about a new post in several weeks. I wondered what happened to the site. I logged in now to find that all the threads I subscribe to have many new posts. Why would that be. I haven’t blocked anything on my end.

[randy-j]

I asked them if I can set up two numbers for the verification. What happens if I lose my phone? The CRA website allows two.

I’m sure there’s a work around, just wanting to get ahead of any trouble I might experience.

[randy-j]

I’m CA00100 Canada eh!

[randy-j]

Ian, that is the best analogy I’ve heard or read yet. How many times have I tripped over my grand-kids high chair? Almost every time. I blamed it on wearing glasses which limits my peripheral vision. I am a cheapskate (free energy and very little maintenance costs) and I love the look and potential performance of the Aptera but I’m not going to take delivery until I see real world driving experiences.

” Here’s an example: have you ever tripped over one of those tall child
dining chairs whose feet splay out for stability? You judge the width
of the base by the width at the top, right? “

[randy-j]

Great discussion here. I don’t know which way to go but I do like your solar mat idea ” Still, I would like the option to choose a flat solar mat in the back
storage area instead of the solar covered hatchback panel. No doubt it
would not be as good at producing electricity as the full solar rear
hatch, but it might be good enough.” And I think someone suggested adding a way to plug in an external solar source…. as it sits in my driveway… until I the day I eventually install home solar.