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Aptera 2 Series

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Aptera Solar EV
First prototype of the Aptera solar powered EV
Overview
ManufacturerAptera Motors
Production2025 (planned)
AssemblyCarlsbad, California
DesignerJason Hill
Body and chassis
Class
Body style3 door hatchback coupé
Layoutfront-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motorVitesco Technologies EMR3 axle drive
Battery25, 42, 60 or 100 kW·h lithium-ion
Range250, 400, 600 or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) EPA
Plug-in charging
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,743 mm (108 in)
Length4,496 mm (177 in)
Width2,225 mm (87.6 in)
Height1,422 mm (56 in)
Curb weight816 kg (1,800 lb) for standard 60 kW·h version
Chronology
PredecessorAptera 2 Series (never produced)

The Aptera[b] is a two-seat, three-wheeled solar electric vehicle under development by the crowd-funded American car manufacturer Aptera Motors. The stated design goal of the car is to be the most energy efficient mass produced vehicle ever. The design has an aerodynamic shape and uses lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass composite materials, and built-in solar cells to significantly extend its range.[1][2] While several prototypes featured in-wheel motors, the production model is designed with a standard three-wheeler front-wheel drive axle.[3]

History

The Aptera vehicle's development was planned to progress through a series of prototypes: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, leading to the Delta phase vehicle. Three Alpha prototypes were built to validate the basic vehicle design and provide rough functionality. The Beta prototype incorporated functional improvements learned from the Alpha prototypes. The Gamma prototype was intended to iron out production details, and then the Delta to be the production-intent vehicle.[4] In June 2022, Aptera announced a detailed plan to scale in-wheel motor production in Slovenia by Elaphe. Up to 100,000 units are to be produced annually in a 160,000 square foot R&D and production centre.[5] Due to production issues the in-wheel motor design was replaced with a standard front-wheel drive axle design for the production model.[3]

Aptera named Maxeon Solar Technologies as the solar cell provider for the vehicle in October 2022.[6] The Gamma Aptera prototype was unveiled in December, with a touch screen center console and improved head and legroom.[7] In January 2023, Aptera announced that it needed $50 million to start assembly. Shortly thereafter, it received a $21 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC).[8] Since then, the Accelerator program has raised the other 29 million dollars needed to begin production.[9]

In March 2023, Aptera announced its use of Comma.ai's Openpilot driver assistance system.[10] As of September 2023, Aptera's partner C.P.C. has stamped the first of Aptera's Body in Carbon (BinC) parts from production tools at its Modena, Italy manufacturing facility.[11] The Aptera sEV has over 40,000 reservations as of 2023.[12]

Design

The 60 kWh battery version is expected to weigh about 1,800 pounds (820 kg), much lighter than most electric vehicles.[1] It has a NACS connector, and is able to charge at a rate of between 40–60 kW.[13]

Aerodynamics

The Aptera has a claimed coefficient of drag that is very low, at 0.13 as of January 2023.[14] The car was tested at an Italian wind tunnel, the results of which were described by co-CEO Chris Anthony as "pretty pictures".[15]

The Aptera's body shape is similar to earlier design exercises in efficiency, including the "Fusion" human-powered vehicle produced by the Pegasus Research Company in 1984,[16] and the MIT Aztec Solar Car, which won multiple efficiency awards while racing in the American Tour de Sol in 1993.[17]

Notes

  1. ^ Compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network.
  2. ^ The car is homonymous with its manufacturer, Aptera Motors.

References

  1. ^ a b Voelcker, John (2019-08-28). "Exclusive: 3-Wheeled Aptera Reboots as World's Most Efficient Electric Car". IEEE Spectrum. IEEE. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  2. ^ "FAQs Archive". Aptera. Retrieved 2023-03-01.
  3. ^ a b Steve Fambro, "Aptera Update — July 2024", YouTube
  4. ^ Sensiba, Jennifer (2021-11-02). "Aptera Ends Alpha Production, Beta Production Under Way". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  5. ^ Randall, Chris (2022-06-23). "Aptera orders in-wheel motors from Elaphe". Electrive. Berlin: Rabbit Publishing GmbH. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  6. ^ Dool, Scooter (2022-10-04). "Aptera names solar cell supplier as it begins panel production for solar EVs that 'never need to charge'". Electrek. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  7. ^ Dnistran, Iulian (2023-12-13). "Aptera Gamma Shows Its Center Touchscreen In Latest Development Video". Inside EVs. Miami: Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  8. ^ Dnistran, Iulian (2023-03-16). "Aptera Extends Its Accelerator Program, Needs More Money To Start Production". Inside EVs. Miami: Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  9. ^ "Aptera Leaderboard". Aptera Leaderboard. Aptera. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  10. ^ Dnistran, Iulian (2023-03-29). "Aptera Solar EV Will Work With Openpilot, An Open-Source Driver Assistance System". Inside EVs. Miami: Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  11. ^ Nehls (2023-09-25). "Aptera reveals first composite production parts for BinC vehicle". Composites World. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  12. ^ Krivevski, Blagojce (2023-01-21). "Aptera Unveils Production-Intent Launch Edition". ElectricCarsReport.com. Retrieved 2023-03-09.
  13. ^ "Charging – Aptera enthusiast blog". Retrieved 2024-02-22.
  14. ^ https://aptera.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Aptera-Vehicle-Specs.pdf
  15. ^ https://www.wsj.com/business/entrepreneurship/the-shortcut-that-allows-risky-startups-to-raise-billions-from-rookie-investors-70509a25
  16. ^ Dempsey, Wayne (2021-02-13). "HPV Racing History – Pegasus Fusion and Aptera". Recumbents.com. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  17. ^ Dempsey, Wayne (2021-02-13). "MIT Aztec Solar Car". Dempsey Motorsports. Retrieved 2021-02-13.

