Did you see the video of the Aptera at Monterey car week at night? This is a place where 2 to 20 million dollar hypercars like pagani, koenigsegg jesko, McLaren F1 and others there was a little Aptera outside of the big show and it was surrounded by a huge crowd behind a Porsche 911 Turbo and a Tesla Cybertruck. Guess what was drawing by far the largest crowd the Aptera as people where pushing through the crowd to put their phone up to the scan tag I forget what they call it lol. Thank god I put my reservation and investment a few years ago. This is going to be a huge hit based on the response. The best part was the lighting of the headlights and the wheel hubs looked amazing. A lot of people did not realize it had the ability to add anywhere from 10 to 40 miles of range per day. It's under the title "The Aptera Sells Itself!"
I've suggested having a solar panel input from the back of the vehicle so we can increase the solar input on a sunny day. Maybe we can get 70 miles additional on a sunny day, if you don't drive.
Corning have developed anti reflection and anti glare products that goes on their flexible glass, might be a thought for these exterior panels. And it's super tough.
Yup. The "amazing solar engineer" Reed is a little behind. Don't watch the vid of him talking about MPPT. If you know anything about MPPT, it's pretty cringe.
Pater said that they had plans to support up to 1,500 watts of power input through a connector/plug. So potentially you could plug in external solar panels to increase stationary solar charging capability.
I am somewhat suprised that the hood is only one string while the roof is two. With wider surface and more cells and more curvature on the hood I would think they would make it three like the hatch. One on each side and a bigger string down the middle. He did mention they were thinking about it.
I feel like the bank of panels on the front dash are going to have a significant reduction in efficiency, especially if the windshield has an IR coating to help reduce excess heating from the sun. I would also love to see a Per-cell management system. Multiple string groups at similar angles is a good middle ground to that, though. I'm just imagining the solar production gimped when a flock of seagulls decides to poop-bomb the car and now 2 panels from each string are mostly covered, resulting in a major loss of solar potential - but that's such a rare thing and bird poop is easily cleanable.
It's not a "bank of panels". If you have to use the word "bank", it's a bank of cells. More correctly it's a string of cells. Also, Aptera is well aware that the windshield will attenuate the solar energy to the dash solar panel. They did a recent video showing that the dash solar panel put out about 30 to 35% less power per cell than the roof solar panel. Finally, we'd all just love to see a "per-cell" management system but, alas, Aptera most certainly doesn't have the technical knowledge to make it happen. In fact, very few people on the planet understand the concept let alone how to make it happen.
Steve Fambo posted to his 'X' account, a couple of days ago, that the Gamma prototype has been fitted with production solar panels. He shows the power production on the dash screen as he pulls out of the bay door and into the sun. He also alludes to more of a reveal soon. I'm hoping for the August update!
Just thinking out of the box... Is its safe to assume that Maxeon was really counting on the contract with Lightyear, that just didn't turn out right? But now, since at appears Aptera is certainly on the way to production, (got a feeling it will become more of a hit than the founders expect once all the claims are validated and it's properly for sale) Maxeon stock will rise as a result? I mean as this vehicle becomes desirable to many (as I believe it will) and Aptera becomes a household name, won't other companies benefit? I can kind of already guess the CPC Group will. (other car makers will be interested in their casting technology once it gets noticed by being introduced by Aptera) What's your opinion?
Aptera even when going good, will be an insignificant purchaser of Maxeon, even if lets say 50,000 vehicles use .7 kw of solar cells from them that's only 35 MW over a few years, that's nothing in the solar world (which I am a part of).
All companies that deal with Aptera will benefit. I’m going all in on Maxeon as with the RV industry adopting the Aptera Solar System (ASS), the demand will skyrocket. I’m worried that Maxeon will not be able to keep up with demand.
@@billsmith5960 those solar panels are not producing 20 miles of range per day. Hop on the website and you’ll see the words “capable of” used in all the performance claims. “Capable of” in this instance is a disclaimer. Nobody would like this Aptera to work more than me but they’re already grabbing for excuses.
@@billsmith5960 the Aptera website says “capable of up to” as their disclaimer. Check it out yourself. Until they produce a video of this car charging in the sun then driving 20 miles…. It’s fake news.
Don’t like that mindset. There is no reason for it to be available in the very first car. If they see the value in direct pc charging. Don’t try and tell me it will take more time to develop it BS . If they what to they can make it available now if they don’t most likely will never see it tired of later B.S. THEY NEED TO TELL US WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO AND DO IT.
