How much are Aptera's solar partnerships worth? 

The dash panels have a plastic protector on until installed. That is what is reflecting.

Re: the reflectivity of the dash panels...ChrisM commented in the Discord channel a few days ago that they will be "anti-reflective" when they start putting them on vehicles.

Steve, great job as usual! I DO wonder if we're not jumping to conclusions here? The actual wording was: "We've launched a pilot program retrofitting support equipment for one of the largest airlines in the world. Aptera in collaboration with Averest is focusing on applying this technology to pushback tractors along with various other electric utility vehicles on the tarmac, such as baggage carts. The goal of this project is to potentially eliminate the need for conventional charging entirely, significantly boosting operational readiness while minimizing maintenance needs and downtime risks. We expect the pilot project to be completed by the end of Q3." That's the actual information. Do you know who the airline is or what the actual project is? It sounds like the airline is footing the bill, not Averest... It sounds like Aptera is partnering with Averest, and the actual customer (the airline) appears to be unknown as of yet.

The solar partnerships are "foot in the door" into larger industries where higher volume potential is, that's where the value lies. Thank you Steve!

"To reduce emissions and fuel burned by GSE that service aircraft between flights, we have made investments with a target to achieve a 50% electric fleet by the end of 2025 and a 100% electric GSE fleet in Delta’s hubs by 2035. Delta is replacing internal combustion engine (gas and diesel) ground support equipment units with electrically powered equivalents."

7:20 I’m excited for their collaboration with Polydrops. Just released my video towing test with a Cybertruck on my channel

8:00 yes it’s previous Gen. I spoke with Polydrops CEO at Expo and they will be getting the glass panels for production. They wanted to have panels on for demo asap

A new start-up like Aptera needs to begin somewhere with small collaborations and partnerships, then spread and grow as Aptera continues to spread their name. Go Aptera❤

Imagine how huge it would be if the Averest pilot was successful. It could be incredible growth for both companies.

If they have a contract with a major airline, it's fair to say they are working with a major airline. They're working on a pilot program for them and if it works out and is approved to go with full implementaion, then that will lead to lots of money coming in for Aptera who will be making the solar parts for this company. Really, Steve, get with forecasting a bit more. Everything here has potential to be more than what we see right now.

As usual a fine job, breaking down the details for all of it.

I think that September is a good guess for the P2 models. Aptera does need a drivable, fully functional production intent EV (or 6) for demos and testing before the end of the year. Many media outlets and potential investors will be looking for Aptera to have income earning potential (like the small solar panel customers) and a firm plan (and date) to volume production ASAP, to support U.S. Capital investments, and a future IPO.

Same with Averest may be a small player but their segment size may grow.

It's a proof of concept obviously. But as an investor I am excited that they are branching out. If the concept proves itself it could some day be a huge money maker for Aptera. Obviously you don't start out retrofitting the world, they are branching out and testing the waters for other applications. I find this exciting. Although, we all know the solar cell market is saturated, this may be a niche that eventually pans out, and the ground work is already done, so it's a bonus. This shows how they are thinking ahead.

I think you misunderstood Steve; he said Aptera is working with Averest on a project retrofitting vehicles for one of the biggest airlines (probably one of their existing customers). The pilot program I expect, would be a live trial of their complete system at an airport under normal operating conditions.

Thanks for the research.

The airline is Delta.

I also keep in mind this may permit Averest to capture more of the market.

Agree, these collaborations are VERY small revenue generators, essentially proof-of-concept that MAY (I’d guess) will attract bigger players eventually. I’d prefer Aptera presented these partnerships as such and not, unto themselves as major revenue generators.

I know a lot of people who want small RV trailers like this.

Averest is most likely an extension of Delta’s purchasing dept.; covering batteries and charging equipment for eGSE. And any other airline who will use them.

I believe each airline may use there own ground equipment. But it does depend a little on airports.

(0:47) Now that Aptera is using glass on the tops of, at least, 3 solar panels (hood, roof and hatch), they are likely no longery using "7 or 9 layer encapsulation" systems. Not including the solar cell circuit or any rear "support", It's probably about 4 or 5 layers.

