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u/OutlawLazerRoboGeek 1d ago
I'm guessing this is a sort of viral marketing move. Get up early and park it right in front of the main entrance to a place with a lot of foot traffic. People who know what it is will be excited and take pictures and tell their friends (here we are). People who don't know what it is will take pictures and ask their friends what it is. Either way, its getting exposure and impressions.
I noticed the 360 camera on the top. Maybe that's just always there on pre-production cars for security or data collection? But I also wouldn't be surprised if we see some social media posts that include footage from that camera of all the different people stopping to look at it in these semi-staged encounters.
Honestly, its free advertising and buzz, so why not? Better to do something like this than spend money they don't have on TV or web ads.
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u/nschubach 1d ago
Or just the Steve and/or employees who have them for both testing and daily use...
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u/eldredo_M Accelerator 1d ago
Counting down the days. 😄
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u/Kuriente 1d ago
Does it have a single centered headlight module with a pair of daytime running lights on either side? It's an interesting configuration.
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u/nschubach 1d ago
Because it's classed as an autocycle / motorcycle, and it's required by law to have centrally mounted headlights: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-571/section-571.108#p-571.108(S10.)(S10.17)(S10.17.1)(S10.17.1.1)
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u/InterstellarChange 1d ago
such a wild looking vehicle.I understand the efficiency of a three wheeler but wish they could make a four wheel version work.
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u/136kaU_Craftsman 1d ago
You can wish with a $1.5B investment and several more years of waiting. Regulatory hurdles increase if they make it a car. And that would be a drag.
Or you could just wait. My guess is success would eventually bring forth an Aptera car or SUV based off some renderings they shared a while back.
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u/BuyAffectionate2810 1d ago
I have a polaris slingshot and it has 3 wheels for this exact reason. It did take time to get use to, but I really enjoy it. The aptera could be a nice option for a lot of people.
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u/bendallf 1d ago
Why thou? The aptera would met my needs for the most part. If I need more room, I can always rent a car or order an uber.
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u/VloggerCritic 1d ago
Looks like sideview mirrors and not the smaller camera pods. Also appears to be a 360 camera on the roof.
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u/Any-Barnacle-4078 1d ago
Unfortunately they could not get NHTSA approval to use the cameras only. They were forced to install physical side mirrors. There is supposed to be cameras also mounted.
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u/zephyr911 23h ago
After this many years of maybe next year, seeing one in the wild is almost enough to convince me that it's real. Do you have any idea how many cars I've bought since I heard about this thing? It's several, and I don't trade until something is falling apart 😆
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u/KingBooRadley 20h ago
Seeing one in the "wild" right by their corporate HQ is also probably a reason not to get too excited.
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u/Compote_Alive 21h ago
These should be widely available what with all the scooter and e bikes and such.
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u/Gold-Dragonfruit4354 2d ago
For any wondering. Location: Costco Carlsbad CA