Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Aptera’s Electric Car (Almost!)
Official Specifications:
Dimensions: 53″ high x 91.0″ wide x 173″ long.
111″ wheelbase
80.5″ front track.
0.15 Coef of drag
5″ ground clearance
1500 lbs curb wt.Electric motor torque: 60FtLb torque
110v 15A charge time: 8 hrs.
Battery output: 10-13 KWh battery pack.
Battery voltage: 336V DC Nominal Traction Voltage
Transmission: Gear box 10:1 ratioBattery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate.
Chassis:
- Front Suspension: Independent unequal length A-arm
- Rear Suspension: Swing Arm
- Steering: Manual Steering, tilt steering column
- Brakes: Manual Brakes, dual circuit brake hydraulics, mechanical brake proportioning, 3-wheel disc
- Wheels: 14-inch High Strength Stamped Steel wheels
- Size: P165/65R14Performance:
- Range: Up to 100 miles per chargeWarranty:
- Basic: 4/50,000
- Powertrain: 4/50,000
- Corrosion: 12/unlimited
- Roadside: 4/50,000Features: (S=standard, O=optional)
Interior:
Push Button Start: S
Electronic shift PRNDL (shift controller): S
AM/FM/MP3/WMA with 5 speakers and MP3/Smart Phone Connectivity: S
DVD Navigation System: O
Power up/down windows with Driver side one-touch and anti-pinch: S
Power automatic door locks with anti-lockout feature: S
Center console armrest with two cup holders: S
Overhead mounted LED Dome Lights: S
Recycled Fabric-trimmed seats and door panels: S
Leatherette (recycled materials) trimmed steering wheel: S
Defroster-linked CFC-free automatic climate control with electric inverter compressor air conditioning: S
One 12V auxilliary power outlets and One 12V USB Outlet: S
Retractable passenger-assist grips at all doors: SExterior:
Dual color-keyed power outside mirros: S
Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps: S
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers: S
Rear window defogger with timer: S
Rear Electronic rear hatch locking system (sic): S
Solar Energy-Reflecting glass: S
Smart Key System (Proximity locking/starting) Maintenance key & cylinder to prevent accidental lock out: SSafety:
Remote keyless entry system with 2-stage unlocking, panic function and remote illuminated entry: S
Backup camera: O
Driver and front passenger Airbag System: S
Front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams: S
Engine immobilizer: S
Center high-mount stop lamp: S
Emergency Tire inflation system: S
3-point front outboard seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors and driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR), front passenger Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR): S
Driver and front passenger seatbelt with seat belt starter interlock: S
Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS): S
Anti-theft system: O
Even this evening, the new information continues. First, the range of 100 miles is at freeway speeds with two passengers and the AC on; 55mph with one passenger and no AC is 120 miles. The tail lights are charging indicators when it’s plugged in. Ie, if 3/4 of the lights are on, it’s 3/4 charged. There’s another showing already. Expect plenty more. And lastly, geography will not be taken into account as far as deliveries in California go. Aptera is planning on having six service centers across the state up and running at their October launch date, and will deliver to everyone in their purchase order. Even CEOs — Paul Wilbur’s number is in the 1600s, so he’ll have to wait a while.
At the after-TED showing, one Aptera rep gave a figure of 6″ for width reduction. Another gave a different figure; they don’t know exactly how much they’re going to ultimately be able trim it down, but that’s definitely a goal for them. There’s a single large windshield wiper that’s recessed way down in the front. The sills on the doors keep the rain out effectively (it was raining). The bulk that’s taking up the back area in this prototype is batteries; they’re getting moved to the front (under the seats) in the final version, which will give the car its 70/30 weight distribution, front to back.
There are five 2es currently, counting mules, and over 18 “Apteras”. They’re already nearing the point where they can build one per day. Paul Wilbur estimated that someone with a 2h (hybrid) reservation just over #2000 will get theirs by mid-2010. And the 2e that they’re showing at TED already has a 220V (higher power) charger on it. Like the higher-power charger, the solar panel will be an option.
Now, of course, the title of this article mentions that Aptera released information about “almost” everything. There are still some details missing. The exact final width is still unknown, as are how much the performance specs will change before release. How much are each of the options, and what base price for what vehicle version? All we know is “25k to 40k” depending on options. Will there be any extended warranties offered as options? What’s the final turning radius going to be? How high are the wheel skirts ultimately going to be? Who are the hardware suppliers for the pack, the drivetrain, etc?
A number of things still remain to be revealed. Nevertheless, let’s hope that this openness on Aptera’s part continues in the months ahead.
Photo credits: Autoweek, Press Telegram
Good news. Thanks.
I am so glad that Aptera’s marketeers seem to be getting more comfortable with informing folks. I think it shows the company gaining maturity and confidence with their product.
Hope they succeed and hope I can get a test drive before too long.
Now if they would just fix their puerile website I could go find something else to whine about.
This sounds like a good competitor for a Ford “Probe” of around 1955 or so. That was an aerodynamic exercise using a 1.5 liter engine to get excellent fuel mileage for a 5 passenger sedan. Ford even went to the expense of providing flexible “skirts” for the front wheels to allow a wide tread and still turn the vehicle. zro to 60 was said to be around 12 seconds, but from 60 to 90 it easily out accelerated a car with 2.5 liter engine. That “Probe” was only good for about 50 mpg. Oh! the aerodynamic drag coefficient was reported at 0.15
I like the Aptera. It really breaks the paradijm. The wide track appears to unnecessarily limit the parking convenience. [Too wide for a parking garage or similiar parking]. Please explain the rationale behind this!!!!
Thanks for your reply.
Joe Papai
Nice article review giving more insight into the future of Aptera.
I would be affraid to drive the car around all those big steel SUVs on the road. Seems like 3 wheels might have a tendancy to flip easier if hit from the side. Where’s the crash test report ?? That must be the other half of the ‘ALMOST’ statement.
Is our society really ready for this change ? I suppose with the CEO being number 1600 on the waitlist is a good sign
I love the idea of the Aptera but I think some road changes have to be made. The Aptera scenario seems similar to the SMART car : Such a tiny spec that is lost on the freeway amidst gargantuan soccer-mom vehicles….but they are out there.
These guys have been running with the ball so long that they no longer know which direction the goal line is in. The vehicle is priced for the guys in the upper corner offices. Why would they give up the Mercedes and Lexus foe something like this. They can easily afford gas no matter what the price is. How many blue collar workers are there that can afford this vehicle? NOT MADE FOR THE MASSES!
I am really impressed with it. The hybrid for up here in the northwest makes sense to me. 330 mpg??? I doubt the 4 passenger would do that but 150 mpg would be great as well. I think I would feel like I’m getting into an aircraft. The whole concept makes sense to me. Now I’ve got to find out where they are and visit them and hopefully get a test drive.
rschmidt: The average sale price of the Prius isn’t “made for the masses”, either. For the next few years, “green” will be the new “big”; companies will be able to treat mileage or battery-drive the way they used to tout seating, cargo space, or 4WD. Why not just roll with that? The most important thing about selling is to understand the market!
One important thing to remember about the Aptera is that it’s getting around safety requirements by being a motorcycle. Dumping it right into mass production would probably provoke the NHTSA a bit. Having this limited-production initial release will help them get some safety data, so they can be more confident about letting everybody have one.
One comment or question I have not heard is: the life or warranty of the lithium ion battery. Include the replacement cost also.
Can’t wait to try it…when do you expect the hybrid to be available?
Thanks
Walter
Sure seems a whole lot better to me than the best selling vehicle Detroit has to offer. The ford f150 pickup. I wonder if it’s a chick magnet?