They will will limited by the weight transfer to the rear under hard acceleration. Aptera uses multiple motors instead of gears to multiply torque. With 500 ft lbs per motor peak (<10sec) from ~0-55mph, it has good average torque (1500 ft lbs) during a pull, but less peak torque than my Miata (1800 ft lbs peak in 1st gear, 2300lbs -> ~6 sec 0-60). The weight transfer will reduce the usable torque for the front wheels, so a fast time will depend on how well they can put the rear wheel torque to the ground.
In addition I personally think they should drop the 2 wheel option and only do the 3 wheel option. More safety regards to traction braking and control and more power and less stress for steep inclines.
Peak braking uses the hydraulic disc brakes. The number of motors doesn't matter. It will be very abrupt, for the same reason that acceleration is: Light weight. The 1800Lb will come to a halt in a very short distance, with all wheels nearly locked by ABS discs.
It is always best to under promise and over deliver. In my own opinion I still think the #Aptera will exceed that 3.5 seconds as #Alepha achieved that with a heavy vehicle converted/fitted with their in-wheel motors. It just might be with the light weight of the #Aptera the wheels spin when too much power is applied. In the video you can see the black Tyre burn marks on the tarmac when they start to do the run. The #Aptera is going to be a beast of a different kind that needs to be handled with respect and you will have to adjust your driving style accordingly 😁
Hopefully they will tune the traction control a little better especially with a light-weight rear wheel. What I am more concerned about is the braking distances. With this much power, we need comparable brakes.
I like any video showing the real vehicle. I'm a bit concerned that Chris said 0-60 in "less than 4 seconds" and deliveries start "next" year. I hope this isn't the start of walking back early commitments and time lines.
The interior is still in "discovery". Again, it seems like any production in 2021 is now at risk. So a quarter goes by and they have slipped a quarter.
In the video he replied to Nikki “We HOPE to have production vehicle end of year???”
The new website will have a place to show deliveries date, but I am sure they will first crawl before running with that.... with the Paradigm and Paradigm + Editions first ONLY after these “reservations” become “orders”
He said they have not yet finished tuning the in wheel motors so I
he may be playing it safe until they verify 3.5 sec before he confirms that expect spec.??? My best guesses...
Yes.... Interior is surely “WIP“ Work In Process. No sun guards yet that I saw unless they have something special planned. Seats to come in 25mm for more room seat to doors... More comfortable seats... is what I recall
@Len They actually were pretty straightforward on a little of the order. They said first batch (Total amount unknown to us.) will be 4 runs, 400kwh, then 600kwh, then 250kwh, then 1000kwh. So there will be some custom units in that total batch. Probably Paradigms first, and Plusses in the last run.
A significant feature about the Aptera was never pointed out, and that is how quiet it is. So much of the time it was absolutely silent with no sound at all. This is a feature that should be highlighted more in videos.
One reason it is so quiet is because two of the motors are not in the body, but rather, are outrigged in the wheels. No sound is transmitted to the body.
Another source of noise is the road noise of the tires rolling against the pavement. Normally, this noise is captured by the wheel wells and transmitted throughout the body. Again, since the front wheels are outrigged, this transmission of sound to the body does not occur. Only the rear wheel sound is transmitted.
Listen to the video again noting the quiet.
There may be no other vehicles equaling the quiet.
@pistonboy What struck me about the quietness was the fact that the doors had no windows! Of course they were only circling the parking lot, but still...
The third motor isn't - technically - "inside" the body: It's below the body, just wrapped in a fairing that's attached to the body. Of course, in this video, none of the wheels were faired...
Also watched the video :) I think most people will react the same because unless you already drive a powerfull super fast car than can equal or better 0 to 60 under 3.5 seconds this #APTERA will jolt you back into your seat if you use the accelerator pedal as a on/off switch instead as a smooth light dimmer control.
For proper comparison, many motorcycles have that type of acceleration. Even common bikes such as the HD Livewire will beat this. The Zero SR is pretty comparable. Now when you try and compare the Aptera to an automobile, it is really an apples to oranges comparison since most cars weigh much more than the Aptera motorcycle at 1800 lbs. The Chevy Bolt weighs in at 3563 lbs. but has more safety features.
Yeah I have been following Nikki and her wife for a number of years now. She does some great EV evaluations. I envy her in being able to actually get a ride in the prototype. I can hardly wait to see a demo model in the raw.
They will will limited by the weight transfer to the rear under hard acceleration. Aptera uses multiple motors instead of gears to multiply torque. With 500 ft lbs per motor peak (<10sec) from ~0-55mph, it has good average torque (1500 ft lbs) during a pull, but less peak torque than my Miata (1800 ft lbs peak in 1st gear, 2300lbs -> ~6 sec 0-60). The weight transfer will reduce the usable torque for the front wheels, so a fast time will depend on how well they can put the rear wheel torque to the ground.
In addition I personally think they should drop the 2 wheel option and only do the 3 wheel option. More safety regards to traction braking and control and more power and less stress for steep inclines.
It is always best to under promise and over deliver. In my own opinion I still think the #Aptera will exceed that 3.5 seconds as #Alepha achieved that with a heavy vehicle converted/fitted with their in-wheel motors. It just might be with the light weight of the #Aptera the wheels spin when too much power is applied. In the video you can see the black Tyre burn marks on the tarmac when they start to do the run. The #Aptera is going to be a beast of a different kind that needs to be handled with respect and you will have to adjust your driving style accordingly 😁
I like any video showing the real vehicle. I'm a bit concerned that Chris said 0-60 in "less than 4 seconds" and deliveries start "next" year. I hope this isn't the start of walking back early commitments and time lines.
The interior is still in "discovery". Again, it seems like any production in 2021 is now at risk. So a quarter goes by and they have slipped a quarter.
A significant feature about the Aptera was never pointed out, and that is how quiet it is. So much of the time it was absolutely silent with no sound at all. This is a feature that should be highlighted more in videos.
One reason it is so quiet is because two of the motors are not in the body, but rather, are outrigged in the wheels. No sound is transmitted to the body.
Another source of noise is the road noise of the tires rolling against the pavement. Normally, this noise is captured by the wheel wells and transmitted throughout the body. Again, since the front wheels are outrigged, this transmission of sound to the body does not occur. Only the rear wheel sound is transmitted.
Listen to the video again noting the quiet.
There may be no other vehicles equaling the quiet.
Just another reason this vehicle is significant.
Yeah but Nikki has a Bolt, which has an acceleration faster than many ICEs
And Chris a high powered EV and he is still smiling! “ But I hear ya” It will impress this old ICE owner
Also watched the video :) I think most people will react the same because unless you already drive a powerfull super fast car than can equal or better 0 to 60 under 3.5 seconds this #APTERA will jolt you back into your seat if you use the accelerator pedal as a on/off switch instead as a smooth light dimmer control.
Brillant!
Oh My‼️ she exclaims...
I ❤️ it!
I too like Nikki
She seems to be very knowledgeable with EVs, prepares for interviews and podcasts,while being honest and fair. Giving informative insight.
My take home from the recent Noir ( the first Alpha) Development vehicle shake down track run and this interview:
Aptera and Nikki were surprised/ pleased with things at this very early stage with things not fine tuned or complete!
With approx ten vehicles to hit ground even before production...WOW ! Imagine what Aptera will deliver!
This was the first time Nikki was “short for words” Like a pleasantly unexpected person would react
Oh my! I mean Bravo!🤠
Fantastic! She does great work. met her once in a Hillsboro, Oregon event, wearing a costume .. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LWwhjwAmHWTq4Vwm7