Interview with Steve Fambro from Aptera Motors
If you read our previous update regarding the Aptera, you already know that the company is now taking deposits on their futuristic three-wheeled machine. I was able to get in contact with Steve Fambro, the man behind the Aptera, and I'll share some design and technical details in this post. With production of the Aptera expected to start in October, there are still some details that must remain confidential. But, the good news is that you are likely to get more information here than you've gotten anywhere else up to this point. Steve believes that aerodynamics will start to shape our vehicles in the future much more than they do now. Many who see the Aptera believe it looks much like an airplane, and this is no coincidence -- it's because the shape has been honed by the wind. So, in a way, Steve believes that the introduction of the Aptera marks a jump into the future of automotive design in more ways than just the alternative powertrain.
For the details on this exciting alternative to your mainstream automotive market, click past the break!
Gallery: Aptera
Regarding the powertrain, expect to see a hybrid model sporting a diesel engine to go along with the electric motor. When considering the fuel mileage of this particular vehicle, consumers will need to change their assumptions on what a car is capable of. When the machine is first underway, all power will be provided by the batteries which received their charge from a standard home outlet. Therefore, for many, no gasoline will be used at all on an average day's drive. If your travel plans require a longer trip, that's OK too because the diesel engine will kick in to charge the batteries and give you the power you need to keep traveling.
Moving on to the design of the vehicle, both the interior and exterior were not just shaped for aerodynamics, although that was of paramount importance. The Aptera team brought on Jason Hill with eleven design ELEVEN, LLC, and Nathan Armstrong, an engineer, to work with Aptera's team of aerodynamicists and engineers. Together, their goal was to make the vehicle a good place to spend time in, not a "penalty box" that you felt forced to drive. Take a look at all of the pictures of the interior and exterior and let us know if you think they met their goal (Hint: they did).
Safety was going to take priority over all else in the design, according to Fambro. In order to achieve the level of safety that consumers expect and deserve, the Aptera features crumple zones of 45 inches, quite large for a vehicle this size. Also in use inside the vehicle is airbag-in-seatbelt technology. The doors and roof exceed all specifications required by law. In addition, all of the glass used in the vehicle is automotive-grade safety glass.
Getting into some of the more technical bits and pieces of the design, the solar panels on the roof are tied in with the on-board batteries, so when the vehicle is parked in the sun, you are slowly charging your car. Even better is the air-conditioning system, which is powered by the solar cells and keeps the vehicle a reasonable temperature even when nobody is inside. The suspension systems were all designed using computer assistance to make them strong enough while maintaining the light weight necessary for the vehicle. Those suspension systems are similar in design to those used by Formula 1 cars, featuring pushrod operated on-board coil-over shocks. This centralizes and reduces unsprung weight. The structure of the vehicle is mostly of composites, with selected components made from metals such as aluminum. The rear swingarm is single sided and is currently made from metal. Each of the three wheels are 14" and are regularly available off-the-shelf components, as are the tires. The motor is a three-phase AC unit, and it drives the rear wheel via a low-resistance belt. On-board video screens show the driver an eye-level 360 degree view of the world behind you, using lens-free cameras integrated into the rear of the vehicle.
From a design standpoint, the Aptera team seems to have all their bases covered. We hope that production starts up in October as planned and will be sure to keep you updated whenever any additional news is ready to be released. Until then, if any of our readers have any specific questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and, if possible, we'll get you the answers.
Here is a look at a potential storefront. Is this the place you'll purchase your next vehicle?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
michael 2:38PM (2/06/2008)
I reserved an Aptera typ-1H hybrid.
I am production slot #352.
Any updates on when I can expect delivery?
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TrentW 7:42PM (3/25/2008)
Anyone get their three wheeler yet? I like the concept and the price seems way more down to earth than the other options.
By the way Wired Mag has a very interesting artical about Zap. Seems the companys founder was forced out and a bunch of crooks are running it now days.
