Tag Archives: california-based

Aptera Hit A Crucial Milestone In Making Its Solar-Powered Car

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California-based Aptera has taken a significant step toward series production by starting to build validation vehicles. This progress is made possible by a new assembly line, where the startup utilizes a large-scale precision assembly fixture to construct validation electric vehicles (EVs) using ready-made components shipped from suppliers.

After years of delays and multiple crowdfunding campaigns, Aptera is steadily moving closer to its goal of creating a usable solar-powered electric car. Transitioning from the prototype stage, the company has begun assembling vehicles on a new validation jig. This approach enables Aptera to develop repeatable manufacturing procedures using supplier-sourced parts rather than relying on custom-made components assembled on a workbench.

Suppliers have already delivered chassis and body-in-carbon (BiC) panels to the company. It’s important to note that this effort is focused on low-volume production — so don’t expect a massive factory filled with automated production lines. Although the operation is small, it aims to provide value for reservation holders and investors alike.

Currently, the validation line centers around a large-scale precision assembly fixture. This setup allows workers to assemble chassis and bodies accurately and consistently, ensuring all vehicles have a uniform appearance. If any issues arise during assembly, engineers and designers can identify and address them before customer vehicles begin production.

Chris Anthony, Aptera’s Co-CEO, commented on this milestone: “This marks an important moment in Aptera’s journey. For the first time, our technicians will be assembling vehicles along a defined sequence of stations, using processes developed hand-in-hand with the engineers who designed them.”

Despite these advances, the timeline for the final product’s release remains uncertain. The startup still needs an additional $65 million to commence low-volume production of the three-wheeled EV. Initially slated for production in 2021, the vehicle’s launch was delayed.

Originally, Aptera planned to power the EV with in-wheel electric motors supplied by Elaphe — the same company behind the motors for the now-defunct Lordstown Endurance pickup. However, this plan was later replaced by a more conventional setup from Vitesco. The chosen drive unit, dubbed the EMR3, integrates a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, an inverter, and a reducer into a single compact unit.

Aptera’s Launch Edition solar EV is priced at $40,000 and promises up to 400 miles of range on a full charge. Additionally, the model’s solar panels can reportedly add up to 40 miles of range per day under ideal conditions. This means that, in theory, owners could complete their daily commutes without ever needing to plug in.

While challenges remain, the production-intent validation vehicle represents a crucial phase in bringing Aptera’s innovative solar-powered car closer to reality.

*Gallery: Aptera Solar EV Production-Intent Validation Vehicle (2025)*
https://insideevs.com/news/778659/aptera-validation-assembly-line/

Development in Ala Moana-Kapiolani corridor stalls

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**Urban Honolulu’s Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development Zone Sees Slowdown in Condo Tower Construction**

What had been one of urban Honolulu’s hottest spots for condominium tower construction in recent years—the Ala Moana transit-oriented development (TOD) zone—has cooled significantly. For the first time in about a decade, construction cranes are no longer a fixture in the area, following the September opening of a two-tower complex called The Park on Keeaumoku.

Though one developer remains optimistic about the region and plans to begin construction on a new tower next year with additional projects to follow, at least six high-rise developments—most of which received city approvals in recent years—have stalled. By comparison, condo tower development in adjacent Kakaako continues actively with several ongoing projects.

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**Stalled Development Highlights**

Dennis Lowery, who operates the Hula Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs lunch wagon on Kapiolani Boulevard, has witnessed the stagnation firsthand. His stand is located across from a defaced construction barrier enclosing a planned $650 million residential and hotel condo tower called Mana‘olana Place. Despite initial construction announcements in late 2022, Lowery describes the site as “just been a wall,” with no visible progress made.

Initially decorated with a mural by local artist Mark “Devour” Visay, the construction barrier—which surrounds 1.2 acres at Kapiolani and Atkinson Drive near the Hawai‘i Convention Center—is now largely covered in graffiti.

According to Salem Partners, the California-based developer behind Mana‘olana Place, the project will be “moving forward” early next year.

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**The Rise of Ala Moana’s TOD Zone**

About a decade ago, developer interest surged in this area due to new city zoning rules allowing extra tower height and density within a half-mile radius of the then-planned Ala Moana Center rail station—a terminus station expected to be the busiest among 21 city rail stops. This spurred numerous projects along the Kapiolani corridor between Piikoi Street and Kalakaua Avenue.

Steve Sombrero, president of Cushman & Wakefield ChaneyBrooks, described the area in 2018 as having “more projects… than anywhere else on Oahu, including Kakaako.” He called it “an exciting time” for the local real estate market.

