Aptera Typ-1

By Eric Boyd on January 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Tags:

3-wheel,

Aptera,

EV,

PHEV,

ultralite

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

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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2 Comments

Richard said:

"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

January 7, 2008 3:27 PM

Eric Boyd

said:

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.

January 8, 2008 12:57 PM