Aptera Electric Car
Aptera Electric Car
Find out about the Aptera Typ-1 Super-MPG Electric Car
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Aptera Motors are about to start production of their new three wheel, two seat, electric vehicle - the Aptera Typ-1. Initially two models will be available - one all-electric (Typ-1e) with a range of 120 miles per charge, and a petrol engine / electric hybrid (Typ-1h) with a range of 300+ miles.
The production model promises a top speed in excess of 85 mph, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds. The range for the Aptera Typ-1e will be up to 120 miles on one charge, and up to 300 miles for the Aptera-1h with a full tank of petrol and a full battery charge.
The Typ-1e uses a three phase motor powered from a 10kWh battery pack. The Typ-1h uses the same motor but with a smaller battery pack. (The hybrid vehicle will have a range of 40-60 miles on electric power alone.)
Since wing mirrors negatively affect the aerodynamics (and therefore fuel consumption) of a car, the Aptera vehicle is fitted with four cameras which give a full view of what is going on 180 degrees behind the driver. This is displayed on the Aptera Eyes Forward vision system screen.
The Aptera Typ-1 features an advanced in-car computer which manages everything. It even changes the ride height and angle of attack of the vehicle while it is moving in order to maximise fuel efficiency.
Aptera Typ-1 Construction
The car will be built with composite materials offering 10 times the strength of steel at half the weight. In the event of a serious crash, the subframe is designed to bend and fold up underneath the vehicle. This results in the front axle ending up underneath the feet of the driver rather than passing through them. A composite cage wraps 360 degrees around the driver and passenger giving them excellent impact protection much as racing drivers are kept safe in their monocoque.
Since the car has three rather than four wheels, it is classed as a motorcycle in USA. However, since this motorcycle has three wheels rather than two, it can be driven by anyone with a standard driving licence (no need to take motorcycle riding lessons etc). No motorcycle helmet is necessary as the driver and passenger are fully enclosed.
In California, the vehicle can be legally driven down the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane even when carrying no passenger, and so will be able to get from A to B quickly.
Buy an Aptera Vehicle
Initially Aptera will only be selling their vehicles in California, USA. The approximate price is likely to be just under $27,000 for the all-electric version, and £30,000 for the plug-in hybrid. Production is planned to commence at the end of 2008 / start of 2009.More Aptera Information
Click here to visit the official Aptera Motors website.
Article Last Modified: 14:20, 4th Jun 2008Comment on this Article
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