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Bill Morgan 1:43PM (4/14/2008)
My fear is that some big car manufacturer or an oil company will buy this company out. They don't want us driving anything that does over 50 mpg. it's bad for their economy, and isn't that what its all about! Let's hope that Aptera and it's creator stand strong and get this car to the public, he will make a fortune. The difference is, he will deserve it.
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Bill Morgan 1:18PM (6/29/2008)
My fear is that some big car manufacturer or an oil company will buy this company out. They don't want us driving anything that does over 50 mpg. it's bad for their economy, and isn't that what its all about! Let's hope that Aptera and it's creator stand strong and get this car to the public, he will make a fortune. The difference is, he will deserve it.
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Ingrid 1:55PM (4/16/2008)
How well does it travel going up hills and mountains? What will its mileage be at various degrees of upward inclines?
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David 4:15PM (4/16/2008)
I am a sucker too, I put in my money too, #1915. I hope this flys.
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Tom Moss 12:17PM (5/01/2008)
Questions:
1. Will this auto be available in other states besides California.
2. Will a 3 or 4 seater be available.
3. What is going to be your production numbers.
Thank you very much.
Tom
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Sapphire Dragon 10:39AM (8/24/2009)
For the record, before I start, I just wanted to answer any unanswered questions I've found while browsing around the comments. I'm not a member of Aptera but just a fan of them who is learning as much as I can about this beautiful (imo) vehicle.
@ Aviv- I'm not sure about #1, but I am sure about 2 and 3. The solar panels are probably smaller because if they made them bigger, the car would cost much more than it already does. Perhaps when solar panels become cheaper (if they will) then they will install a bigger solar panel.
And yes, the car is only being sold in CA for right now. They say that they want to get everything worked out locally where they manufacture the car in order to provide the best and fastest service possible before spreading out and having to manage many more states. That information was all on their website.
@ GoodCheer- "Will that fit into a standard garage door?" Yes, it will. They have already stated that on their website. The rest I don't know, and some of it is confidential I'm sure.
@ Randy- "Why should only California enjoy this amazing new technology? If we can pay for this product we should be able to purchase it! If they don't think that their design or production methods are good enough to distribute this product nationally, maybe they should rethink their design and/or production methods."
Because they aren't ready to go national yet. As I told Aviv, they want to get everything worked out locally where they manufacture the car in order to provide the best and fastest service possible before spreading out and having to manage many more states. That information was all on their website.
@ michael- The information is on their website. You can't get the car unless you live in CA, for right now. From what they said, they will refund your deposit if you don't live in CA and you still reserve a vehicle anyway.
@ Tom Moss- #1 has been answered already, read above. #2- From what they say, they are just trying to produce the 2 seater for now and I'm sure they will expand to a 4 seater after a while of managing the 2 seater. This is still a new company- they need time.
@ Ed- I have contacted them myself once and they have responded to me. Keep in mind that this is a new company and they are still getting everything together. They should respond to an email.
Candidquality 11:41AM (5/09/2008)
1. vehicle will be available in other states as soon as the infrastructure allows. needs to be proven close to home first.
2. they are indeed working on the next designs which will be "more conventional" which implies more than 2 seat vehicle
3. production numbers 2500 first year, 10,000 a year after that.
For more information and some decent discussion head over to apteraforum(dot)com.
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Giampiero Minelli 11:27AM (10/07/2008)
My compliments for a fantastic car!
It reminds me of the three-wheel models appeared in Italy soon after the Second World War: Messerchimtt (two passengers in tandem) and Isetta (two passengers side by side).
I am sure the car could easily sell in Italy, also as an upgrading from the ugly and costly two-seater Mercedes "Smart".
I'm interested in getting your representation for Rome. I'm sure that only by circulating and stopping in squares and prominent sites one could obtain a lot of reservations.
Allow me to suggest a small modification: two little fins in the back (not "exceptional" as the front), like the ones you can see at the tip of modern airplanes' wings.
Again, compliments and congratulations.
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Ed 2:05PM (6/15/2009)
Is the Aptera for real? Difficult to impossible to contact by phone or email or to find an address. It it a scam?
