Some of the highlights of the newly revealed specifications sheet include: a 1,500lb (680kg) curb weight, a charge time of eight hours, a battery pack with 10-13kWh charge, and a range of up to 100mi (160km) per charge. A wide range of equipment, including keyless entry, tire-pressure monitoring system and more will be equipped as standard. For the full details, sourced from Aptera Forums, check out the list below.
Photos of the 2e were taken late last week by another forum member who also asked questions of the Aptera engineers at a demonstration event. The key new facts divulged included plans to build an all-gasoline version of the 2e and that the first vehicles would be delivered to pre-ordered buyers starting in October. The interior of the 2e was also shown, revealing what appears to be a very production-ready setup, much more practical and realistic than the beige interior seen on the Typ1 concept vehicle.
The initial pre-production all-electric version of the 2e has just rolled off the factory floor, and will soon be joined by a small fleet that will be used for internal and external evaluations for fit, finish, performance and durability in preparation for full production in October.
The pre-production vehicle is equipped with a lithium-based battery and features a number of vehicle enhancements such as front wheel drive, aerodynamic side-mounted mirrors and wider door openings that make getting in and out of the vehicle much easier than with previous designs. The aerodynamically-inspired 2e will go from 0-60mph in under 10 seconds, top out at 90mph and get the equivalent of more than 200mpg based on a standard EPA driving cycle.
The car will have an expected cost between $25,000 and $45,000. Initial sales of the all-electric version will solely be in California, with plans to distribute the Aptera to the rest of the United States by late 2010.
About a year after the all-electric version goes into production, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model will become the second Aptera to go on sale. It is designed with a 40mile (64km) electric-only range, beyond which it relies on a range-extending engine as a generator for the batteries. It therefore can provide identical fuel economy to the all-electric model for trips up to 40mi, but as trips go beyond that mark, fuel efficiency diminishes until at about 350-400mi (560-640km) it has fallen to the equivalent of about 130mpg (1.8L/100km).
All of this will depend on the production and development process going perfectly to plan, however - something nearly unheard of in the electric and hybrid automotive business. Nonetheless, the prospect of an attractive, futuristic and highly efficient electric or plug-in vehicle for a reasonable price is something to keep an eye on.
Aptera 2e Specifications:
Dimensions:
53in high x 91.0in wide x 173in long
111in wheelbase
80.5in front track.
Other key specifications:
0.15 coefficient of drag
5in ground clearance
1500lb (680kg) curb weight
Electric motor torque: 60lb-ft (81Nm)
Standard outlet power (110v 15A) charge time: 8 hrs.
Battery output: 10-13 KWh
Battery voltage: 336V DC Nominal Traction Voltage
Transmission: Gear box 10:1 ratio
Battery Type: Lithium Ion 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: 14in High Strength Stamped Steel wheels
Size: P165/65R14
Performance:
Range: Up to 100mi (160km) per charge
Warranty:
Basic: 4 years / 50,000mi (80,000km)
Powertrain: 4 years / 50,000mi (80,000km)
Corrosion: 12 / unlimited mileage
Roadside: 4 years / 50,000mi (80,000km)
Features: (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 auxiliary power outlets and one 12V USB Outlet: S
Retractable passenger-assist grips at all doors: S
Exterior:
Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors: 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: S
Safety:
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
Reader Comments
Thu Dec 4 2008 11:37 AM
JSH says
I've really been impressed with Aptera from a product standpoint. I only hope they can attract the capital needed to start production and continue as a successful business. Hopefully we won't see a repeat of Telsa.
Thu Dec 4 2008 1:53 PM
Gus says
At that price, and with a 40 mile electric only range, why not buy a Volt?
Thu Dec 4 2008 9:23 PM
mburleigh8 says
Wow, I really hope these go into production, they will be all over the place,
I wonder how the crash testing is on these?
Fri Dec 26 2008 11:27 AM
Roy says
My understanding is that this vehicle has several advantages over the Volt. First, fewer wheels means less friction. Second, the aircraft-like cockpit is more aerodynamic. Third, it should be very lightweight, and not just through the use of exotic composites. So, the Volt will be much less efficient. Moreover, this thing will make the Volt *look* much less efficient. Anyone who thinks that won't be a factor should consult the Prius vs Civic debate. However, the Volt can take 4 passengers. If this thing can't do that, it's little more than a glorified Honda Insight - now in high demand amongst California commuters, but shunned by everyone else due to limited passenger space and a tendency to lose grip on a slightly windy/icy day. Still, exciting times!
Wed Jan 7 2009 1:51 PM
saabfan says
What a nice novelty. Sacrificing life and limbs just to save gas $$$.
Wed Jan 7 2009 5:01 PM
twinturboz says
Quote:
What a nice novelty. Sacrificing life and limbs just to save gas $$$.
you want omelets, you gotta break some eggs :D
Thu Jan 22 2009 9:49 PM
mburleigh8 says
This is the best news ive heard, I can't wait till it hits the streets. I am deffinatly going to try to get one, and the dreaded high gas station prices will be a thing of the past.
Thank God,Thank God!
Thu Jan 22 2009 10:37 PM
r00 says
Aptera is skirting the crash testing by using three wheels. Three wheelers are exempt from crash testing, and are classified as a motorcycle. This is how ZAP can get away with creating cheap electric 3wheelers. No NHTSA testing. I would personally just get a motorcycle if you want to save gas.
Thu Jan 29 2009 10:10 AM
Slacter says
saabfan and rOO, you are assuming that they are skirting the crash testing. Yes, three wheel vehicles don't require it like a 4-wheeled vehicle, but they are still pursuing safety systems and crash testing (check their website, dudes!) The frame itself can support 4 times its own weight on the roof with little or no deformation.
From the Aptera website:
"Personal Armored Vehicle: Don’t believe us? Well, when you can carry the weight of two elephants on your roof with barely a dent you are doing something right.
"To Aptera, safety is not a punch line. It’s a fundamental principle that encompasses the protection of all things of value in your vehicle, including and, most importantly, you.
"Composite body structures provide an impact-resistant exterior that is lighter than steel but three times as strong. Front crash zones incorporate race car technology that absorbs and deflects energy to keep the cabin from harm. Integrated high-strength aluminum door beams transfer crash loads into the body and away from the cabin. And a complement of driver and passenger air bags is incorporated to ensure that each passenger is always secure."
They use 3 wheels for aerodynamics and drag, not to skirt safety.
Sat Jan 31 2009 4:09 AM
LisaV says
Minister of transport is usually wined and dined by Oil lobby. Don't like to entertain new ideas and make it easy for them to get certified.
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