200 MPGe Aptera electric car saved by Chinese-American partnership

[randyd]

Everyone is forgetting the "elephant in the car" that could bring the weight down without a lot of work: the batteries! Just make them smaller. Sure the range will go down, but at least it will be legal to sell and drive.

[Grendal]

Good question, randyd. What would be an acceptable range for the Aptera? The Leaf has set the precedent of 75 miles as a workable distance. The major problem with a short range pack is that it sort of removes the need for an aerodynamic design.

[TruthSeeker]

Or the State of California could change the law to allow the Aptera 2e to sell in California. But than what is the point of owning an Aptera 2e if the Aptera 2e and a "regular car" weight the same?

[randyd]

Originally Posted by Grendal

The major problem with a short range pack is that it sort of removes the need for an aerodynamic design.

Huh? Any EV that travels above, say, 35 mph will benefit from an aerodynamic design. The smaller the pack, the more important that the rest of the vehicle be optimized to reduce the drain on the pack.

I was just pointing out the "quick and dirty" solution to getting an Aptera to market. It doesn't require changing control systems, suspension systems, body molding technology, body shape changes, etc., etc. If you remove the batteries from around the passengers, maybe you could ADD some cup holders!

[SEGsby]

But crappy range won't entice new EV buyers... The original selling point of the Aptera, was usable real world range and efficiency. :P

If the vehicle does not offer today's driver some kind of advantage in transportation, there is nothing to distinguish it other than being a goofy, overweight 3-wheeler with an overly wide front track that won't fit in most single car garages.

[NmGfan]

Originally Posted by TruthSeeker

Or the State of California could change the law to allow the Aptera 2e to sell in California. But than what is the point of owning an Aptera 2e if the Aptera 2e and a "regular car" weight the same?

The state already was persuaded by Team B to raise the weight limit by 300lbs to 1800lbs. I doubt the state will go for more simply because a small start-up missed the target by over 400lbs. This excess weight will have to be removed from the vehicle somehow, and hopefully not by a range killing pack size reduction.

[dfbvt]

Grendal

At this point, we might as well give Mr. Deringer the benefit of the doubt and see what he produces.

I agree. lets see what he does. I'm not hearing anything that gets my hopes up yet but yeah, lets give the guy a chance.

Dave Bowles

[SEGsby]

There isn't much choice... He either does, or does not. 50% is better than 0%.