Aptera; funky new road vehicle

[Nielsio]

http://www.aptera.com/


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The Aptera is a high-efficiency vehicle [..] now accepting pre-orders. The claimed fuel efficiency of 230 mpg at 55 mph (1.02 l/100 km) would make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. Automotive aerodynamics is a major contributing factor, with Aptera Motors claiming a drag coefficient of approximately 0.11. Design elements such as recessed windshield wipers and rear-view cameras instead of mirrors contribute to the low aerodynamic drag. [..] Aptera plans to use composites in its construction, bringing the estimated weight to 850 pounds (386 kg). Accelerated Composites’ Panelized Automated Composite Construction (PAC2) process is a proprietary method that fully automates the manufacture of the composites, making the target price of $20,000 feasible. To reduce the ecological footprint of construction, recycled materials will be used for the seats and flooring, and the dashboard and the door panels will be free of heavy metals and plasticizers.[2] According to the pre-order page, Aptera Motors has set the price at $26,900 for a an electric version with a 120-mile range, and $29,900 for the diesel-electrical series hybrid. This places the car above the initial target price. [..] In the hybrid model, Aptera Motors plans for a 12 horsepower (9 kW) CARB certified diesel engine, with a 25 horsepower (19 kW) permanent magnet DC motor[3] coupled to the rear wheel through a low resistance belt drive. The Aptera will be able to operate in electric-only mode, shutting down its engine to conserve fuel.[4] Nickel-zinc batteries will be used to store energy from regenerative braking. Aptera Motors claims acceleration from 0–60 mph (0-97 km/h) in less than 10 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h).[5] The hybrid is said to have a range of 600-700 miles (965-1125 km)[6], compared to 120 mile (193 km) all-electric range.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aptera_hybrid_car


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This thing seems positively innovative. A solution for getting off oil/government dependancy?

[reup]

only downside is you'd have to immediately kill yourself when someone saaw you driving it.

[foal]

I'm wondering how much of the price is due to production costs and how much is due to newness and competition with current car models. Assuming the price can be brought down significantly over time, this looks promising.

[foal]

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only downside is you'd have to immediately kill yourself when someone saaw you driving it.


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The obvious solution is to replace your friends with a bunch of sci-fi nerds. They'll think yer cool.

[Henry17]

[ QUOTE ]
only downside is you'd have to immediately kill yourself when someone saaw you driving it.

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That was the first thing I thought as well. Save the environment but never get laid again.

[CORed]

I think it is likely to have major safety problems too, especially if it is operating on the same roads as Hummers and Suburbans. Three wheel vehicles are usually very prone to rollovers, too.

[Nielsio]

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I think it is likely to have major safety problems too, especially if it is operating on the same roads as Hummers and Suburbans. Three wheel vehicles are usually very prone to rollovers, too.

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They claim its stability is very good.

[ALawPoker]

I'm getting flashbacks to 1992 and playing F-Zero for Super Nintendo.

[tame_deuces]

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