The pilot program is with Delta Airlines

Wonder how many negotiations are going on with other potential users of their solar technology?

Delta Airlines is based in Atlanta Georgia

I really hope Lightship will use Aptera solar panels on their travel trailer (it has 3kW of solar right now). That thing will be a hit as it is aerodynamic, has lots of solar area and it even has a motor that can keep your EV from suffering any range loss. That Lightship L1 is the future. I could see a smaller version that the Aptera could tow and you get no range loss.

The strips on the window panels could be providing defrost heat?

3:51 - .... for support equipment for one of the largest airlines....

Delta airlines is the main player!

Delta's GSE fleet at Logan is all electric.

could the strips in the bottom layer be thermal pads to help remove heat?

I thought Chris said in an interview with you that he’d be disappointed if the frame wasn’t done in early August, so late August is my guess.

The dash looks not very smooth, i wonder why that is, the forms would make it perfectly smooth? Or is that just for the underside? If its that bumpy, when they add the glass for the other solar pieces, how will they fill the bumps to not have bubbles?

Look at the roof for holes for the wires. The base seems to be multilayered with maybe a seal [grey] ? I think Averest is just a test bed for viability. Who they contract with for services at the airport may be the interested party. I would think the Port authorities are pressuring the industry to lower emissions and maintenance costs. There are lots of these small companies with decent contracts and maybe incentives in the same work around the world? Like lowering the need for a lot of power infrastructure. Maybe an announcement in November?

Those rectangles might be to assist with cooling. Solar panels work better when they are cool and it's hard to get 40 miles of range on such small panels

Jeez, I would drive to California from Ontario and help assemble vehicles if I could get my Aptera sooner. 😂

If you listen closely he says that they "launched a pilot program, retrofitting support equipment for one of the largest airlines in the world." Not saying that they are working for the airline but retrofitting support equipment for one of the biggest airlines in the world. Not mentioning what airline that support equipment supports or the company managing the support equipment. It's a little convoluted.

Getting your product into a highly visible market place is great advertising, not all about instant profit.

Top side or bottom side in photo?

I really question the value of Aptera's solar deals as Aptera licenses Maxeon cells. Wouldn't the value of the partnership kinda be split between the two?

I'm curious if Reg D allows me to invest from my Etrade Mogan Stanley IRA, Roth, or 401K?

Good, honest, assessment of Aptera's hyped revenue stream from solar with the "Airline industry" and travel trailers. Not much there but a start. May look good to investors that Aptera is working to expand revenue flows, but my take, not much value at this point. More a draw on Aptera resources than a contribution to revenue.

Live steam revealed September.

I hope the selling of solar panels to other companies isn't pulling Aptera's employee's valuable time away from getting the Apteras produced.

In terms of who one partners with... small usually mates with small. But we are hoping for a new breed 😂

Thiose rectangular strips are double sided stick tape .

Hopefully the design will discourage people putting their feet on the dashboard

PI 2 - October or November then, I huge delay due to the lack of drivetrain.

Watch my video titled Aptera can Corner The Market. I'm totally wrong if the experts are correct that the initial cars will be 50k.

Talk about a coincidence. Disruptive Investing just now put out a video on Solar Powered Camper Vans! | Solarrolla

Those rectangular strips are just double-sided foam tape to hold the panel.

Could the steroid be used to cool the panels? Overheated solar panels aren't as efficient

One to self: make dash cover for Aptera.

How soon will we see crash testing ? 😎

I don't think Polydrops will sell many trailers for around $40,000 when you can buy a Coleman Lantern for $15,000

thank you for investigating these partnerships and criticizing the reality of the partnership, so basically the aptera update was a new website which is a big nothing burger, might as well not have had an update.

Polydrops has 3 employees.

Interesting analysis, thanks Steve. As I commented on the original video by Aptera, I am worried that Aptera Solar is going to be a distraction and pull resources from the main goal, which is to manufacture and sell cars. If the attraction is that of a quick and easy buck - which it never is - then that's the business they should be in. My recommendation to Aptera would be to stop fooling around with putting solar panels on other people's stuff.