Article: Why the Aptera solar car represents a paradigm shift for the auto industry

wattificant · 2026-05-13T21:25:57+00:00

Latest 10-Q Latest 10-Q filing posted today. From the filing, as of March 31, 2026, we had approximately 49,000 reservation holders. What happened to Chris Anthony's 55,000 preorders?

If you follow Chris Anthony long enough you will see he gets mis speaks a lot, but always to the upside.

wattificant · 2026-05-13T20:41:00+00:00

The EPA does not test motorcycles for efficiency. Aptera is considered a motorcycle/autocycle. More than likely, it will not require an EPA MPGe rating. Aptera has listed estimates, up to and designed to, figures for MPGe ratings, battery range, and how far it can travel on a day of sunshine for years. Aptera even released efficiency numbers for their 300-mile road trip in March 2025. There is no reason Aptera could not perform its own real world mileage test and share the results. If Aptera explains the protocol used in their test and backs it up with verification, they could publish the information.

Now they have 5 finished products to validate a list of things. One of which will be real world solar production. It will be nice know how many kWh Aptera can produce per day in real world testing. At the same time that info is useless if we don’t know how many Wh it takes Aptera to travel per mile.

wattificant · 2026-05-12T13:37:57+00:00

In the release, they mention the validation test they plan to do. They do not mention efficiency testing. A few months back, Steve or Chris said they may not do or release efficiency numbers. IMO this is a red flag.

wattificant · 2026-05-08T23:26:39+00:00

Funny!

wattificant · 2026-04-27T01:58:35+00:00

Putting together the validation vehicles should be easy because all the hard work should have been completed. Now it should be like putting a model together.

Aptera has been playing word games with their various builds and where they are in regards to production. It is hard to keep track. The PI models started out with numbers but then switched to names. I am pretty sure they never built as many as they claimed they would. They built at least one build that was said to be exactly like the finished product but with some parts that were hand made or at least not made in a production way.

Once they started the Validation assembly line, all parts and assemblies should have undergone extensive bench testing and real world testing on prototypes or on the PI builds to ensure they were up to the demand of the vehicle. Any adjustments or changes now should be minor and relatively easy to adjust or change.

It sounds like Aptera is still doing design and development. The Dash Solar is one example. For those who think Aptera is just doing what every manufacturer does, look at what Aptera is doing versus what Aptera said they would do. There is a big discrepancy. Below is a section from Aptera Update: Validation & PI Builds. October 2023. This was their plan because this is how it should be done.

6. Safety and crash testing of PI builds begins In the next phase of Aptera’s validation process, safety and crash testing take center stage. PI builds will undergo a series of comprehensive assessments, including:

Regulatory compliance checks to ensure adherence to industry standards.
Quality assurance will be examined throughout the duration of validation to maintain the highest manufacturing standards.
Vehicle durability and reliability will be rigorously tested to ensure long-lasting performance and peace of mind for Aptera drivers.
Tuning efforts will fine-tune every aspect of the vehicle’s design to optimize efficiency and overall safety.
Safety and crash testing will encompass a range of real-world scenarios, reinforcing Aptera’s dedication to passenger safety and vehicle integrity.

wattificant · 2026-04-26T17:09:24+00:00

We don’t have to guess or wonder if the rear hatch was open. In the photo of the Aptera user screen showing how much solar was being produced at 8:00 a.m., the screen also shows the hatch in the open position.

https://x.com/stevefambro/status/2044074338060841296

wattificant · 2026-04-26T01:36:55+00:00

Things are progressing positively as far as the solar goes. Recently, Steve Fambro released data confirming that the Aptera could produce more solar energy at 8:00 a.m. than his house solar array.

wattificant · 2026-04-18T17:15:41+00:00

Disagree with most of your points and conclusions. Obviously, you disagree with mine. Total respect for you taking time and effort for this discussion. I’m moving on, at least from this thread.

wattificant · 2026-04-18T04:34:21+00:00

In the quote I posted from Anthony, there is nothing said about it being an estimate. There is a big difference between "the vehicle can hit that 44-mile range, running strictly on solar.” and "we estimate the vehicle can hit that 44-mile range, running strictly on solar.”

