Everything about this unusual electric vehicle aimed at one goal: the minimum power required to drive as far as possible can. The production of the Aptera 2e to begin in late 2010. The 145 km / h fast e-car to sprint in under ten seconds to 96 mph.
As far as the cornerstones for Aptera 2e, that bizarre-looking tricycle, which has devised a small, in San Diego Canada based team. The idea for a light, streamlined and very economical vehicle was the co-founder of Aptera, Steve Fambro, one day when he was again condemned in one of the endless traffic jams on an American highway to do nothing. The design of "his" vehicle should orient themselves to nature, to enable the lowest possible air resistance.
As Fambro little later met with the principal and boat builder Chris Anthony, the idea grew quickly a specific project. Anthony was then also had the idea for the extremely light and rigid body construction. Together, the two presented their vision of an economical, safe and efficient vehicle the entrepreneur Bill Gross. A lot of persuasion had to do it, because Gross was once loose enough money so that could be the dream a reality.
As a natural model for the 2e baptized in the name Aptera three-wheeler was the body of a bird. With its streamlined body shape is the Aptera 2e need at a speed of 55 miles per hour (89 km / h) compared to a conventional car 50 percent less energy to overcome aerodynamic drag. The outer skin consists of a mixed Ölhärz with foam. This material should be harder than steel and at the same time distinguished by its very low weight. Aptera promises that 2e is to bring depending on the equipment, only 680 to 907 pounds on the scale. Paul Wilbur, president of Aptera can, even announced that the 2nd weigh only half as much as the also is electrically powered Nissan Leaf. With a length of 4.39 meters, the Aptera is about as big as a Toyota Prius, but only 1.35 meters high. Its width of 2.31 meters.
One battery charge of the Aptera is enough for about 200 km
Less weight means in reverse a lower expenditure of energy during acceleration and braking. The power is delivered in an electric Aptera 2e by BorgWarner, which is powered by lithium-ion batteries (capacity: 13 kWh) of the U.S. manufacturer's A123 with power. 149 Newton-meters ensure that the Aptera as needed in under ten seconds from a standstill to 60 mph (sprint to 96 km / h). The top speed is limited to 145 mph. One battery charge is sufficient for approximately 200 kilometers. Converted to the Aptera Kosumi 2e an average of only 1.18 liters per 100 kilometers. Also German technology is used in the Aptera 2e. The remaining three, the brakes from the supplier Continental, the vehicle diagnostic system from the German company TT Tec.
Aptera wants to expand into China
To ensure safety on board the two-seater four airbags. A charging at the usual outlets in the U.S. budget with 110 Volt lasts about eight hours. In addition, the Aptera generated by brake energy recovery around 30 percent of the energy during braking. The 220 volts that flow from German outlets will reduce the load time again significantly to about three hours. However Aptera will be offering the 2nd 2011 for the time being only in the U.S. state of California. By and by then will result in more U.S. states of service centers to ensure the maintenance of the electric tricycle. Pricing starts at $ 25,000 (18,384 euros). Top of the Aptera 2e costs provided up to 45,000 dollars (33,098 euros). Against a deposit of $ 500 Aptera takes on his website now accepting pre-orders already.
At present, we strengthened to take on the Aptera efforts, with the 2nd on the Chinese market. Currently the company is looking for partners in China. For cost reasons, a complete shift of production to the land of the rising sun is possible. On the two-door version will follow soon, then a four-door Aptera.
