The Aptera needs a solar charging port for portable solar panels. The hatch back is perfect for carrying at least four solar panels. One could connect the panels in series and angle them toward the sun while the car is parked. So basically you would have your own solar array where ever you go.
top of page
bottom of page
Like this?
http://pages.erau.edu/~andrewsa/sci_fi_projects_spring_2019/Project_3/Tinsley_Jayson/JaysonTinsley_hu338_project3/JaysonTinsley_hu338_project3/watney_and_rover.jpg
I would definately buy some extra solar panels to plug in for extra solar range when needed if there was an extra DC port for it. I'm not sure I would bother if I had to add an extra battery, regulator and inverter though.
I would like to see a DC input from external solar panels to extend the range while parked at home in addition to the 700 watts the Aptera would have. Might as well take advantage of the inverters within the Aptera to dump power from more solar panels.
Kickstarter is funding a lightweight, portable wind generator right now that could be of use here for some people.
The flexible solar panels that I mentioned in my first post are very thin and you could carry many without taking up much space.
There seems to be plenty of room in the hatch to carry your own small generator &/or small wind turbine (like I see on sailboats).
Wonderful suggestions~! May I add, (1) a Solar Panel charging port directly converting the PV output to charge the batteries are the most efficient, it is also flexible if the charging input takes 24V to way up to 96V or even 200V range. That way we can connect the panels in series, higher voltage and smaller current, hence the wiring is thinner and more flexible. (2) If possible, allow a WIND generator to be connected, 12V DC?
The purpose of having such feature is to sacrifice some cargo space and be able to go into the forest, camping for a prolonged period without going back to the city for charging.
Also it will reduce charging anxiety.
I know the old Aptera was a hybrid with an ICE. Which is heavy when we do not need the engine, so I think it should have an option to carry a small generator with us rather than a wind turbine or lots of panels. One small 1000W gas generator can be a life saving to limp back home. What do you think?
Maybe use a Net Zero battery. It has a 110v. I'm not great with electrical stuff, but if you plug in the solar panels to it and plug the car into the battery, you should be good to go. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I love the idea of Aptera possibly selling fold able panels that fit in the trunk that could be set up quickly/easily near or beside the car wherever you are to supplement the car's panels.
I live in Ottawa, Canada and the daily solar energy wouldn't cover my needs in the winter months. I also see this as a good option for people who drive more than the 40 miles a day that the car's panels would provide. Another place this might be of use is for the camping features. Allowing more use of electric appliances/climate control etc.
Exactly what I would want, a simple input to hook up random solar panels to quickly and cheaply charge the car. It is incredibly easy to cover a carport with cheap panels and plug the car in at home. The only reason I havnt installed solar on my roof is from the complex procedure of connecting the solar to your home and getting the permit.
The full solar option already has the hatch back covered in solar cells, for a total of 180, or 700 peak watts on the car.