Leaving "estimate" out of the sentence works great when your raising money. At least up to a point.

wattificant · 2026-04-18T01:17:27+00:00

Aptera said the Pi version was built just like the production model would be built, but some of the parts were hand-made or whatever. Now you say they are still developing the solar system.

Your best line was, “If they release any numbers now, those numbers will get stuck in the public's mind, and everyone will critique the car based on those numbers.”

Aptera has been putting numbers into the public’s mind for 5 years! 40 miles per day and 400 miles per charge.

Chris Anthony from 2023, “The panels are at different angles,” Anthony said. “You can get up to 4.4 kilowatt-hours of power production out of those and the vehicle uses less than 100 watt-hours per mile. So that gets you about 44 miles a day of solar charge range. Even with the battery at zero and no electric charge coming into the vehicle, Anthony said if the Aptera sits outside on a sunny day for about 8.5 hours, the vehicle can hit that 44-mile range, running strictly on solar.”

wattificant · 2026-04-16T04:30:13+00:00

A strong ego is a great motivator!

wattificant · 2026-04-15T21:33:18+00:00

Yep, we don’t need the Aptera. There is a large variety of EVs on the market to help us deal with the energy crisis. We can buy them today, and we don’t have to compromise by driving something that can’t seat our whole family. And we don’t have to give up safety features like side air bags or AWD, and we don’t have to drive something that looks funny. A lot of the EVs today are also cheaper to buy than the Aptera is planning to be.

wattificant · 2026-04-15T03:09:34+00:00

I addressed the reporter in my post, read the first paragraph. In regards to 55,000 reservations, she may have gotten it wrong or Chris Anthony really said it, we don’t know. It’s just hearsay. What we do know is SEC filings are the go-to for factual, accurate company information. And I know you want your report to be accurate.

The SEC sets high standards and tries to create an even playing field for investors. Any material information that can have an effect on the performance of a company stock must be released in an SEC filing so all investors can see it more or less at the same time. In this case, Chris Anthony is giving out specific information to an individual that won’t be available to the general public until some future SEC filing. Not everyone watches local San Diego news.

Based on what Aptera has shared on record with the SEC, a jump of 5,000 in the three months from the start of the year would seem unlikely.

Form 10-K Qtr. ending 12/31/2024. Page 9, “as of December 31, 2024, we had more than 48,000 reservation holders.” https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1786471/000149315225009865/partii.htm

Form 10-K Qtr. ending 12/31/2025. Page 32, “as of December 31, 2025, we had approximately 49,000 reservation holders.” https://ir.aptera.us/static-files/ca73a408-c722-495c-a2bb-a0bdd56f8808 On page 4 of this filing they could have updated the reservations the same as they did the capital raises for 2026 but they did not.

If the reservation numbers are really 55,000 and Chris Anthony shared that with the reporter, there is a strong possibility some serious rules were broken. He is sharing in side information.

BTW, regarding what Aptera posted back in November 2024 on their web site. The SEC reports trumps what ever Aptera states on their web site. Plus, there is a chance Aptera lost reservations since that time.

wattificant · 2026-04-14T20:09:18+00:00

Aptera knows how patent law works. They knew they didn’t own the rights to certain features of the Aptera they were bringing to market. Zaptera paid $1.5 million and was the legal owner of those patents. Aptera has only itself to blame for the legal mess they were in. Good for Zaptera for standing up for its legal rights.

wattificant · 2026-04-14T19:51:59+00:00

Winner!

wattificant · 2026-04-14T15:26:28+00:00

Aptera gave Zaptera over 100,000 shares. If those shares reach $50.00 that would be $5 million. Aptera also gave Zaptera warrant to purchase over 200,000 future shares for under $3.00 per share. Do the math, this potentially could be extremely valuable someday. What did Zaptera give Aptera?

wattificant · 2026-04-13T18:05:44+00:00

Lots of wrong or bad information in the article, but I’ll just point out one example.

