Aptera Motors has inched closer than ever to customer deliveries of its flagship solar EV donning the company name. During a webinar presentation earlier today, the California-based startup unveiled new details its Launch Edition solar EV – a unified configuration that includes all-wheel drive and 400 miles of range, but Aptera still has a few financial and infrastructural hurdles to overcome before it can start delivering these solar EVs to the masses. More below.
Since first unveiling its flagship solar EV, Aptera Motors has been continuously working to deliver it to its growing number of loyal reservation holders, some of which were fans of the company during its first attempt at scaling solar EVs back in the late 2000’s.
During its second go around, Aptera has been doing a lot of things right. In the past two years alone, we’ve ridden in an Alpha prototype, watched the Beta destroy a Tesla and an Audi R8 Spyder in a drag race, and have gotten transparent monthly check-in videos from cofounder Chris Anthony on YouTube.
Last September, we got to see the Gamma version of the Aptera solar EV up-close and spoke with the team about its plans for the production-intent Delta design. Aptera unveiled video footage of Delta a couple weeks ago, ahead of today’s presentation promising to deliver more exact specifications.
More specifically, today’s news pertains to the Launch Edition solar EV that will kick off the first of many long-anticipated customer deliveries… if and when production begins. According to the startup’s founders, that moment could still be a year away.
Aptera shares specs of new solar EV, production timelines
Following today’s live webinar from Aptera HQ led by cofounders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, there is a lot to be excited about in regard to the Launch Edition solar EV and Aptera vehicles in general. However, it comes with a tinge of caution ever-present in the rollercoaster world of EV startups.
Let’s focus on the positives to begin.
Aptera is reporting that it is essentially “pencils down” on the overall design of its flagship solar EV, aside from some lighting and other validations. Additionally, the method for how the SEV will be produced and scaled is also locked in, another check mark. Supply agreements are also being worked out.
To begin, Aptera has been advised to start with one product, sell the hell out of it, homogenize the supply chain, and scale from there. Smart. Exhibit A and why we all gathered online today, is the Launch Edition.
This unified, preconfigured design will be the first Aptera solar EV to be delivered to customers (current reservation holders can easily switch to the Launch Edition now for an earlier delivery, more on that in a bit). Here are some of the more pertinent specifications that will be present in all Launch Editions (no customizations):
0.13 drag coefficient
40 additional miles per day from solar panels whether parked or driving
Codex color interior with rose gold accents
Luna (silver) exterior wrap which offers UV protection, is cost effective, enhances body longevity, and is more sustainable
42 kWh battery pack that delivers around 400 miles of range per charge
13 mi per hour or 150 miles per night on an 120V charger (Level 1)
Tesla NACS plug capable of 57 miles of range per hour (240V Level 2)
Notice no mention of Level 3 charging? So far, Aptera’s founders believe the solar EV does not require DC fast charging capabilities thanks to its additional range gathered from the sun each day. Furthermore, that capability adds complexity to the vehicle itself including robustness of the battery pack required to handle such charge rates.
That being said, the team said they are still exploring the possibility of DC fast charging capabilities in the future and could one day add it. Don’t expect to see it in the Launch Edition Aptera, however.
Aptera intends to build 5,000 Launch Edition solar EVs to begin, but said it’s open to expanding that number should the startup see overwhelming demand for its first model. Cofounder Steve Fambro spoke during the presentation:
The production of our Launch Edition vehicles symbolizes a dawn of a new era. It’s about introducing Aptera’s unique and revolutionary capabilities to the world as quickly and as safely as we can, because we all know time is of the essence when it comes to saving the planet.
Fellow founder Chris Anthony then chimed in as well:
It’s also the foundation of our shift as a company toward manufacturing and production. It’s about building the team and the processes to ensure we get solar technology to the masses. It’s our desire as a movement to show the world the capabilities of Aptera.
According to Aptera, it intends to have its assembly lines operational nine months from now, followed by vehicles that are ready for solar panels and interior components about 12 months from now. Before then, however, Aptera will need to re-up on cash to ensure it can meet customer demand and finally deliver.
Aptera continues its success, but will require more capital
Aptera’s movement is certainly growing as is its list of reservation holders following today’s presentation. However, Aptera’s founders admitted that the startup is in need of at least $50 million in additional capital this year to reach merely the first gate of volume SEV production.
