Full Aptera 2e production specifications revealed

In March of last year, Aptera announced it had done all the development necessary to head to production, and that all it needed was to move into acquiring the right equipment and workforce to do so. Soon after the company revealed that a new infusion of $24 million in cash had been acquired, and then Aptera revealed an updated design for the original Typ-1 called the 2e. Now Aptera has released full details for the second-gen 2e at the Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) Conference underway in Palm Springs, California.

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