Aptera Typ-1
The Aptera-Typ1 is a 2-seat 3-wheel enclosed vehicle, which will legally be a motorcycle in most states. Aptera plans to release both an Electric Vehicle (EV) and a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), with a tentative date of late 2008. Aptera is an official competitor for the Automotive X Prize, and this vehicle (either mode) qualifies under the "Alternative Class" draft rules. Indeed, it vastly exceeds them for the most part - meaning that the Aptera typ-1 is likely to be a formidable competitor.X Prize Cars is proud to present the first of many of our car pages: Aptera typ-1. For a less pretty rendition of the stats, read on.
Short Description: 2-seat, 3-wheel, EV or PHEV, ultra-light
Availability & Cost: EV: $26.9k, PHEV: $29.9k, late 2008
Background and Details
•Left image: Oct 2007 “Production” design rendering
•Right image: Jan 2006 Concept computer model
•Both pure EV (typ-1e) and PHEV (typ-1h) to be available.
•Marketing claims 300 MPG for PHEV, based on 120 mile driving cycle. Does not count electricity used.
•Original concept called for diesel generator and ultra-capacitors, both of which turned out to be impractical.
•The prototype PHEV actually had a small diesel generator, but it was too dirty for California emissions standards.
•Aptera working with DMVs nation wide to ensure legality and insurability. No word on financing.
•Radical “streamlined” design is often compared to spaceships or airplanes. Prototype Cd = 0.11!
•Safety is customers main concern - lots of engineering has gone into that (crumple zones, airbags, roll cages, simulated crash testing), but many remain skeptical. Three-wheel “motorcycle” legal status means Aptera does not have to preform actual crash testing.
•Leading competitor for alternative class AXP race.
•References: Aptera Wikipedia Autoblog Treehugger Gizmodo AutoblogGreen ApteraDreaming YouTube
Availability & Cost: EV: $26.9k, PHEV: $29.9k, late 2008
Background and Details
•Left image: Oct 2007 “Production” design rendering
•Right image: Jan 2006 Concept computer model
•Both pure EV (typ-1e) and PHEV (typ-1h) to be available.
•Marketing claims 300 MPG for PHEV, based on 120 mile driving cycle. Does not count electricity used.
•Original concept called for diesel generator and ultra-capacitors, both of which turned out to be impractical.
•The prototype PHEV actually had a small diesel generator, but it was too dirty for California emissions standards.
•Aptera working with DMVs nation wide to ensure legality and insurability. No word on financing.
•Radical “streamlined” design is often compared to spaceships or airplanes. Prototype Cd = 0.11!
•Safety is customers main concern - lots of engineering has gone into that (crumple zones, airbags, roll cages, simulated crash testing), but many remain skeptical. Three-wheel “motorcycle” legal status means Aptera does not have to preform actual crash testing.
•Leading competitor for alternative class AXP race.
•References: Aptera Wikipedia Autoblog Treehugger Gizmodo AutoblogGreen ApteraDreaming YouTube
Vehicle Stats
AXP MPGe
|
130 MPGe gasoline
400 MPGe electricity |
Weight
|
prototype: 850 lbs
|
L x W x H (ft)
|
?
|
HP
|
prototype: 25 HP
|
Transmission
|
?
|
0-60 MPH
|
prototype: 11 seconds
|
Top Speed
|
prototype: 95 MPH
|
Battery Info
|
10 kWh EV
less for PHEV battery type unknown |
Range
|
120 miles EV
50+950 miles PHEV |
Charge Time
|
6h
|
Motor
|
3-phase, ?kW
prototype: 25 HP |
Engine
|
water-cooled EFI gasoline engine to 12kW generator
|
Cd x Frontal Area
|
prototype: Cd = 0.11
|
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