The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is asking local business owners to swap a cover charge for a good deed this holiday season.
The chamber's CBAD Holiday Happy Hour will take place Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Aptera Motors, 5818 El Camino Real, according to a chamber post on Instagram.
Admission is an unwrapped toy or clothing item to benefit a local charity.
The specific charity receiving the donations was not identified in the chamber's announcement.
Prospective chamber members are welcome to attend. Len Ganduglia is the contact for details and can be reached at [email protected].
Why Aptera Motors matters locally
The host venue is no ordinary office park tenant. Aptera Motors Corp. (Nasdaq: SEV), headquartered in Carlsbad, is a solar electric vehicle maker that has hit several milestones in 2026.
The company announced in May that five validation vehicles had rolled off its low-volume assembly line in Carlsbad, according to an Aptera press release. In July, Aptera said it received a Certificate of Conformity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its 2026 Launch Edition vehicle, according to a separate company announcement.
In October, Aptera said it had lowered its estimated capital needed to reach start of production to roughly $25 million, down from $40 million to $45 million, according to a company press release. The company said it plans to begin building its first 40 production vehicles by the end of 2026 and to begin customer deliveries in early 2027, subject to timely financing.
As of March 31, Aptera had about 49,000 reservation holders and 57 employees, according to the company's first-quarter financial report.
All capital and timing estimates depend on Aptera obtaining financing on acceptable terms, supplier performance and regulatory approvals, the company said.
How to register
The chamber's Instagram post includes a registration link through the Carlsbad Chamber website. Interested attendees can reach Ganduglia at [email protected] for additional information.
