American startup Aptera has revealed a unique electric vehicle dubbed the Aptera 3.
The Aptera 3 is a three-wheeled electric vehicle with a smooth teardrop design, allowing it to have an extremely low drag coefficient of only 0.13. For a spot of context, most modern supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari 488 GTB have a drag coefficient somewhere in the range of 0.3 to 0.33.
A low drag coefficient translates into a higher top speed and improved efficiency. That is why the company claims its “3” has a driving range of more than 1,000 miles on a single charge, a number unmatched by any other EV.
Several components contribute to achieving this Herculean feat, the most obvious being the Aptera 3’s batteries. The EV employs a massive 100 kWh battery pack in its most expensive variant. There are solar panels on the roof adding up to 40 miles of range on a cloudless day. Buyers can also opt to have additional solar panels on the trunk and the hood for another 24 miles in range.
Whenever solar energy is not enough, one can plug their Aptera into the standard plug and have a charging rate of 13 miles/hour. A DC fast charger will give around 500 miles of range every hour.
The vehicle’s compact dimensions mean that the Aptera 3 only has enough room for two adults and a pet. The interior features a display screen for the instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The brand plans to sell the vehicle in four different battery capacities, with the smallest being a 25 kWh battery pack good for 250 miles of range.
Details about motor specs and configurations have not been released yet, but Aptera has said there will be all-wheel-drive versions as well. The startup claims 0-60 mph times of 3.5 seconds for the all-wheel-drive variant and 5.5 seconds front-wheels-drive model.
Prices will start at $25,900 and go all the way to $46,000, depending on the grade. The figure will be further increased if you are tempted by options such as the camping kit, off-road kit, pet kit, enhanced audio, or the Safety Pilot feature.
Deliveries are to begin in 2021, with reservations currently open. You can reserve your Aptera 3 on the brand’s website for a deposit of $100.
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Could the Aptera be adapted for a driver who does not have the full use of her legs ?
How difficult would is be to maintain the vehicle in South Africa ?
I believe it would be the ideal vehicle for Uber in large cities and at airports.
Kind Regards
John Ansell
+27 83 468 5353
That’s a very good question — and as a mechanic who worked on converting regular vehicles into adaptive vehicles for several years, I’d say that pretty much any car can be adapted to accommodate handicapped or disabled individuals.
Regarding how easy it would be to maintain in South Africa, I’ll be honest here: I have no idea at all.
Still, just getting your hands on one would be quite tricky considering that first deliveries were expected to start in 2021, only to then be pushed to 2022, and as of now, Aptera’s website states that “production is slated for 2024,” which at this point, sound more like wishful-thinking than an actual deadline if you ask me.
And to make matters worse, I highly doubt it would be made available outside of the US right away. Indeed, unusual vehicles like this one need to be tested and certified based on every country’s specific regulations before they can hit the road. And since Aptera’s website says, “Our goal is to sell Aptera worldwide, though it may take some time to be fully certified,” it could be several years more before it reaches the African continent — unfortunately.