Notable developments included the opening of the 485-unit Kapiolani Residence tower by Korea-based SamKoo Development in 2018, and The Central Ala Moana, a 512-unit tower by the same developer that opened in 2021. Azure Ala Moana, a 330-unit tower developed by ProsPac Holdings Group LLC, also opened in 2021 and nearly sold out quickly, with units priced from $550,000 to $2.2 million. Azure uniquely included 78 moderate-priced rental apartments.

Other completed projects included Sky Ala Moana and The Park on Keeaumoku, marking a wave of glass-sided towers that transformed the neighborhood.

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**Challenges and Market Headwinds**

Despite early momentum, several approved projects have yet to break ground. Housing market analyst Ricky Cassiday attributes the delays to several key factors:

– High mortgage interest rates
– Rising construction costs
– Strong competition from established Kakaako developers
– A slow rebound in tourists from Japan after the COVID-19 related Hawaii tourism shutdown in 2020

Additionally, the city indefinitely suspended construction of the Ala Moana rail station owing to budget constraints, though Cassiday believes this was not a major factor affecting stalled developments. A planned rail station in Kakaako was also cut.

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**Financial and Legal Issues Hampering Progress**

Financial difficulties have also played a role in delays. Two stalled projects—Hawaii Ocean Plaza and Hawaii City Plaza—became entangled in lawsuits from foreign investors alleging misuse of funds by the California developer led by Johnson Fang. Construction began on Hawaii City Plaza in early 2019 near Walmart and Sam’s Club but quickly halted with minimal progress.

Another approved but unrealized project is Ala Moana Plaza, a 40-story, 550-unit rental tower near Ala Moana Center, owned by Brookfield Properties. No updates have been provided regarding this development.

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**Additional Projects in Limbo**

Salem Partners, besides Mana‘olana Place, also holds approvals for a 444-unit condo-hotel tower at 1500 Kapiolani Blvd. This project, which includes 78 rental units for seniors atop an adjacent former Walgreens parking garage (now a car dealership), remains unbuilt. Salem Partners President William Witte says construction will begin later this year.

Next door, a project led by Hawaiian tech entrepreneurs Fred and Annie Chan—who previously developed the twin-tower Moana Pacific condos—also stalled. A 631-unit residential tower failed to secure city approval after required revisions, including affordable housing changes and tower repositioning. KCR Development, representing the Chans, allowed the application to expire, citing high interest rates and uncertainty over construction costs impacted by federal tariffs on foreign materials.

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**A Developer’s Bullish Outlook**

Amid these challenges, JL Capital is actively moving forward. The firm developed Sky Ala Moana—two towers with mixed residential and hotel units—and is now selling units in Muse Honolulu, a new tower on Kapiolani next to the former Heald College site where Salem Partners’ project is stalled.

Prices for Muse units range from $709,000 for studios to $5.9 million for penthouses, some of which have already sold. Sales for resident owner-occupants exclusively began in July for a 30-day initial period. JL Vice President Mark Berkowitz reports improved buyer interest over the past two months.

To secure financing, JL Capital aims to sell at least 65% of Muse’s 315 units, a target anticipated to be met next year.

In addition, JL is converting a nearby office building into 64 rental apartments and plans to add 37 more rental units on Kalakaua Avenue to fulfill the city’s affordable housing requirements.

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**Current Market Snapshot and Future Prospects**

Oahu’s housing market is now somewhat lukewarm compared to a few years ago when projects like Azure Ala Moana nearly sold out. The Park on Keeaumoku, opened in September after launching sales in 2021, still has approximately 150 unsold units out of 972, priced from $349,147 to $1.6 million.

Cassiday notes that demand from Asian buyers in Honolulu has softened but remains stronger among local residents and mainland buyers. He acknowledges that Kakaako remains more attractive for developers due to better ocean proximity and established builders, but maintains the Ala Moana TOD area holds significant potential.

“It’s got a future,” Cassiday said.

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**JL Capital’s Long-Term Vision**

Earlier this month, JL Capital announced a $36 million purchase of 1.3 acres along Kapiolani Boulevard, including part of Sheridan Street currently occupied by a Runners Route store. This acquisition is earmarked for future tower development.

