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#REDIRECT [[Aptera Motors#Aptera 2 Series]]
{{Infobox automobile
{{R from merge}}
|name=Aptera 2 Series
|image=Apteracar1.jpg
|manufacturer=[[Aptera Motors|Aptera Motors, Inc.]]
|aka=Aptera 2e, Aptera 2h
|production=
|assembly=Canada
|predecessor=Aptera Mk-1
|successor=
|class=[[Subcompact]]
|body_style=2-door [[three-wheeled car]]
|layout=[[Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout]]
|platform=
|engine='''2e''': Remy 82 kW electric motor<br/>'''2h''': Gasoline generator + Electric Motor<ref name ="EcoWorld">
{{Cite web|url=http://www.ecoworld.com/blog/2007/10/16/apteras-series-hybrid/
|title=Aptera’s Series Hybrid
|accessdate=2007-12-11
|last=Ring
|first=Ed
|date=2007-10-16
|publisher=EcoWorld
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022064428/http://www.ecoworld.com/blog/2007/10/16/apteras-series-hybrid/
|archive-date=2007-10-22
|url-status=dead
}}
</ref>
|transmission='''2e''': Borg-Warner single ratio transaxle<ref name="brochure">{{Cite web|url=http://www.aptera.com/brochure/APTERA_2009_2E_BROCHURE.pdf|title=Aptera 2e Brochure|accessdate=2010-04-15|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102212615/http://aptera.com/brochure/APTERA_2009_2E_BROCHURE.pdf|archivedate=2010-01-02}}</ref><br/>'''2h:''' [[Series hybrid]] layout
|wheelbase=2,740 mm<ref name="brochure"/>
|length=4,460 mm<ref name="brochure"/>
|width=2,180 mm<ref name="brochure"/>
|height=1,380 mm<ref name="brochure"/>
|weight=820 g<ref name="brochure"/>
|related=
|designer=[http://designby11.com/ Eleven]
|sp=uk
}}

The '''Aptera 2 Series''' (formerly the Aptera Typ-1) is a high-efficiency passenger [[three-wheeled car]] under development by [[Aptera Motors]].

The first variant of the 2 Series slated for production was the Aptera 2e (formerly Typ-1e), a [[battery electric vehicle]]<ref name="Youtube1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj718vRrYGM|title=YouTube - Aptera CEO Steve Fambro|accessdate=2008-03-31|last=Kates|first=David|date=2008-03-04|publisher=AlternativeEnergy.com}}</ref> announced in late 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aptera.com/newsletter111908/|title=Aptera Newsletter 11/19/2008|accessdate=12 May 2020|publisher=Aptera Motors|date=19 November 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204115001/http://aptera.com/newsletter111908/|archivedate=4 December 2008|url-status=dead}} </ref> The 2e accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 150 km/h.<ref name=ApteraFAQ>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aptera.com/faqs.php|title=Frequently Asked Questions|accessdate=18 May 2010|publisher=Aptera Motors|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507132949/http://www.aptera.com/faqs.php|archivedate=7 May 2010|url-status=dead }}</ref> A later variant would have been Aptera 2h (formerly Typ-1h), a [[plug-in hybrid]] electric vehicle. According to Aptera, the 2 Series is priced from the £16,000 to £32,000.<ref name=ApteraFAQ/>

An Aptera 2 made a short appearance in the 2009 film ''[[Star Trek (film)|Star Trek]]''.

The company opened a pre-ordering process for residents of California, but stopped taking deposits in July 2011. On 12 August 2011, Aptera announced it would return all deposits from customers who had signed up to buy a car.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064883_futuristic-electric-car-dream-dead-aptera-to-refund-deposits|title=Futuristic Electric-Car Dream Dead? Aptera To Refund Deposits|author=John Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=13 August 2011|accessdate=13 August 2011}}</ref>

In 2019, [[Aptera Motors]] was re-formed under the leadership of the original founders, Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro, and began developing a much revised solar-powered EV, the [[Aptera 3]], with a 1,600 km range.