(1:18) Not a good start for Reed the "amazing solar engineer". Yes Reed, there were/are people out there that have, can and do make solar panels (and solar charge controllers) to Aptera requirements. They have done it for countless solar racing vehicles going back at least as far as the late 1980's. For the most part congratulations on reinventing the wheel..... Finally, anti reflective treatments are done on glass for solar panels ALL THE TIME. Maybe contact some of the folks/companies that were the source of your patent application rejections.
@@johnreeves7261 Most solar car races I've followed have been around a track or open area not in areas with lots of trees or tall buildings. I was thinking a less sophisticated bms would be plenty good in open areas but living where I do the 7 zone bms would get a workout for sure. Think Aptera's director of engineering was involved with a solar race car so hopefully the bms is in good hands.
@@ronfarnsworth7074 BMS's aren't what's important here. It's MPPT's. Solar race MPPT's are quite sophisticated and more efficient than what Aptera developed. Chris M. on the AOC discord claimed their (Aptera's) efficiency is up to 94%. Contrast that with the up to 99.6% efficient Elmar Solar Race MPPT.
Did you see the video of the Aptera at Monterey car week at night? This is a place where 2 to 20 million dollar hypercars like pagani, koenigsegg jesko, McLaren F1 and others there was a little Aptera outside of the big show and it was surrounded by a huge crowd behind a Porsche 911 Turbo and a Tesla Cybertruck. Guess what was drawing by far the largest crowd the Aptera as people where pushing through the crowd to put their phone up to the scan tag I forget what they call it lol. Thank god I put my reservation and investment a few years ago. This is going to be a huge hit based on the response. The best part was the lighting of the headlights and the wheel hubs looked amazing. A lot of people did not realize it had the ability to add anywhere from 10 to 40 miles of range per day. It's under the title "The Aptera Sells Itself!"
It does. Same with the FUV. Once they were on the street, demand went through the roof.
Thanks for the video. Im looking foward to seeing a full build.
You and me both!😎
Thanks for making videos so often, William. You are a source of optimism and positivity for a lot people, myself included. Have a great morning!
NoorElahi it's my pleasure , I know they are coming out with this baby soon just trying to keep everyone positive ! I'm so glad I could help . 😎
I've suggested having a solar panel input from the back of the vehicle so we can increase the solar input on a sunny day. Maybe we can get 70 miles additional on a sunny day, if you don't drive.
Thanks for your coverage of Aptera.
It's my pleasure Apterasteve . 😎
Corning have developed anti reflection and anti glare products that goes on their flexible glass, might be a thought for these exterior panels. And it's super tough.
Yup. The "amazing solar engineer" Reed is a little behind. Don't watch the vid of him talking about MPPT. If you know anything about MPPT, it's pretty cringe.
Now would be a good time, or is it too late(?), to design an 8th zone into the bms for an external solar panel connection option later on.
That a great idea . 😎
Not the BMS. The MPPT.
I wonder if there would be a glare problem from the panels for other vehicles either from the sun or from their own headlights?
Pater said that they had plans to support up to 1,500 watts of power input through a connector/plug. So potentially you could plug in external solar panels to increase stationary solar charging capability.
I have 800W on my RV. So I will be able to plug in my Aptera into that and get like 80 free miles per day.
@@billsmith5960 Don't forget to test your RV's solar with your tongue first.
@@alainchuzel8341 - It's the industry standard.
Xt 60 connector is a great idea. I have some solar panels.
The connector is so small it could fit just about anywhere . 😎
I am somewhat suprised that the hood is only one string while the roof is two. With wider surface and more cells and more curvature on the hood I would think they would make it three like the hatch. One on each side and a bigger string down the middle. He did mention they were thinking about it.
You’re right , I was wondering that as well . 😎
I feel like the bank of panels on the front dash are going to have a significant reduction in efficiency, especially if the windshield has an IR coating to help reduce excess heating from the sun.
I would also love to see a Per-cell management system. Multiple string groups at similar angles is a good middle ground to that, though. I'm just imagining the solar production gimped when a flock of seagulls decides to poop-bomb the car and now 2 panels from each string are mostly covered, resulting in a major loss of solar potential - but that's such a rare thing and bird poop is easily cleanable.
It's not a "bank of panels". If you have to use the word "bank", it's a bank of cells. More correctly it's a string of cells. Also, Aptera is well aware that the windshield will attenuate the solar energy to the dash solar panel. They did a recent video showing that the dash solar panel put out about 30 to 35% less power per cell than the roof solar panel. Finally, we'd all just love to see a "per-cell" management system but, alas, Aptera most certainly doesn't have the technical knowledge to make it happen. In fact, very few people on the planet understand the concept let alone how to make it happen.
