Aptera Motors Totally Explained

Everything about Aptera Motors totally explained

|transmission=Series hybrid with belt drive, 1/6th gear ratio | wheelbase = | length = | width = | height = |weight=) is a maker of high-efficiency vehicles, and is located in Carlsbad, California. Aptera's first product, a three-wheeled two-seater named the Typ-1, is currently under development, though they're accepting pre-orders from California residents. The claimed long-range fuel efficiency of the hybrid model of 130 mpg at 55 mph (0.8 L/100 km at 90 km/h) would make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. A higher figure of just over 300 mpg is used for shorter (approximately 100 mile) trips, where the pre-charged batteries are able to run the hybrid vehicle for approximately the first 60 miles.
   Aptera Motors claims the Typ-1 accelerates from 0–60 mph (0-97 km/h) in less than 10 seconds with a top speed over . They have set the price at US$26 900 for the all-electric Aptera Local (formerly the Typ-1e), and US$29 900 for the plug-in hybrid Aptera Everywhere (formerly the Typ-1h).
   The technology prototype, the Mk-0, was unveiled at the TED Conference in March 2007. Due to its higher drag coefficient of 0.11, it only achieved 230 mpg at . The target price was unchanged at "around US$20 000". Around this time, Accelerated Composites was renamed Aptera Motors, Inc.
   In August 2007, it was announced that Aptera was one of the first 30 participants in the Automotive X Prize, where they're considered a front-runner in the alternate class.
   In September 2007, the Aptera Motors website was updated with information on the production vehicle, the Typ-1. The vehicle was redesigned by Jason Hill, who worked on the Smart Fortwo and Porsche Carrera GT, with a finished interior and new body styling. At this time, Aptera Motors started to take reservations from residents of California for its pilot models - the Typ-1e and Typ-1h. It included legally required equipment that was omitted from the Mk-0, such as running lights, directional indicators, and a motorcycle license plate. A pre-production prototype, the Mk-1, was unveiled at this time.
   The engine was switched to gasoline, due to a lack of small, low emission diesel engines, and the Typ-1 became a series hybrid with direct belt drive.
   As of November 2007, five additional pre-production prototypes were under construction. Two of these are for demonstration and showcasing and three are for road testing. These prototypes are full pre-production models with all interior features.
   In December of 2007 the estimated fuel economy was again revised. This time it improved to the previously claimed 300 mpg.
   In February 2008, the Aptera was featured in an advertisement for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
   In March 2008, Fambro revealed that Aptera Motors was pursuing "other projects that are certainly more mainstream."
   Steve Fambro invested around US$100 000 to found Aptera Motors. Idealab invested around $US1 million, and "more than $1 million" came from Esenjay Explorations CEO Michael Johnson . In September 2007, it was estimated that Aptera Motors needed US$20-40 million and 100 000 square feet to begin production, and as of March 2008 Aptera Motors says they're moving out of their existing 15 000 square foot facility into a larger one.
   As of May 2008, Aptera Motors has received nearly 2500 refundable deposits for its vehicles. It currently expects to deliver first units to customers in December 2008 and to fill all reservations by late summer of 2009.

Design and fuel consumption

The Typ-1 is a three-wheeled vehicle. Two front wheels are used to steer, and the rear wheel is connected to an electric motor. Lithium phosphate batteries are located in the area in front of the driver, behind the headlights. On the Aptera Everywhere, some of that space is used to accommodate the gasoline generator.
   The Typ-1 is expected to consume 60-80 Watt·hours/km at 55 mph (90 km/h), and the MIT Aztec, but the direct inspiration was the Volkswagen 1-litre car.
   Aptera Motors uses composites in its construction, both to reduce weight and allow the unconventional body shape. This would normally be prohibitively expensive, but their Panelized Automated Composite Construction (PAC2) process fully automates the manufacture of the composite body.
   The target battery capacity of the Aptera Local is 10 kWh. With a tank capacity of "up to five gallons (19 L),", compared to the range of the Aptera Local. It isn't connected to the drivetrain; instead, it's used to recharge the batteries or to provide extra power to the engine.
   As with any series plug-in hybrid, fuel economy of the Aptera Everywhere depends on trip length and battery charge. For short trips on a full charge, the genset may not turn on at all. Aptera Motors has stated that applies to a trip on a full battery. With a depleted battery or for very long trips, the fuel economy is approximately . Aptera Motors justifies the 300 mpg figure by stating that 99% of Americans make daily trips of under .
   It has also been suggested that the use of rear-view cameras instead of mirrors will improve situational awareness, reducing the odds of an accident. and LED brake and directional indicators gives other drivers more reaction time.

Accessories and interior

The release model, announced in September of 2007, seats 2 adults with a child seat optionally between them, and has of cargo capacity. While absent on current prototypes, the production Typ-1 will have windows that open. but the climate control uses physical dials. It will also have RFID-based keyless ignition and entry and scarab doors.

Other PHEV makers

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