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bhook 10:22AM (10/02/2007)
Want more information on this vehicle..I am extremely interested and want one.....
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bhook 10:26AM (10/02/2007)
I currently tour the United States on a motorcycle and am looking for an alternative ride...This is great....Need one now...
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bhook 10:41AM (10/02/2007)
I currently tour the states on a motorcycle and extremely interested in alternative way to travel..........I WANT ONE NOW......
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EV Rider 12:43PM (10/02/2007)
It would be interesting for lots of people to get to meet Aptera up close and personal (and to hear from Mr. Steve Fambro).
I hope he accepts the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego's invitation to be their guest at the Electric Dragin EVent at Barona Raceway.
Well, www.electricdragin.com of course.
See you there.
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Schmeltz 12:57PM (10/02/2007)
Mr. Fambro, a Mr. George Jetson just called...he wants his car back!
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tim 1:47PM (10/02/2007)
This will get you all the attention you could want.
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Aviv 1:53PM (10/02/2007)
FASCINATING vehicle...but the questions in my mind are:
1) Will Aptera be able to survive the intial low volume period, when celebrities, environmentalists and pioneer consumers purchase the vehicle, with the bulk of the market lagging behind?
(I certainly hope so. I'd like to own a 'Land Jet' like this one in my life).
2) Why is the photovoltaic panel not wider/ longer as to provide more charging?
3) What are the vehicle distribution plans - sold only in CA? Elsewhere?
Thanks
Aviv S
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Snowdog 1:54PM (10/02/2007)
How wide compared to a standard car?
Does it have windshield wipers? (I haven't seen any in pics)
Can you run the hybrid if you don't have access to a plug in? (Many apartment dwellers)
In which case what are ballpark MPG without plug in?
I have some concerns about motorcycle designation removing safety and emission requirements.
Safety:
Has it been tested for cross wind stability (lightweight wing concerns me)?
High speed emergency maneuvers stability.
Any kind of crash testing?
Emissions:
Will the engine have a catalytic converter, particulate filter? I am not concerned about carbon emissions, but more direct pollutants that affect breathing. Basically I don't want a high emission lawn mower engine defeating the purpose.
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GoodCheer 1:55PM (10/02/2007)
I know some of this stuff is 'confidential', and some may not have been fully worked out yet, but I do have some questions:
Emissions: I think those who are interested in a vehicle that is so responsible in terms of consumption will also be interested in being responsible in terms of emissions. If the engine is more than 280cc there are motorcycle emission standards in CA, will the Aptera meet those? Federal automotive emission standards? 50 State (CA / New England) automotive standards?
Stability: I like the ‘tadpole’ configuration better than the ‘delta’, because if you panic and hit the breaks your stability increases. What is the limit of stability (in lateral g) before the inside wheel comes off the ground under full throttle? With a 300# driver and a right hand turn? On dry pavement does the wheel lift or does the vehicle slide?
Living with it: I would love for the Aptera to be a car for every day. What is the total width at those two front wheel pods? Will that fit into a standard garage door? If you plug it in to a low current outlet, will it blow the fuse (ie. how smart is the charger?) How is the charging port protected from a battery short if you accidentally touch it? I know in New Mexico you wouldn’t worry about it, but is there a heater of any kind?
Drive Train:
Is the ICE going to be gas or diesel? (is this your final answer, this seems to have been going back and forth?) How much of the hybrid battery capacity will be depleted before the generator turns on?
Driving It:
What is the cabin noise level at highway cruising speed? From the generator? What electric range is reasonable to expect? What steady-state fuel mileage is reasonable to expect? What does it feel like when a semi passes at 85mph on the highway?
Maintaining It:
What size tires does it use? How long is it reasonable to expect the batteries to last, what might a new pack cost (I know it’s hard to speculate given the rapid changes taking place in the world of batteries)? Will there be an hour counter on the generator to help in estimating maintenance intervals?
Marketing / Buying:
When and where will we be able to see an test drive an Aptera? How will maintenance be provided? What will the warranties look like?
Thanks
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