Aptera Typ-1
As promised, I've redone the Aptera Typ-1 page, to include the new information from the Popular Mechanics article. The production car remains much the same in looks, but is about 500 lbs heavier than the prototype. Check it out: Aptera Typ-1, or read on for the same information in a less pretty format.
Short Description: 2-seat, 3-wheel, EV or PHEV, ultra-light
Availability & Cost: EV: $26.9k, PHEV: $29.9, late 2008
Availability & Cost: EV: $26.9k, PHEV: $29.9, late 2008
Background and Details
- Aptera: Greek for “wingless flight”
- Both pure EV (typ-1e) and PHEV (typ-1h) to be available, with the PHEV in 2009. Only 30 EVs will be made in 2008.
- Marketing claims 300 MPG for PHEV, based on 120 mile driving cycle. Does not count electricity used.
- Prototype had a diesel generator, but emissions requirements forced a switch to gasoline.
- Twin ultra-caps for acceleration power
- Aptera working with DMVs nation wide to ensure legality and insurability. VIN#s start “5WT”.
- 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 legally does not have to preform crash testing.
- Leading competitor for alternative class AXP race
- At least 825 pre-orders have been placed.
- References: Aptera Wikipedia Autoblog Treehugger ABG ApteraDreaming YouTube Wired PopularMechanics
Vehicle Stats
AXP MPGe
|
130 MPGe gasoline
400 MPGe electricity |
Weight
|
1480 lbs
|
L x W x H (ft)
|
?
|
HP
|
25 HP
|
0-60 MPH
|
10 seconds
|
Top Speed
|
85+ MPH
|
Battery Info
|
10 kWh EV
less for PHEV battery type unknown |
Range
|
120 miles EV
50+950 miles PHEV |
Charge Time
|
4h
|
Motor
|
3-phase
Prototype: 25 HP (but has this increased with increased weight?) |
Engine
|
water-cooled EFI gasoline engine to 12kW generator
|
Cd x Frontal Area
|
Cd = 0.11
|
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"Only 30 EVs will be made in 2008."
What is the source for this? I couldn't find it in any of the references.
Thanks,
Richard
Richard,
The source is the final paragraph (on page 11) of the Popular Mechanics article, which says this:
"Fambro says Aptera only needs to sell 300 vehicles to make the company profitable. So far the company has over 580 orders for the $27,000 Typ-1 e and the $30,000 Typ-1 h. Pilot production is set to begin with 30 Typ-1 e vehicles next year, though eventually Aptera expects to build 2000 vehicles annually. Sign us up for a long-term test."
I took that to mean only 30 would be made in 2008, although strictly speaking it doesn't say that - it only implies it.
There seems to be hold up on the actual selling of the Aptera! I would have already bought one! Or would buy one today but am not able to do so and I am a strong supporter of this technology and design .