Problems with the width of the Aptera in the EU/Germany

The tubes of lower suspension and the steering can apparently be shortened easily.

From the new website:

Aptera is 88″ wide. We realize this may be wider than local regulations permit for some of our global customers and we working through this process with industry experts to ensure we can make Aptera available in Europe and the UK.

One step closer to a solution?🤔

@Max Conrad a narrow wheel cover, slightly narrower tires, possibly Elaphe also offers a narrow wheel hub motor, so the 2 m can be achieved ...

The norwegians seem to be pretty pessimistic in their forum?

If you modify the wheel covers and install a kit to reduce the width, you should come under 2.00 m. The turning circle becomes a little larger and consumption rises a little.

The next step would be to source the drives (Elaphe) and possibly the batteries directly in Europe. But this is another story. 😁

@Max Conrad @heistp the same discussions in other forums

https://elbilforum.no/index.php?topic=54087.15#msg_989115_extra_info

@Max Conrad @heistp Hi all, I still believe that if the huge wheel covers are replaced with simple ones like the one in this picture, the 2m/78.7in width will be achievable without compromising steering performance.

I'm still hoping they can manage EU homologation as well, as I'm very interested here in the Czech Republic.

The other issue I have is with the final price to actually get it here in Czech. On top of the base price of $25,900, there's an unknown amount for shipping, 21% VAT, 10% import duty, a 10,000 Kc car import tax, and registration and insurance fees, the latter being uncertain for a new vehicle like this. The final price for the base vehicle would likely be well over $35k USD, which is around the base price of a Hyundai Kona here. You really have to want the increased efficiency (which I do). Maybe one day they'll manufacture them here, which could make this much cheaper.

There is an obvious solution. Just making the wheel fairings on left and right quickly and easily removable for narrow towns etc where the current wheel width is excessive in small villages, then put them back on for long journeys where the aerodynamics matter more. Using simple mudguards would also be acceptable. perhaps this can be an option when buying the vechicle knowing that there will be some undesirable aerodynamic consequences

Well, to make sure that the Aptera is narrow enough to fit down city streets, they can always redesign with front/back seating like the Elio while still using the Aptera’s aero body. Yes, the car would be longer and storage space reduced... always those comprise. 😖

Everything is connected. Every decision is some sourt of compromise. If Aptera would use Lifepo cells like Tesla model 3 in China, it could be possible to put batteries in the front of the car. If batteries have safe chemistry they may not start fire even if they got crashed. More weight on the front wheels make vehicle more stable and you could make it more narrow. Narrow vehicle could fit european regulations and narrow streets.

Hello Matthijs, do you know smart-for-three from the Netherlands.

https://www.aptera.us/forum/aptera-design-discussion/owners-manual-guide-folder-in-screen-adding-more-fun-sell-ability-some-efficiency-improvements the last part at the end is a idea for a more compact way to potentially keep aptera aerodynamic efficiency in a more compact package

1. There are five different threads about this problem. Is it possible to put it together?

2. For myself I decited to let Aptera find a solution for the "european problem ". They have specialists who will find a solution.

Classification as L5e is not the solution to 2.24 m problem:

Class Name of the class Common classification criteria L1e-L7e.

All vehicles of class L:

(1) Length ≤ 4 000 mm, or ≤ 3 000 mm for an L6e-B vehicle, or ≤ 3 700 mm for an L7e-C vehicle; and

(2) Width ≤ 2 000 mm, or ≤ 1 000 mm for an L1e vehicle, or ≤ 1 500 mm for an L6e-B or an L7e-C vehicle; and

(3) Height ≤ 2 500 mm

Maybe with simple mud guards and rims with a different offset, ou could go under 2m wide. But for the length, they will have to shorten the body.

The answer to the 2 meter question ...

I wonder how the approval is to be made. According to the StVZO, only 2 m is permissible for three-wheeled vehicles.

Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)

B. Vehicles

III. construction and operating regulations

§32 Dimensions of vehicles and vehicle combinations

(9) notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (8), motor vehicles as defined in § 30a (3) shall not exceed the following dimensions:

Width:

For motorcycles and three-wheeled and four-wheeled motor vehicles ... 2,00 m,

for two-wheeled mopeds and bicycles with auxiliary motor ... 1,00 m,

height ... 2,50 m,

length ... 4,00 m.

One solution could be to integrate the front wheels into the bodywork (Annex)

Oh, Thank you for the tip! I did not know about the thread until I read your feedback.

I just read on twitter that Aptera says EU approval expected at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. If you want to order do not forget to visit the referral thread to save $30 😊

https://twitter.com/pixelpartner/status/1337744372264296449?s=19

I was ready to order Aptera on line until I realized how wide the vehicle is

with the extensions of front tires & fenders. I am used to park in a compact car parking space with Honda 2 seaters. Aptera takes up more space than a compact

car does. I am concerned that other vehicles will bump into Aptera's front tires and fenders accidently. Could Aptera modify the design to reduce the front

width of the vehicle?