The Aptera Typ-1 is a high-efficiency passenger vehicle, currently in the final stages of design by Aptera Motors. They are currently accepting pre-orders from California residents.[1] The fuel efficiency of 300 mpg‑US (0.78 L/100 km) when plugged in every 120 miles (190 km) would make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world.

Aptera Motors claims the Typ-1 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in less than 10 seconds with a top speed over 85 mph (137 km/h).[2] They have tentatively set the price at US$26,900 for the all-electric Aptera Local (formerly the Typ-1e[3]), and US$29,900 for the plug-in hybrid Aptera Everywhere (formerly the Typ-1h).[1]

History

In September 2007, the Aptera Motors website was updated with information on the Typ-1, and the Mk-1 pre-production prototype was unveiled. The Mk-0 prototype was redesigned by Jason Hill, who worked on the Smart Fortwo and Porsche Carrera GT,[4] with a finished interior and new body styling. At this time, Aptera Motors started to take reservations from residents of California for its pilot models — the Typ-1e and Typ-1h.[5] A gasoline engine was used, due to the way diesel emissions are calculated.[2]

In February 2008, the Typ-1 was featured in an advertisement for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.[6]

Design and fuel consumption

The Typ-1 is expected to consume 80 watt-hours/mi,[3] making it a low energy vehicle. The Typ-1 has a drag coefficient of 0.11, compared with 0.19 for the record-holding EV1. Its strange shape is a result of extensive optimization in a virtual wind tunnel. It uses recessed windshield wipers and low rolling resistance tires.[7] Early versions of the Typ-1 used “Eyes-Forward” cameras instead of high-drag mirrors, but this concept appears to have been abandoned, possibly due to the fact that California Vehicle Code mandates having at least one mirror; September 2008 Aptera newsletter showed a rendering of a Typ-1 with a conventional driver-side rear-view mirror and no driver-side camera.[8]

The body design is similar to the human-powered ‘Pegasus’ and ‘Fusion’ vehicles and the MIT Aztec,[9] but the direct inspiration was the Volkswagen 1-litre car.[10]

The Typ-1 is a three-wheeled vehicle. Two front wheels steer, and the rear wheel is driven by the electric motor. Lithium phosphate batteries are located in the area in front of the driver, behind the headlights. On the Aptera Everywhere, a smaller battery makes room for the engine-generator.

Aptera Motors uses composites in its construction, both to reduce weight and allow the unconventional body shape. This would normally be prohibitively expensive, but their Panelized Automated Composite Construction (PAC2) process fully automates the manufacture of the composite body.

The target battery capacity of the Aptera Local is 10 kWh,[11] with the Aptera Everywhere having a lower capacity battery. The typical recharge time is estimated at 2-4 hours.[2] The Typ-1 will also slowly charge its battery during the day through solar panels on the roof.[12] The controller is a DMOC445 and the motor an AC24LS, both from Azure Dynamics.[13] The battery will also be paired with supercapacitors for acceleration and braking.[7]

Plug-in Series Hybrid

The Aptera Everywhere uses a “small, water-cooled EFI Gasoline engine with closed loop oxygen feedback and catalytic converter,” coupled with a 12 kW generator/starter.[11] With a tank capacity of “up to five gallons,”[14] the Aptera Everywhere has a claimed range of 600 to 700 mi (970 to 1,130 km),[15] compared to the 120 miles (190 km) range of the Aptera Local. It is not connected to the drivetrain; instead, it is used to recharge the batteries.

