Posted on 11/19/2007 11:24:05 AM PST by Red Badger
Aptera has officially introduced the all-electric and plug-in gasoline series hybrid (extended range electric vehicle, EREV) versions of its Typ-1 three-wheeled vehicle. (Earlier post). Both versions will be priced at less than $30,000.
The all-electric model has a range of 120 miles. The plug-in series hybrid has achieved more than 300 miles per gallon with a total range of more than 600 miles. All-electric range is between 40 and 60 miles. The electric version is slated for delivery in 2008, with the EREV model to follow.
Since the Typ-1e (electric) and the Typ-1h (plug-in series hybrid) have different battery needs, this may result in different battery manufacturers for the two models. The Typ-1e is designed to use a 10 KWh pack, while the Typ-1h uses a smaller pack. The cycles and DOD (depth of discharge) are different for both applications. Aptera will announce further information regarding the battery lifespan and warranty policy well before it begins manufacturing the Typ-1.
Although the first Aptera prototype used a parallel diesel hybrid powertrain, the company found that “it’s impossible” to get a small diesel engine certified for emissions in California. Aptera switched to a small, water-cooled EFI gasoline engine with closed loop oxygen feedback and catalytic converter coupled to a 12 kW starter/generator for its Typ-1h.
Solar cells embedded under the roof operate an always-on climate control system, ensuring the interior never gets too hot or too cold.
The Aptera Typ-1 safety features include a front crumple zone, a front end that re-directs crash energy in a frontal impact, steel and composite side and rollover protection as well as driver and passenger side airbags.
The car has “two plus one” seating offering room for driver and passenger while an infant seat (for newborns to age three) can be located in the middle behind them.
Fully refundable reservation deposits of $500 are now being accepted from California residents on the Aptera website (http://www.aptera.com). The company will initially deliver vehicles in Southern California, then in northern California and to other regions nationwide. To date, the company has received more than 400 pre-sale deposits.
Aptera is backed by Idealab and Esenjay Investments with initial financing allocated to building the Typ-1 all-electric and plug-in hybrid prototypes. Aptera is currently raising additional capital to begin manufacturing.
Ping!.....
Isetta 2007
I’d buy an all-electric if it had a very cheap initial cost, and even just a 30 mile range, and 45mph max speed. That would cover 75% of the driving I do on a daily basis, going to the post office, supermarket, etc. But $30,000? Forget it.
I only live about 5 miles from work, I could see myself in one of these some day. I would still want a extended pickup or Suburban around for all the rough stuff I do, but for everyday running around that thing is perfect.
“...his boy Elroy...Jane, his wife”
The Environazis are doing this to the whole country. Diesel engines would have a huge positive effect on our foreign oil dependency.
“Aptera” means “without wings.” Is it supposed to look like a small airplane without wings.
I’d rather get caught banging Rosie O’Donell than be seen in one of those.
that is one ugly ugly car.
One of those things got killed in my Bug Zapper last night.
Advice: Don’t follow along too close if you’re on a bicycle unless you want to wind up like Ming. LOL
That cockpit looks great. I do agree the $30k price tag on that sucker is going to kill a lot of interest.
Bring it in at about $15k and we’ll talk.
‘I thought turkeys could fly.’
All-electric range is between 40 and 60 miles.
They seem to be having problems keeping it straight - is it 40 miles (not even useful as a commuter vehicle) or 120 miles.
Really? I don’t like the pointed tail but that cockpit looks fantastic to me.
I will grant you that it looks like too high a center of gravity though.
Ineptera.....Without brains?.......
ROFL!
That would be the extended wheelbase version.
I think the 2nd statement refers to the hybrid model working at all-electric, while the 1st statement refers to the all-electric model.
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