Aptera's New Motor UNVEILED!

[Leonardokite]

I’ll admit I was pretty bummed out about it, but actually after listening to your points I am kind of leaning more towards neutral to positive. You made some fantastic points.

[callen]

I’m fine with the drivetrain change. I want to drive that aerodynamic solar charging car

[slickfast]

As someone who regularly did rallycross on the snow and ice: you do not need AWD, you need good tires. For an efficiency machine the FWD is going to be more efficient, lighter, and cheaper. The light weight of the Aptera is what ACTUALLY matters when it comes to slippery stuff… you will dance on top instead of sinking in and getting stuck. I saw this all the time in rally, the MK1 VW Golfs would just dance over the mud while all of our Subarus slid around everywhere. Just remember - like any car - to choose the right tire for your area, whether that means just a good all season or snow tires for the snow season.

[peterdrury]

Moving 100 lb's out of each front wheel (unsprung weight) and into the body will produce superior ride quality with reduced suspension damping and rolling resistance over rough surfaces. Tires can be lighter and last longer--another unsprung weight reduction. The remarkably low weight of the vehicle makes all of this even more significant. Aptera will be a more nimble, capable vehicle--a big win for Aptera owners and the company.

[waynecampbell]

So glad they are moving ahead. Two wheel drive gets me where I need to go, snow tires as needed. Thanks for your enthusiasm.

[paulrybarczyk]

I’d rather have 2WD in one year than 3WD in two years. So I think they made the right call.

[thisisme]

As someone that has driven his fair share of super lightweight $h1+b0x cars. You would be amazed at how big a super power being light is for pulling out of the snow. The problem comes when it's time to stop and AWD won't fix that. 😂

[jakeleaves]

So Aptera got cheaper, lost some weight, and is more efficient? Sounds like a big win to me :)

[NYCCEJ]

I am really pleased with this update, I was in the Ambassador meeting and saw the July update. Aptera is doing what is necessary to get to production with a reliable vehicle. Although I wanted AWD, I am willing to support, purchase and advocate for the FWD version which will be lighter and therefore more efficient.

[melonmelon]

Taking this well-tested motor would mean better repairability too I have to guess, sounds like a win to me

The fact that Aptera went this route shows their confidence on pushing the initial production through, other startups at similar position would have shy away and just take a 1year delay to "be safe"

[leneanderthalien]

what is positive with this new configuration is that it improves the efficiency of the suspension, because the unsprung masses are considerably reduced...And i think the overall costs are also reduced by simplify wiring and engine controls

[nathanmeyer]

All these EV companies have been too focused on high performance and fast acceleration! People don't need to go super fast it just causes accidents and makes them get tickets! Especially with this economy what people really need is a low price and high efficiency and good range.

[CharliePryor]

I’m just sitting here with my 600 range version reserved, comfortable, watching the launch edition drama unfold knowing all of it will make mine better in the end. ;)

[barnabasseadog]

My Arcimoto FUV has dual motors and 70% of its weight up front.
Commuting 16, 000 miles in two years, shows me that AWD in a tadpole setup is superfluous in San Diego.
Aptera switching to a proven drivertrain ensures that I take delivery of my Accelerator Launch Edition sometime next year.

[DrTeeHenry]

Chris McC has said that the BINC is not affected by this change (or the on-board motor was already known about when they finalized the BINC design). So I suspect this change will not affect the cabin legroom.

I'm okay with the change. I was excited about the novelty of the in-wheel motors, but understand the rationale for the change. I'm keeping my Accelerator LE order. But I had another LE reservation for down the road that I have now changed to Sol, AWD, 600 mile.

[Rick_Cavallaro]

I can't see how this will have any practical effect since the Aptera will never actually be released.

[RaymondCore-tsjl]

Whatever gets these cars on the road where everyone can see that you can drive for free. This car will change a lot of the country's energy needs as every other carmaker will have to adapt.

[russmitchellmovement]

As a guy who is going to be commuting a couple hours a day between private practice and full time work, the production schedule question had really bugged me. Aptera production times cannot come quickly enough so far as I'm concerned. I'm still going to have to charge weekly, but that solar charging will help to cover the cost of about a third of my mileage, which is SUPER.

[-PM]

i would wager a guess and say that aptera had selected the EMR3 before the BINC steel molds where even sent to be cut.
i just feel a little like we were left out of the loop for a long time with that being the case.

[Buzzhumma]

Aptera made the roght decision to go with that proven all all in one powertrain . It refines it maturity light years ahead of many designs .unsprung weight and so much more connections and Wiring. It literally can be unvolted and removed for any servicing which there is no servicing needed so endless wins with full manufactures warranty support. One stop shop!