0.78l/100km car - order books are open

Posted by Carl

September 30, 2007

You might not have heard of a strange little 3-wheeled vehicle called Aptera, but if the claims being made by its creators are true, this might change because it seems to be a very revolutionary piece of automotive engineering indeed. The Aptera is made by a small California-based company called Accelerated Composites and it achieves a claimed 0.78l/100km fuel consumption figure by combining very low weight (386 kg), extremely good aerodynamics (drag coefficient of 0.11) and a plug-in series hybrid diesel drivetrain; and the good news for potential buyers is that people can now reserve their Aptera for delivery “within 12 months.”

In many ways, the core design principals are the same as those of the brutal Acabion, although unlike the Acabion’s 514kW demon of a motor, the Aptera makes use of a tiny 9kW diesel engine and a 19kW electric motor. The differing design philosophies are embodied in the vehicle’s appearances. As seen below, while both vehicles are clearly inspired by aerodynamic shapes found in nature, the Acabion (top) has a more shark-like profile, whereas the Aptera (bottom) is reminiscent of a tadpole. I guess 514kW compared to less than 30kW is a lot like the difference between a shark and a tadpole!

Anyway, enough about the Acabion. Apteras benefit from new manufacturing process that allows them to be made of advanced composites at a low cost. Not only are these high-tech materials very lightweight, they’re also extremely strong - endowing the Aptera with high levels of safety despite its very low weight.

A diesel only Aptera prototype has already achieved 1.1l/100km, so although there are no official figures for the hybrid version yet, the claim of 0.78l/100km seems reasonable. The car will cost under $30 000 Stateside, and is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 11 seconds and reach a top speed of around 150km/h - perfectly suitable performance/price figures for many drivers, I’d say.

There is also an all-electric version available that has a claimed range of 120 miles (192 km).

From the Aptera’s Web site:

Here’s an overall description of the Aptera:

The Aptera has a 2 plus 1 seating configuration. The two front seats are arranged as standard side by side seating. There is also a center infant seat behind the driver and passenger. The side doors open to the front and upward completely inside the front wheel track so you never have to worry about hitting the vehicle parked next to you or damaging your door while exiting your Aptera in a tight garage. There is enough storage in the rear for 15 bags of groceries, or 2 full size golf club bags. And the Aptera is even big enough for a couple of seven foot surf boards and any associated beach accessories.

Here is what’s available in every Aptera:

- Driver and passenger side Airbags

- Energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger Safety Cell

- Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system

- “Eyes Forward” vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver’s field of view to enhance situational awareness

- LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency

- Solar assisted Climate Control System so you always enter a comfortable Aptera that is never too hot or cold

- And an RFID(Radio Frequency ID) key fob so you never have to pull out your keys to enter or start your Aptera. The key fob simply remains in your pocket or purse.

Here is where you have an option(drive topology):

(Do you want to drive long distances or do you just want to use your Aptera for your daily commute, chores, and as a general around town vehicle?)

◊ All Electric – This Aptera is powered exclusively with batteries and will get you around town to the tune of approximately 120 miles depending on your driving conditions. At night you simply plug the Aptera into any standard 110 volt outlet and in just a few hours you will have a fully charged vehicle that will take you another 120 miles. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $26,900.

◊ Plug-in Series Hybrid – This Aptera is also powered by an electric drive train but it is assisted by a fuel efficient gasoline powered generator which stretches your range significantly. In typical driving you may achieve over 300 miles per gallon and you will have range far beyond any passenger vehicle available today. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $29,900.

Accelerated Composites say the Aptera is ready to go into production, but the company is being held back by a lack of capital needed to set up a mass production facility. Hopefully some cleantech VC company will come along and save the day.