To date, the company says it has raised $85 million from over 15,000 investors, including previous crowdfunding campaigns, explaining that it has been quite nimble with its money. That said, it will need more to implement the necessary tools and machinery to mass produce its vehicles.
In addition to more crowdfunding, Aptera’s founders explained they are seeking government loans and grant programs to reach that additional $50M and beyond. They also mentioned that consumers can still get in as an investors “pre-IPO,” whatever that means. We should learn more following Aptera’s webinar with investors next week.
In terms of production timelines, Aptera says the recently revealed production-intent Delta prototypes will continue through crash testing and validation this year. Physical versions of the Launch Edition Aptera solar EVs will debut after that, followed by test drives (sign me up!)
Current reservation holders – You may want to consider changing your configuration to the Launch Edition if you’re absolutely itching to get your hands on an Aptera first. According to the team, here’s the order of priority the SEVs will be built if and when production begins:
First 5,000 (possibly more) Launch Editions
400 mile range battery pack option
250 mile range option
600 mile range option
1,000 mile range battery pack Aptera
You can update your reservation on the Aptera website, or if you haven’t done so yet, you can still reserve an Aptera solar EV of your own today for only $100 down.
Tesla and Rivian have been embroiled in a lawsuit in which the former accused the latter of having stolen battery technology by poaching Tesla employees.
It sounds like the two automakers are finally about to settle the lawsuit, which has been going on for 4 years.
When Tesla filed the lawsuit, it wasn’t clear what trade secrets Tesla was claiming Rivian had stolen. However, we noted that the employees listed in the lawsuits were two recruiters, an EHS manager, and a manager of Tesla’s charging networks.
The automaker claimed that these employees brought “documents consisting of highly sensitive trade secret, confidential, and proprietary engineering information” when they went to work for Rivian.
Over a year later, we now learn that Tesla had notified the court that it expects to file to get the lawsuit dismissed after reaching a conditional agreement with Rivian. The company didn’t disclose the details of the settlement (via Bloomberg):
Tesla didn’t disclose specifics about the agreement in a court filing, but told a California state judge that it expects to seek dismissal of the case by Dec. 24 upon satisfactory completion of the terms.
Neither Tesla nor Rivian have commented on the reported settlement.
While Tesla has claimed that it somewhat open-sourced its patents, we have previously noted that it’s not exactly the case. Tesla claims to let other companies use its patented technology as long as they themselves don’t sue them over patent rights.
And in this specific case, Tesla alleges that Rivian has specifically hired employees to steal technologies. Again, Rivian has denied the allegation.
Electrek’s Take
The terms are unknown, but in similar cases, it often involves things like some level of access to make sure that no proprietary technology is being used or has been used.
The lawsuit is not exactly clear, but based on the timeline and the allegations of “next-gen batteries”, Tesla could have been talking about its 4680 battery cells, although those are cells. It could also be the structural battery pack.
French infrastructure specialists Proviridis have partnered with EVSE manufacturer Kempower to deliver a novel, underground charging solution for electric semi trucks designed to easily integrate into existing truck depots.
By installing its high-powered charging cabinets underground and integrating the charging cables into a solid metal pipe, Kempower and Proviridis have been able to make room for high-powered charging points in an existing truck depot that didn’t have enough space to install either conventional EVSE or overhead “drop lines.”
For the pilot, the metal pipe is painted in a striking yellow color to make it easier to see while maneuvering the lot, and keeping the dispensers themselves more protected than conventional concrete bollards. The 600 kW power cabinet is positioned a few yards away – a typical space-saving Kempower solution – and connected to the charge points by underground cable.
Proviridis believes their solution provides enough of a competitive advantage that fleet buyers looking to electrify will be eager to give it a try.
“The product is durable across a wide spectrum of temperatures and conditions, requires minimal ventilation, and can cater for a wide range of customer needs,” explains Olivier Verdu, Technical Director at Proviridis. “These are features which perfectly place the Kempower solution for this type of charging configuration in a logistics environment.”
In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.
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Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal
Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.
The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.
The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.
By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.
But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.
The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all
The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.
When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.
You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.
Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.
Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.
The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.
With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:
10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200.“ That’s a $500 discount in total!
We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you.
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