Tim Lee, JL CEO, said in a statement:
*“This acquisition reflects our long-term vision for the Kapiolani corridor as a vibrant, high-density neighborhood within the Ala Moana neighborhood. With this site, we’re excited to continue shaping and improving the existing corridor with a thoughtfully planned and connected project that will elevate the experience of living in urban Honolulu.”*

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**Conclusion**

While challenges such as financing, construction costs, and market demand have slowed new condo towers in the Ala Moana TOD zone, developers like JL Capital remain hopeful. With evolving market dynamics and strategic investments, the area looks poised to regain momentum as a dynamic urban neighborhood in Honolulu’s evolving skyline.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/26/hawaii-news/development-in-ala-moana-kapiolani-corridor-stalls/

Should You Trust Your Prized Possession To A Costco Car Cover? Here’s What Reviews Say

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Car owners and enthusiasts can take advantage of huge discounts at Costco for everything from lower-priced Interstate batteries to EV home chargers. While Costco doesn’t carry its own brand of car covers, it offers products from Coverking, a California-based company known for its floor mats, storage accessories, and vehicle protection gear.

Costco’s online store features the Coverking Stormshield and Hybrid car covers. The former is essentially the Stormproof if you buy it from Coverking directly, and the Coverking Hybrid is the same as what you’ll find at Costco. However, it makes more sense to buy them at Costco instead. The Stormshield starts at under $320 with a Costco membership ($350 if you buy at Coverking), while the Hybrid is under $60 (compared to $99.99 when bought directly). The savings alone make Costco car covers a good buy since they’re essentially the same high-quality products from Coverking.

### Customer Reviews

Customer reviews on Costco’s online store are mostly encouraging, though some complaints include late deliveries, poor fitting, and the lack of a smoother underside to prevent scratching.

– “The cover doesn’t fit like a custom cover should,” said one disgruntled buyer.
– “I ordered the cover and two weeks later they sent me the wrong cover,” echoed another.

Otherwise, buyers are mostly impressed:

– “Excellent materials, high quality, great price. Very impressed and would buy again,” wrote one customer.
– “It’s well-made, the material is great for year-round California weather, and it meets all of my expectations. It’s the first cover that actually fits my Subaru Outback,” shared another.

### About Coverking Car Covers at Costco

Coverking offers a varied selection of indoor and outdoor car covers, but only the Stormshield and Hybrid are available at Costco.

#### Coverking Stormshield (Stormproof)

The Stormshield (also known as Stormproof when purchased directly) is a custom-fit car cover designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It provides year-round protection against sun, rain, dust, and snow using Coverking’s proprietary Stormproof fabric. This material is water-resistant, durable, lightweight, and most importantly, breathable to prevent rust, mold, and mildew buildup.

The construction is top-notch, featuring minimal seams, double-needle stitching, and wax-coated threads for enhanced durability.

A user commented, “So far so good. It has done well at blocking the sun and keeping dust off my car.”

Additionally, the Stormshield comes with a 4-year warranty. Costco emphasizes that the Stormshield’s material is a Coverking exclusive, containing 2 million strands of microfibers per square inch to block water droplets while remaining breathable.

One reviewer noted, “Have purchased many of these covers, and they last about 3 to 4 years. They are great for reducing sun damage, and they fit perfectly on my Corvette. However, you have to keep the car and cover clean to prevent scratches.”

#### Coverking Hybrid

The Coverking Hybrid is not a cover specifically for hybrid cars. Instead, the “hybrid” name refers to the two fabrics used in the cover. The top layer is reflective and water-resistant, while the underside is lighter and breathable to expel moisture and heat.

This cover comes in small, medium, and large sizes, so selecting the right size is critical for a proper fit. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use in moderately hot or cold weather. However, the Stormshield offers better protection against intense rain, snow, and harsh UV exposure.

### Debunking Myths About Car Covers

There are many myths about car covers damaging vehicle paint, especially if the cover does not fit perfectly or is made from non-breathable materials. Here are some important facts to consider:

– Loose or ill-fitting covers can flap around in moderate winds and blow off, exposing the vehicle surface they’re supposed to protect.
– Some covers include metal rings or grommets to anchor them, but if the cover is too loose, these can hit the vehicle and cause dents or dings.
– Non-breathable covers can trap moisture underneath, which may cause rust or mildew, and create hard-to-remove water spots and stains on the paint.

Therefore, when purchasing a car cover, the material quality and fitment should be your primary concerns.

### Tips for Using Car Covers

– Avoid covering a dirty car to prevent scratches from trapped dirt and debris.
– Park your vehicle on hard, clean surfaces while covered to reduce contamination from ground dust or debris.
– Remember, removing scratches later requires time, patience, and effort—prevention is always better.

By investing in a high-quality, well-fitting cover such as the Coverking Stormshield or Hybrid offered at Costco, you can keep your vehicle protected year-round while saving money. Just be sure to keep your car clean and cover it properly to maximize protection and longevity.
https://www.jalopnik.com/2004220/costco-car-covers-user-reviews/