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Tesla Model 2 and Aptera
Aptera is releasing a two-passenger, solar paneled EV and Tesla is going to release a much cheaper compact car that will be at the same level as the 250 and 400-mile range Aptera vehicles. If Tesla is able to launch a $25,000 vehicle, who is going to be interested in an Aptera?
First, Tesla will not be threatened by Aptera and Aptera will not be threatened by Tesla. It will be the opposite. It will be a synergistic relationship. The Aptera isn't going to replace motorcycles or autocycles, and it isn't meant to be a family car requiring more than two passengers.
Tesla will continue to grow and be the biggest company in the world eventually. Tesla's biggest threat is the government and it having too big of a monopoly. Tesla can avoid this by simply licensing out their software and opening their Superchargers to other EVs.
The main goal of Giga Mexico will most likely be to target South America with the compact vehicles. The first wave of those vehicles are going to be sold mostly in South America. Aptera is very much trying to deliver in the United States. Their vehicle uses the NACS (the same standard that Tesla uses), and this creates two different regions that Aptera and Tesla are going for.
The Model 2 is intended to be Tesla's "worst" overall product and the cheapest. It will be RWD and LFP. The main focus is going to be extreme low cost of ownership and efficiency. That means a smaller battery and a less powerful engine. Eventually it will be mass-produced around the world, but that won't be for a few years. It will be a small hatchback with 5 seats, about the size or a bit smaller than the Honda Fit. It will likely have a range between 240–270 miles. That will be fine for most people.
The Aptera is targeting another demographic. It's a large vehicle, and bigger than a Model 3. It has an enormous amount of storage space in the back. It's an affordable vehicle, both upfront and over the long haul. Most vehicle trips happen with two or fewer people. Tesla is also most likely not putting solar on its Model 2. The Aptera can do this because it will be so efficient, with a possible less than 100 Wh/mi.
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Compelling Features of the Aptera
75% of people are pre-ordering a 400-mile range Aptera. If you add the solar to that, you will still have less of a cost than the Model 2, even if the Aptera is slightly more expensive. Aptera wins on costs because of the solar panels, especially over the lifetime. You won't need to install any charging equipment. Even in cloudy areas, you'll get around 20 to 25 miles of range back.
The Aptera is a very aero-dynamic design, optimized for minimizing drag. It will have an immense amount of space in the back, and that is good for people who need to pack a lot in the back. It will be good for people who just want a vehicle with a lot of storage, and it can take care of itself by charging with the sun. Aptera tires will be much less expensive and need to be changed much less often than a Tesla as well.
Most people want the 400 mile or greater range Aptera so that they can go on longer drives. The average selling price of most of Aptera's reservations are just over $30,000. After that price, it will cost practically nothing to maintain.
The Aptera is a very appealing vehicle. One of the things I hate doing is charging, I'm seriously considering getting an Aptera vehicle. I could see myself ending up with an Aptera and a Cybertruck.
Aptera gives you performance (4 seconds for a 0 to 60 mph), range, lifetime cost, charging itself, and it should do well. The data shows most people have 1 to 2 people in them. The Aptera can't replace a sedan vehicle, but it can carve out a niche market for people who don't need more than 2 people.
Are any future vehicles from Tesla going to get 400 or more miles of range? Will they be less than $40,000? Will they be able to self charge? I don't see Tesla trying to install solar panels in their vehicles.
Aptera has over 41,000 pre-orders so far and once it gets on the road, I think it will sell itself. Aptera owners will like efficiency, aero-dynamics, having the right to repair, having the ability to charge itself, and more.
Would you get an Aptera? Would you get a Tesla Model 2?
For more, see this video from Tailosive EV:
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Tesla having blockbuster quarter in China.
Image Credit, Tailosive EV, Screenshot
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Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News.
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