Everything you ever wanted to know about Aptera (almost!)
As we speak, the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference is well underway, and one of their star contributors, as far as green transportation goes, is Aptera Motors. Normally a secretive company, Aptera chose this venue to be the first public debut of their new, preproduction "2e" electric car and gave attendees who signed up test rides (the list filled up quickly). At the same time, they released detailed feature sheets, discussed performance specs, toured the onboard software, and on and on down the list.
Where to start? After the jump!
First, the videos. This first one is of an Aptera spokesperson who stuck around the conference with an older Aptera while test rides were ongoing in the new 2e, discussing its features.
Full transcript here. The highlights: he starts off by referring to the 2-seat vehicle as part of the "2-series", and mentions the future "4-series" for someone with a larger family -- likely a reference to the "Palomar". He contrasts Aptera's 0.15 drag coefficient with typical cars getting 0.3 (even the Prius only gets 0.26, while the Hummer H2 gets 0.57, plus a much larger cross-sectional area).
He references the lightweight composite construction and the major strength advantages it offers, referencing an incident where a reporter for Autoweek nearly knocked his teeth out trying to damage the car with a sledgehammer (he failed). He also notes that you can't get trapped inside a composite vehicle in an accident; unlike steel, which warps, composites either bounce back or give completely; they cannot deform permanently.
In regards to safety, he first addresses performance and handling, since the best solution is to not have an accident in the first place. The 2e's stability from its low-slung weight and wide stance gives it the same cornering rate as a Porsche Boxter (he is clear to specify not the "S" model Boxter). Its braking distance is slightly shorter than that of a Mustang GT. The official acceleration time is "under 10 seconds", but according to the rep, "it's actually a little less than 8 seconds, but we like to undersell." More on this later.
In regards to passive safety, he covers the rear-impact zone, front impact/crumple zone, door impact beams, airbags, seatbelt interlock, and so forth.
This second video comes from "Josh", an Aptera reservation holder who received an early test drive with none other than Aptera founder Steve Fambro himself. It mostly covers the powerful in-vehicle nav/entertainment system:
A higher resolution version hosted on Vimeo is available here. A torrent for the original, full-res version is here. A full transcript is here.
Josh repeatedly comments on how well the vehicle drives, is impressed by its performance, etc.
Throughout the drive, Steve fiddles with the computer to show it off. A main performance screen shows charge state, miles/kWh (running and average), whether it's charging, and other such basic stats. Another screen shows options such as "Clean Charge", "Utility Load Balancing", "Vehicle to Grid", and "Vehicle to Home", as well as some that look like "Programmed", "Utility Programmed", and so forth. Steve showed how to schedule charge start and stop times; other options visible on that screen included "Charge Rate", "Desired Level", and "Threshold Level", among others.
Steve then started showing off the Google integration work. The computer links with Google Calendar and can pull up your appointment book. When you click on an appointment, if there's address information associated with it, even vague information, it can pull it up on Google Maps and give driving directions. You can add new information to your calendar from the system as well. For route-finding, you have four options: shortest route, fastest route, scenic route, and greenest (lowest power consumption) route. For each, it shows the distance, time to arrive, traffic, and estimated power consumption. In addition to plotting the route, it also plots charging stations from a supplier-maintained database. You can also get a rough range estimate by plotting concentric circles on the map around your vehicle.
Whether or not some of these features will need an in-motion lockout is a question "the lawyers" will have to decide, Steve stated. In addition to the main computer, there is a digital display behind the dash that shows basic stats (speed, charge, power consumption, etc), and a rear-view camera display embedded into the LCD rear-view mirror.
Steve notes that the current model doesn't have the air conditioner installed and had a bunch of gear in the back, taking up space; all of those will be remedied in production vehicles. The composite construction insulates well, reducing AC load. Unlike earlier reports, the windows will fully roll down in the production version. The vehicle they were riding is about six months behind Aptera's current state-of-the-art.
Right before they pull back into TED, the two discuss people's reactions to the car. To quote Steve:
"Most people give a thumbs up. They wave, they give something, some sense of approval. They don't necessarily know it's an electric car, you know, but they think it. They probably also think that it's efficient and that it's good for the environment, and they sort of get that when they see it, and it just sort of brings a smile to their face"
Josh posted his overall impressions after the ride here. To sum up:
He notes a couple build issues, such as dimples in the windshield glass and some seatbelt retraction issues that are production process-related and will need to be worked out before mass production starts in October, but overall was very impressed by the build quality. Unlike the impression given by the video (recorded on a still camera, not a video camera), Josh described it as "VERY quiet" and "slightly louder than a Prius that is running without the engine on." He said that getting in is different from a usual car, and will take some getting used to, but isn't any harder; it is much easier than getting into a Tesla. In the final version, the doors will open even more.