As with any series hybrid, fuel economy of the Aptera Everywhere depends on trip length and battery charge. For trips of less than about 50 miles (80 km)* after a full charge the engine may not turn on at all, resulting in ‘infinite’ fuel economy. If on the other hand the car was never plugged in, the Typ-1 would get 130 miles per US gallon (1.8 l/100 km). Aptera Motors quotes 300 miles per US gallon (0.8 l/100 km), which applies to a 120 mile trip after a full charge. They justify this by stating that 99% of Americans drive less than 120 miles daily.[11]

Safety

Because the Typ-1 has only three wheels, most states in the US classify the vehicle as a motorcycle. This means that safety and emissions tests are not mandatory, as they are for automobiles.

Despite this, Aptera Motors has emphasized that safety has a high design priority for the Typ-1. Aptera Motors has performed simulated crash tests using ABAQUS FEA software, crush testing on structural components, and is planning real-world crash tests before production. The Typ-1 features a Formula One inspired passenger safety cell and boxed sandwich foam core composite structures. Frontal crumple distance is 45 inches (114 cm), large for a vehicle of its size. As the body is above most car’s bumpers, a colliding vehicle’s bumper will travel under the Typ-1’s body, deflecting the energy. Despite its height, the placement of the heavy batteries lowers the Typ-1’s center-of-mass, a design similar to the highly stable Commuter Cars Tango. Driver and passenger airbag-in-seatbelts are also provided. All three wheels have dual hydraulic brakes, in addition to the rear regenerative brake.[12]

It has also been suggested that the “eyes forward” cameras will improve situational awareness over mirrors, reducing the odds of an accident.[1] Other drivers may be more aware of such an unusual vehicle,[16] and LED brake and directional indicators give other drivers more reaction time.[citation needed]

Accessories and interior

The release model, announced in September 2007, seats 2 adults with a child seat optionally between them, and has 15.9 cubic feet (450 L) of cargo capacity, enough for a couple of surfboards.[7] It will use LED running and interior lights to reduce power. A solar panel mounted on the roof runs the heat pump during the day.[12] This keeps the interior comfortable and reduces the size of the heat pump needed. The seats can be heated or cooled by forced air, both for comfort and efficiency reasons.[17] While absent on current prototypes, the production Typ-1 will have windows that open.[2]

Radio, CD/DVD/MP3 player, and GPS navigation are integrated into an in-console touch screen StreetDeck-based carputer,[18] but the climate control uses physical dials. It will also have RFID-based keyless ignition and entry and scarab doors.[5]

To reduce the ecological footprint of construction, EcoSpun recycled materials[7] and organic dyes will be used for the seats and flooring, and the dashboard and the door panels are free of heavy metals and plasticizers.[17][19]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "Reserve Your Aptera". Aptera Motors. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
  2. ^ a b c d "Frequently Asked Questions". Aptera Motors. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
  3. ^ a b Kates, David (2008-03-04). "YouTube - Aptera CEO Steve Fambro". AlternativeEnergy.com. Retrieved 2008-03-31. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ Eric, Hagerman (2007-12-20). "1 Gallon of Gas, 100 Miles – $10 Million: The Race to Build the Supergreen Car". Wired Magazine. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  5. ^ a b Ackerman, Evan (2007-09-28). "OhGizmo! » Archive » Aptera Electric/Hybrid Car On Pre-Order for $500". OhGizmo!. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "YouTube - Change Rolls Into Town". Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  7. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference PopMech2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Aptera 09/25/2008". Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  9. ^ "HPV Racing History - Pegasus Fusion". Recumbents.com. 2007-03-14. Retrieved 2008-07-04. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Marquis, Brittany (2007-11-20). "300-mpg, Electric Aptera Typ-1 Ready for 2008 Production, Not Jetsons Remake: First Look". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
  11. ^ a b c "Aptera Details". Aptera Motors. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
  12. ^ a b c "Aptera officially launches futuristic, super-efficient three wheeler". gizmag. 2007-11-23. Retrieved 2007-12-22. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ KarenRei (2008-05-24). "Confirmed! The Aptera's drivetrain". Apteraforum. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference EcoWorld was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ "Jetsons-Style Car Gets Space Age Mileage". News 8 KFMB, San Diego. 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
  16. ^ "Why not many people like the shape of Aptera? - ApteraForum.com". ApteraForum.com. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-04-06. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ a b "The Aptera Journey". Aptera Motors. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  18. ^ godofcpu (2006-11-10). "Integration of StreetDeck with the Aptera Vehicle". StreetDeck. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  19. ^ "YouTube - An Aptera guided tour: Introduction". Aptera Motors. 2008-03-28. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
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