We’ve been hearing that Aptera would be the next big thing for so long, it’s hard to remember where it even began. And yet, Aptera refused to die. Sure, it looked pretty darn dead, but you should know by now not to make assumptions because Aptera is still kicking. In fact, it just released a testing video of a prototype in testing that it calls “the first in our series of production-intent vehicles.” So yeah, take that, haters. Aptera’s more back than it’s ever been, and it’s only a matter of time before you see one rolling down the street.
Now, you might be asking yourself who is demanding a three-wheeled car, especially in the U.S. where the most popular vehicles are giant trucks and SUVs. Well, have you considered all the people currently stuck at home because they have so few choices for a three-wheeler that’s also enclosed so they stay safe from the elements? Hmmm? Exactly. Defeated by logic, you silly haters. You and your four-wheeled so-called “cars.”
Some of you may also notice the prototype shown in the video doesn’t look all that production-ready, and the low-speed testing it completed wasn’t exactly a torture test. Still, you’ve got to start somewhere, and as we get closer to production, we’ll likely see more testing videos and a prototype that looks like it actually belongs on the road. If they just revealed the production car, they’d miss the chance to build up the anticipation. Also, Aptera says almost all the parts used on the prototype are production-intent parts, so in a way, it isn’t a prototype at all. Instead, it’s more of a pre production vehicle.
As you can tell by my tone so far, I’m not exactly optimistic here. At the same time, despite all the reasons this company shouldn’t work, I won’t pretend there isn’t still a part of me that wants to see Aptera succeed. This thing has been in development off-and-on for what, 20 years? After facing setback after setback, it would be incredibly cool to actually see some on the road.
Would I invest in the company? Nope, and that’s even if we put aside the part where owning individual stocks would be unethical, and I don’t have any money to invest in the first place. At the same time, though, you’ve got to cheer for the underdog, right? Imagine seeing the team finally pull this off after decades of trying and never quite making it. That would just be cool, and, I mean, come on, it can’t be any less safe than riding a motorcycle.
H/T: CarScoops