This story is a testament to human ingenuity, resilience and the endless pursuit of sustainable mobility. Founded in 2006 by Steve Fambrough and Chris Anthony, Aptera Motors set out to revolutionise the automotive industry.
The design
The design of the aptera was inspired by aerodynamic principles. Its sleek, low-drag body was designed to glide through the air and maximise energy efficiency. Equipped with an innovative powertrain, it promised more than 200 miles per gallon - a figure that was unheard of at the time. The innovative design earned the company $2.25 million in prize money in 2007.
First attempts and failure
Prototypes were developed the following year and pre-orders began to increase. However, the classification of the vehicle as a motorbike due to its three-wheeled design led to safety and regulatory concerns in the US, which caused delays in production despite initial promise and customer interest.
Aptera Motors faced financial hurdles. The company's application for a $184 million loan from the US Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program failed on the grounds that it was unable to raise matching private funds.
The difficulties continued in 2011, when aptera was unable to raise sufficient funds to continue operations.
In a tragic turn of events, the aptera project was abruptly halted and the company liquidated its assets in December of the same year.
New start
The aptera's journey is a saga of innovation, setbacks and revival, from its beginnings as an innovative aerodynamic concept to its rebirth as a groundbreaking solar electric vehicle after a two-year hiatus.
Despite years of obstacles and financial difficulties, the aptera team remained true to its vision of a greener future. This perseverance will bear fruit later.
Solar integration
The resurrected aptera, has been redesigned to have solar panels on its body. This solar system, known as "never charge again" technology, can theoretically generate up to 40 miles of range per day from sunlight alone.
Theoretically, under certain conditions, the car can drive without ever needing to be plugged in. The 2019 following boasted an impressive range of up to a thousand miles on a full charge thanks to a combination of its aerodynamic design, lightweight materials and an efficient electric powertrain, as well as new features such as all-wheel drive.
Crowd & Community
The company's resurgence had clearly struck a chord with those seeking sustainable mobility. The newly formed Aptera Motors now set out to avoid the funding pitfalls that had plagued their previous company. This time they used crowdfunding, private investment and partnerships to finance their operations. It also maintained a lean operation that ensured it would be able to deliver its ambitious product without falling into previous funding traps.
Perseverance and vision
Aptera Motors is thus not only rewriting the history of the aptera in 2022, but also revolutionising the history of vehicle development. It is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience and commitment to a sustainable future.
The story of aptera serves as an inspiration to inventors and innovators around the world to never give up despite the many pitfalls and setbacks, but to persevere in believing in their own goal.
Aptera is a marvel of automotive innovation, not only because of its unique appearance, but also because of the technology that lies beneath its skin. The vehicle boasts a host of groundbreaking features that enable it to redefine the standards for efficiency and sustainability in the automotive industry.
The design of the vehicle's body, which uses a blend of composite materials such as carbon fibre, Kevlar and honeycomb core materials, creates a passenger compartment that is both rigid and lightweight, contributing significantly to its impressive fuel efficiency.
Motors & Cooling
The aptera uses electric motors in the wheels.
These motors deliver instant torque and excellent efficiency, which contributes to the vehicle's exceptional performance characteristics because the motors are housed in the wheels of the after a. However, the aptera also uses a unique cooling system in which the coolant circulates through channels in the outer skin of the vehicle. This maintains optimal temperatures for the electrical components without compromising weight or aerodynamics with conventional cooling systems.
Solar integration
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the aptera is the integration of solar cells known as the "Never Charge System". These cells are seamlessly integrated into the body of the vehicle and allow for a daily "solar recharge range" of up to 64 kilometres in sunny regions using sunlight alone.
Battery
The aptera is equipped with a highly efficient battery pack that gives the vehicle a phenomenal range. The low energy consumption allows a range of up to 1,000 miles on a single charge, outperforming most other electric vehicles.
Power
The combination of cutting-edge technology and innovative design philosophy results in remarkable acceleration, speed, efficiency, safety and comfort.
Equipped with innovative electric motors, the aptera is capable of achieving remarkable levels of acceleration. The instant torque of the electric motors enables the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in around 4 seconds.
In the all-wheel drive version, the aptera offers an exhilarating driving experience. Efficiency and aerodynamics were at the forefront of the car's development, yet the vehicle can reach a top speed of just under 170 km/h - more than enough for any kind of motorway driving.
The aptera is therefore currently considered the most energy-efficient electric vehicle in the world.
Security
The structure of the body absorbs and distributes impact forces effectively, improving the vehicle's crashworthiness. The low centre of gravity created by the placement of the battery increases the vehicle's stability and reduces the risk of rollovers.
Driving pleasure² (Fahrvergnügen)
Despite its futuristic exterior, the aptera's innovative design does not come at the expense of comfort. The interior of the vehicle has been designed with passenger comfort in mind. The interior is spacious and takes advantage of the absence of a traditional powertrain. The vehicle is equipped with a host of modern features, including a high-end infotainment system and customisable options that provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride for both driver and co-pilot.
The aptera is more than just a vehicle, it represents a philosophy of sustainable and conscious living. Its development and design offer a wide range of potential environmental and social benefits, from reducing the carbon footprint to enabling off-grid operation.
Cost reduction
The development and design of the aptera offers a wide range of potential environmental and social benefits, from reducing the carbon footprint to enabling off-grid living that saves energy costs and makes future mobility solutions think.
The aptera's exceptional energy efficiency also leads to significant cost savings.
The low energy consumption combined with the ability to generate electricity from sunlight can drastically reduce or even eliminate fuel costs for many drivers by dramatically reducing vehicle operating costs.
The aptera not only makes owning an electric vehicle more affordable, but also contributes to overall energy savings with its solar power capabilities.
Self-sufficiency is possible
The aptera opens up exciting possibilities for off-grid mobility. The ability to charge the vehicle using only sunlight makes it ideal for travelling or living in remote locations that are not tied to a charging infrastructure. In addition, the aptera's large battery capacity can be used as a power source for small appliances or tools, further supporting an off-grid lifestyle. Perhaps the most important impact of the aptera is its potential to inspire future mobility solutions.
Conclusion
The aptera could inspire other manufacturers to make similar innovations and drive the development of more sustainable vehicles. In addition, the aptera also contributes to a broader societal discussion about sustainability. It helps to disprove the notion that sustainable choices require sacrifice and shows that it is possible to combine environmental responsibility with performance, comfort and style.
About the Author
Vor über 30 Jahren haben wir die erste Solar PV-Anlage auf dem Dach montiert.
Später kam der Kewet Eljet 4 als erstes Elektrofahrzeug hinzu. Damals träumte man noch von Rekuperation.
Heute (2022) sind auf der Firma alle Dächer mit PV-Modulen belegt, eine 100 kWh Batterie trägt die 3D-Drucker und die EDV durch die Nacht.
Wir stellten im Jahr 2022 in der Summe mehr Strom her, als unsere Unternehmen benötigen.
Daher stehen auf auf dem Firmenparkplatz 12 Ladesäulen. 10 eigene und 2 öffentliche (die Katze (meine Frau) mitfinanziert hat. Alle Firmenfahrzeuge sind elektrisch.
Konsequenz der effizienten Fortbewegung: Wir müssen den Aptera nach Deutschland bekommen.