Acceleration and braking was described as very steady; he could not feel friction brakes kick in during braking. The vehicle didn't struggle at all with traffic or hills. Acceleration was described in another thread as "better than my Prius by quite a bit, not as quick as my CLK500." The Prius has a 0-60 of about 10 seconds, while the CLK500 takes about 5.7 seconds, like a Porsche Cayenne GTS. Turning in the 2e had a slightly different feel; the tail seems to lag behind the front, but it wasn't disconcerting, and felt quite stable.
Lastly, Josh noted that the in-vehicle apps are webapps, and you can connect to your vehicle via a smartphone or computer. From there, you can program charges, check charge states, start the climate control system to preheat/cool the car, or pretty much anything you want. Also, he noted that climate control is adjusted by a touch-sensitive slider, like an iPod.
That's about all Josh had to say... but wait, there's more! Aptera released a super-detailed specsheet. They were clear to point out that this list isn't final, and that there will be more options coming. Notably missing on the "options" list, for example, is the faster charger that Steve mentioned in an interview. They also made it clear that the width will be lower on the final version than the current version.
Official dimensions: 53" high x 91.0" wide x 173" long.
111" wheelbase
80.5" front track.
0.15 Coef of drag
5" ground clearance
1500 lbs curb wt.
Electric motor torque: 60FtLb torque
110v 15A charge time: 8 hrs.
Battery output: 10-13 KWh battery pack.
Battery voltage: 336V DC Nominal Traction Voltage
Transmission: Gear box 10:1 ratio
Battery Type: Lithium Iron 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: 14-inch High Strength Stamped Steel wheels
- Size: P165/65R14
Performance:
- Range: Up to 100 miles per charge
Warranty:
- Basic: 4/50,000
- Powertrain: 4/50,000
- Corrosion: 12/unlimited
- Roadside: 4/50,000
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 auxilliary power outlets and One 12V USB Outlet: S
Retractable passenger-assist grips at all doors: S
Exterior:
Dual color-keyed power outside mirros: 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
Now, of course, the title of this article mentions that Aptera released information about "almost" everything. There are still some details missing. The exact final width is still unknown, as are how much the performance specs will change before release. How much are each of the options, and what base price for what vehicle version? All we know is "25k to 40k" depending on options. For example, will there be any extended warranties offered as options? What's the final turning radius going to be? How high are the wheel skirts ultimately going to be? Who are the hardware suppliers for the pack, the drivetrain, etc? As always, the Aptera Forum is insatiable for more information, even after this flood of details.
Let's hope that this openness on Aptera's part continues in the months ahead.
Updates: The flood of information continues! First, the range of 100 miles is at 55mph. The tail lights are charging indicators when it's plugged in. Ie, if 3/4 of the lights are on, it's 3/4 charged. There's another showing already -- tonight, in LA. I bet we can count on a lot more of these ;). And lastly, geography will not be taken into account as far as deliveries in California go. Aptera is planning on having six service centers across the state up and running at their October launch date, and will deliver to everyone in their purchase order. Even CEOs -- Paul Wilbur's number is in the 1600s, so he'll have to wait a while!
Updates x2 and x3:: And it keeps on coming. At the showing tonight, people came back with all sorts of new information. Aptera execs there stated 100 miles at "freeway speeds" with two passengers and AC; 120 miles at 55mph with one passenger and no AC. One Aptera rep gave a figure of 6" for width reduction. Another gave a different figure; they don't know exactly how much they're going to ultimately be able to, but that's definitely a target for them. There's a huge, single windshield wiper that's recessed way down in the front. The sills on the doors keep the rain out effectively (it was raining). The bulk that's taking up the back area in this prototype is batteries; they're getting moved to the front in the final version, where they belong, and will give the car a 70/30 weight distribution. There are five 2es currently, counting mules, and over 18 "Apteras". They're already nearing the point where they can build one per day. Paul Wilbur (CEO) estimated that someone with a 2h (hybrid) reservation just over #2000 will get theirs by mid-2010. The current version already has a 220V charger installed. And, like the 220V charger, the solar panel will be an option.
Photo credits: Autoweek, Press Telegram