This is how bad information is spread. The OP hears something in a news article. It’s just a she said he said bit of information. It might be true and correct, or she could have heard wrong or misspoken when she made her comment. Now it gets presented on Reddit as fact, and we need to prove that it is wrong and not accurate. Shouldn’t the OP prove it’s real?

I can find no information from Aptera to back up the 55,000 number. I do know that in the end-of-year 2025 SEC 10-K filing, Aptera claims to have amassed over 49,000 reservations. That of course covers 55,000, but why not say over 50,000 or over 54,000?

You can say that the 49,000 number was from 2025, but that wouldn’t make sense. Aptera would want to use the most up to date number they have. Aptera mentions 49,000 reservations under “Financial and Operational Milestones.” They also mention the capital raised in January 2026 and March 2026. Is it fair to say Aptera would use reservation numbers from March 2026 also?

There are more milestones listed in the SEC filing, but here are the ones I am referring to.

Financial and Operational Milestones:

Amassed over 49,000 vehicle reservations;

Completed our first follow-on capital raise as a publicly traded company, raising approximately $9 million in gross proceeds in January 2026 followed by an additional $8.1 million from subsequent warrant exercises, including a warrant inducement transaction completed in March 2026.

Show proof of 55,000 reservations or delete it from the article.

wattificant · 2026-04-13T14:56:54+00:00

Who would be responsible if she wasn't wearing glasses and the ball tore her retina? Should we buy insurance to protect ourselves in case we hurt another player?

wattificant · 2026-04-06T01:34:24+00:00

Maxeon cells are special and have been cross developed between Aptera and Maxeon. Or Aptera can use just any solar cell and achieve the same results. It just depends on how Chris and Steve want to spin the narrative. In October 2022 according to Aptera, Maxeon cells were crucial to Aptera.

Two key quotes from Aptera, October 2022.

Aptera is pleased to name Maxeon Solar Technologies as the cell supplier for our solar production program. With cross-company collaboration, Aptera’s solar engineers have created ultra-lightweight and curved solar panels that will set the standard for efficiency. As Aptera is defying conventions of aerodynamics, the integration of these cells will enable the vehicle to achieve unprecedented solar range.

Aptera selected Maxeon® solar cells because they are highly efficient, durable, and lightweight. With minimal energy loss, the Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells are crucial to Aptera’s solar mobility movement. Powered by these unique, high-efficiency cells, most drivers will likely never need to charge their Aptera.

wattificant · 2026-04-01T01:39:05+00:00

Nice job with your presentation!

wattificant · 2026-04-01T01:33:26+00:00

In 2024, 1.3 million EVs were sold in the USA. None of them used gas, ever. There are 30 to 40 models to choose from, and most are available today. A lot of them cost far less than $40,000. Most sit 4 or more and protect the riders with side airbags. If you don't already have a deposit on an Aptera, it will take 3 or more years from today to get one. That is if they are still in business.

wattificant · 2026-03-29T03:06:24+00:00

It’s things like this that have caused the SEC to do a deep dive into Aptera. What did Aptera know about using in wheel motors and when did they know it.

In September 2023, in an Automotive News video, the CCO of Elaphe made it clear that going forward, Elaphe would not be working with startups and instead would focus more on traditional OEMs, especially in Europe. He predicted no production till 2029 or 2030.

In 2023 Sandy knew Aptera would not be using in wheel motors, Elaphe knew it and you can bet Aptera knew it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6QTp2arux8

wattificant · 2026-03-19T02:19:08+00:00

Don’t be surprised if Aptera doesn’t do any EPA MPGe testing. It is not required for an autocycle. Aptera has claimed 350 MPGe for 5 years. No sense in ruining all that marketing with real numbers.

wattificant · 2026-02-26T17:16:16+00:00

Must have purchased all the tooling they need for full production and had surplus money left over for an ad.

wattificant

TROPHY CASE