WHAT'S NEW AT APTERA? WE CHAT WITH STEVE FAMBRO AT EVERYTHING ELECTRIC!

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Aptera's co-founder and co-CEO, Steve Fambro, discusses significant recent changes and future plans for the solar electric vehicle startup. The most notable shift is the decision to forgo in-wheel motors for the initial production launch in favor of a more traditional inboard motor design. This move, while described as 'painful,' is aimed at mitigating development risks, particularly with inverter technology, and avoiding potential production delays. Fambro emphasizes that in-wheel motors remain a future goal, likely for rear-wheel application. The company is progressing with its 16 pre-production 'PI' builds, which will serve as production intent vehicles for testing and validation, with the first customer deliveries of a limited number of vehicles anticipated before Q2 next year. Aptera is also diversifying its revenue streams by leveraging its solar technology IP for B2B applications, such as airport ground support tugs, which helps offset R&D costs and keeps material inventory fresh. The HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is also undergoing significant in-house development, promising detailed real-time solar performance data for consumers. Fambro remains optimistic about navigating regulatory landscapes and anti-EV sentiment by focusing on their core mission of solar-powered journeys and creating a unique vehicle segment.