How I Built This with Guy Raz Powering cars with solar energy with Steve Fambro of Aptera Motors (2023)
Feb 15, 2024
Steve Fambro, Co-founder and CEO of Aptera Motors, shares the exciting revival of his once-defunct company aimed at revolutionizing transportation with solar power. He talks about the innovative design journey that enables their solar-electric hybrid car to run 40 miles on sunlight alone. Steve discusses the challenges faced in developing a solar vehicle prototype and the emotional journey of the company's rise and fall. He also highlights the practical benefits for drivers in sunny regions and the future implications of solar technology in smart vehicle design.
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Traffic Inspiration
- Steve Fambro, Aptera's co-founder, conceived the idea while stuck in San Diego traffic in his Ford F-150.
- His background as an electrical engineer and student pilot sparked his interest in aerodynamic efficiency.
Car Design Lineage
- Cars have evolved incrementally from horse-drawn carriages, retaining the four-wheel, boxy design.
- This traditional design contributes significantly to aerodynamic drag and energy inefficiency.
Quitting Illumina
- Steve Fambro quit his stable job at Illumina to pursue Aptera, despite his wife being six months pregnant.
- His wife's surprisingly positive reaction encouraged him, although he questioned if she understood the risk.