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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Technology License Agreement

 

The Company has a Technology License Agreement (“TLA”) with Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. (“Chery”), as amended in 2023, granting the Company a non-transferable license to use certain Chery automobile parts technology, know-how, and data.

 

Under the amended TLA, the cash consideration component has been fully satisfied. The agreement includes a remaining contingent obligation for the Company to issue up to $5.0 million in shares of Class B Common Stock to Chery. This obligation is triggered in installments upon the Company entering into specific parts supply agreements with Chery and receiving the initial batches of parts under those agreements. The timing and ultimate issuance of these shares are dependent on the Company proceeding with these specific purchasing milestones. The Company also holds certain rights of first refusal regarding the shares held by Chery. The Company recorded $334 thousand and $60 thousand of expense related to the TLA in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, $1.1 million of expense remained to be recognized related to the TLA as of December 31, 2025.

 

Litigation and Regulation

 

Various aspects of our business and service areas are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local regulation, as well as regulation outside the United States. The Company is also subject to legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business.

 

In August 2024, Zaptera USA, Inc. (“Zaptera”) filed a complaint against Aptera Motors Corp. in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Following amendments and motions to dismiss, Zaptera presently asserts claims against Aptera Motors Corp. and certain associated individuals for design patent infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and declaratory judgment of patent ownership. It also asserts breach of contract claims against the individuals, but not the Company itself. Zaptera seeks various remedies, including damages and injunctive relief.

 

On October 10, 2025, Aptera Motors Corp. and the individual defendants filed their answers and affirmative defenses to Zaptera’s amended complaint. Aptera Motors Corp. intends to vigorously defend this litigation and continues to believe the claims are without merit. However, litigation is inherently uncertain, and an unfavorable outcome could materially harm our business.

 

In January 2025, we received a subpoena for documents from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to our securities offerings and the production, design, and manufacture of our vehicles. This subpoena is part of an ongoing SEC investigation. The Company continues to cooperate fully with the investigation and is continuing to produce documents in response to the subpoena and subsequent requests.

 

The SEC has informed us that the investigation does not mean that it has concluded that anyone has violated the law and that the receipt of the subpoena does not mean that the SEC has a negative opinion of any person, entity, or security. However, the Company can offer no assurances as to the timing, outcome or potential effect, if any, of this ongoing investigation. Responding to the subpoena and related requests continues to require the dedication of management time and attention and has resulted, and may continue to result, in the incurrence of significant expenses, including legal and other professional services fees.