==Design and fuel consumption==
The Aptera 2 Series was designed to be a low-energy vehicle; early estimates of its energy consumption ran as low as 80&nbsp;watt-hours/mi at 55&nbsp;mph.<ref name="Youtube1" /> Later estimates are as high as 200&nbsp;Wh for aggressive driving. The company stated in September 2009 that "if Aptera was given an official EPA rating [the fuel-efficiency figure assigned to all cars by the United States federal government], it would be 851&nbsp;mpg", suggesting that it is 2.2 times more efficient than [[Nissan Leaf]]. The Aptera 2 Series has a {{Cd|0.15|long=yes|link=car}}, compared with {{Cd|0.19}} for the record-holding [[General Motors EV1]], and {{Cd|0.24}} for the 2010 [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class]] Coupé, currently the lowest for a mass-produced car.<ref>{{Cite web|url= http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/17/new-mercedes-e-class-coupe-couples-low-drag-coefficient-to-effic/ |title= New Mercedes E-Class Coupe couples low drag coefficient to efficient engines |author= Noah Joseph |date=2009-02-17 |accessdate=2010-05-18}}</ref> The Aptera's atypical shape is a result of extensive optimization in a [[computational fluid dynamics|virtual wind tunnel]], following the designs of Alberto Morelli. It used recessed windshield wipers and [[low rolling resistance tire]]s.<!-- <ref name="PopMech2"/> -->

The first prototype attained a {{Cd|0.11|long=yes}} by making use of an "Eyes-Forward" rear-view camera system instead of [[Wing mirror|side-view mirrors]], which create a large amount of drag. A September 2008 Aptera newsletter showed a rendering of the car featuring a conventional driver-side mirror and no driver-side rear-view camera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aptera.com/newsletter092508/ |title=Aptera 25 September 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003015928/http://aptera.com/newsletter092508/ |archivedate=2008-10-03 |url-status=dead }} </ref> Aptera CTO Steve Fambro stated that the system was simplified to make use of a single camera mounted near the top of the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.techzulu.com/the-aptera-its-electric.html |title= The Aptera. It's Electric! |accessdate= 2010-05-18 |date= 2008-11-20 |last= Coolong |first= Amanda |publisher= TechZulu.com |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100618205505/http://www.techzulu.com/the-aptera-its-electric.html |archivedate= 2010-06-18 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

The body design was similar to Pegasus Research Company's human-powered "Fusion" vehicle (1983) and the [[MIT Aztec]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.recumbents.com/WISIL/misc/londry/default.htm | title=HPV Racing History - Pegasus Fusion | accessdate=2014-08-11 | publisher= Recumbents.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://dempseymotorsports.com/mit-aztec-solar-car/ | title=MIT Aztec Solar Car | accessdate=2020-12-06 | publisher=Dempsey Motorsport}}</ref> but the direct inspiration was the [[Volkswagen 1-litre car]].<ref name= PopMech1>{{Cite web|url= http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/4232400 |title= 300-mpg, Electric Aptera Typ-1 Ready for 2008 Production, Not Jetsons Remake: First Look |accessdate=2010-05-18 |last= Marquis|first= Brittany |publisher= [[Popular Mechanics]]| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100411063540/http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/4232400| archivedate=2010-04-11 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The Aptera 2 Series was a three-wheeled vehicle with front-wheel drive. On March 23, 2010, Aptera announced their use of [[BorgWarner]]'s 31-03 eGearDrive transmission for the 2e drive train. An April 14, 2010 press release<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apteraforum.com/showthread.php?t=4211 |title=April 14 Press Release |date=2010-04-14 |publisher=Aptera Motors |accessdate=2010-05-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707154247/http://www.apteraforum.com/showthread.php?t=4211 |archivedate=2011-07-07 }}</ref> announced further suppliers: [[A123 Systems]] for the 20&nbsp;kWh [[lithium iron phosphate]] (LiFePO4) battery pack, and [[Remy International]] for the 82&nbsp;kW HVH250 [[electric motor]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://xprize.aptera.com/aboutthe2e.php |title=About the 2e |publisher=[[Aptera Motors]] |accessdate=2010-05-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610021122/http://xprize.aptera.com/aboutthe2e.php |archivedate=2010-06-10 }}</ref>