I want to see one working.
Don’t worry it’s coming . 😎
Steve Fambo posted to his 'X' account, a couple of days ago, that the Gamma prototype has been fitted with production solar panels. He shows the power production on the dash screen as he pulls out of the bay door and into the sun. He also alludes to more of a reveal soon. I'm hoping for the August update!
DemaGeek I saw that and it works really good . 😎
@@freepower1082 I agree, it really pumped me up too!
All Good Go Aptera.
Just thinking out of the box... Is its safe to assume that Maxeon was really counting on the contract with Lightyear, that just didn't turn out right? But now, since at appears Aptera is certainly on the way to production, (got a feeling it will become more of a hit than the founders expect once all the claims are validated and it's properly for sale) Maxeon stock will rise as a result? I mean as this vehicle becomes desirable to many (as I believe it will) and Aptera becomes a household name, won't other companies benefit? I can kind of already guess the CPC Group will. (other car makers will be interested in their casting technology once it gets noticed by being introduced by Aptera) What's your opinion?
Aptera even when going good, will be an insignificant purchaser of Maxeon, even if lets say 50,000 vehicles use .7 kw of solar cells from them that's only 35 MW over a few years, that's nothing in the solar world (which I am a part of).
All companies that deal with Aptera will benefit. I’m going all in on Maxeon as with the RV industry adopting the Aptera Solar System (ASS), the demand will skyrocket. I’m worried that Maxeon will not be able to keep up with demand.
It’s not Free Power until they deliver cars that really run on the sun.
It is. I read that most people comment they maybe drive 20 miles per day. So they will never need to plug in and thus free power.
@@billsmith5960 those solar panels are not producing 20 miles of range per day. Hop on the website and you’ll see the words “capable of” used in all the performance claims. “Capable of” in this instance is a disclaimer. Nobody would like this Aptera to work more than me but they’re already grabbing for excuses.
@@billsmith5960 the Aptera website says “capable of up to” as their disclaimer. Check it out yourself. Until they produce a video of this car charging in the sun then driving 20 miles…. It’s fake news.
Keep the faith and be patient my son
@@RHPDaddy did you say the same in 2010? Physics told us what’s possible decades ago
Small group today...
Does Reed still work there?
Hoping for a change controller that will be compatible with external solar panels.
Even if they don’t come out with it at first , they could come out with it later . 😎
Don’t like that mindset. There is no reason for it to be available in the very first car. If they see the value in direct pc charging. Don’t try and tell me it will take more time to develop it BS . If they what to they can make it available now if they don’t most likely will never see it tired of later B.S. THEY NEED TO TELL US WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO AND DO IT.
What's going on with all the weird matching sunglasses? Anyone know?
It was a "team building" exercise thing....
@@johnreeves7261 Could you elaborate on that?
@@jshireley Not really.
I just want to be the guy with the second comment. Hi!
(1:18) Not a good start for Reed the "amazing solar engineer". Yes Reed, there were/are people out there that have, can and do make solar panels (and solar charge controllers) to Aptera requirements. They have done it for countless solar racing vehicles going back at least as far as the late 1980's.
For the most part congratulations on reinventing the wheel.....
Finally, anti reflective treatments are done on glass for solar panels ALL THE TIME. Maybe contact some of the folks/companies that were the source of your patent application rejections.
@@johnreeves7261 Aren't most of those solar races held in the wide open spaces?
@@ronfarnsworth7074 No but so what if they were?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂you are so full of it! Now you can take your foot out of your mouth! Stay quiet when you have no knowledge of what you are talking about!
@@johnreeves7261 Most solar car races I've followed have been around a track or open area not in areas with lots of trees or tall buildings. I was thinking a less sophisticated bms would be plenty good in open areas but living where I do the 7 zone bms would get a workout for sure. Think Aptera's director of engineering was involved with a solar race car so hopefully the bms is in good hands.
@@ronfarnsworth7074 BMS's aren't what's important here. It's MPPT's. Solar race MPPT's are quite sophisticated and more efficient than what Aptera developed. Chris M. on the AOC discord claimed their (Aptera's) efficiency is up to 94%. Contrast that with the up to 99.6% efficient Elmar Solar Race MPPT.
5 years and spending 200 million, and still no real life test results, sure
If you are a non believer, why are you watching?
@@Eclipseman2001
To warn believers that they have to stop believing and start thinking
Kool Aid
@@shrimptopian3392 A real saviour you are not. Just a negative troll.
@@shrimptopian3392 Whatever will you do if/when Aptera goes into production?
@@ronfarnsworth7074
Buy one, i love it