We just got word that the bad news is stacking up: Aptera is refunding deposits for the ultra-aerodynamic, three-wheeled electric vehicle (or planned hybrid version). In an e-mail to supporters, Aptera says it is returning every deposit made thus far, according to Green Car Reports. The e-mail reads, in part:
Our path to production has been longer than anticipated, which has complicated our reservation administration to the point that we have decided to return your deposit. … [Our credit-card processing system] is designed for transactions to be completed in a six-month window. Since most of Aptera’s deposits have been in reserve for more than six months, maintenance of the account has become problematic for our credit card processor and administratively cumbersome for Aptera.
Apparently, anyone who put in a deposit will now be added to a “newly created VIP database” and that, “As our production date approaches, we will use the database to direct you to your local retailer so you can be among the first to own an Aptera vehicle.” The Aptera website doesn’t have any of this news update, but it does still say “Reserve yours today!” without a working link. So…