The freeway range was promised to be around {{convert|100|mi|km}} with two passengers and some luggage. They planned to offer an [[SAE J1772]] compatible charging system, at either 110 or 220&nbsp;V.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}

===Plug-in series hybrid===
An early Aptera 2h design used a "small, water-cooled [[Fuel injection|EFI]] [[Petrol engine|gasoline engine]] with closed loop oxygen feedback and [[catalytic converter]]," coupled with a 12&nbsp;kW generator/starter.<ref name=ApteraDetails>{{Cite web |url= http://www.aptera.com/details.php |title= Aptera Details |accessdate= 2010-05-18 |publisher= Aptera Motors |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100515175845/http://www.aptera.com/details.php |archivedate= 2010-05-15 |url-status= dead }}</ref> With a tank capacity of "up to five gallons,"<ref name= "EcoWorld" /> the Aptera 2h would have a claimed range of {{convert|600|to|700|mi|km|-1|abbr=on}},<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbs8.com/story.php?id=104287 |title=Jetsons-Style Car Gets Space Age Mileage |date=2007-09-28 |accessdate=2008-01-19 |publisher=News 8 KFMB, San Diego |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227175436/http://www.cbs8.com/story.php?id=104287 |archivedate=2007-12-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> compared to the {{convert|120|mi|-1}} range of the Aptera 2e. The 2h would have been a [[Hybrid vehicle drivetrain#Series hybrid|series hybrid]]: The engine would not be connected to the drivetrain, instead being used to recharge the batteries.

As with any plug-in hybrid, fuel economy of the Aptera 2h would depend on trip length and battery charge. For trips of less than about {{convert|50|mi}} after a full charge the engine may not turn on at all, resulting in approximately the same energy consumption as the pure electric model{{snd}} 96 watt-hours/mile. If on the other hand, the car were never plugged in, the Aptera 2h would get {{convert|130|mpgUS|l/100 km|1}}. Aptera Motors quoted {{convert|300|mpgUS|l/100 km|1}}, which applies to a {{convert|120|mi|km|adj=on}} trip after a full charge. They justified this by stating that 99% of Americans drive less than {{convert|120|mi|km}} daily.<ref name=ApteraDetails />

==Safety==
Because the Aptera 2 Series had only [[Three-wheeler|three wheels]], most American states classify the vehicle as a [[motorcycle]]. This means that safety and [[Car emissions control#Emission testing|emissions]] tests are not mandatory, as they are for [[car]]s.

Despite this, Aptera Motors emphasized that safety had a high priority in the vehicle's design. Aptera Motors performed simulated crash tests using [[Abaqus]] [[Finite element method|FEM]] software, crush testing on structural components, and was planning real-world crash tests before production. The Aptera 2e featured a [[Formula One]]-inspired passenger safety cell and boxed sandwich [[Sandwich-structured composite|foam core composite structures]]. Frontal [[Crumple zone|crumple]] distance was 1,150 mm, large for a vehicle of its size. As the body is above most cars' bumpers, a colliding vehicle's bumper would travel under the body, deflecting the energy. Despite its height, the placement of the heavy batteries lowered the centre of mass of the Aptera 2 Series, a design similar to the highly stable [[Commuter Cars Tango]]. Driver and passenger [[airbag]]-in-seatbelts were also provided.

==Accessories and interior==
The design intent model, revealed on 14 April 2010, seated two adults, had [[power window]]s, cup holders, and 0.64 m<sup>3</sup> of boot volume.<ref name="brochure"/> It used [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] running and interior lights to reduce power consumption. An optional [[Photovoltaics|solar panel]] mounted on the roof runs the [[heat pump]] during the day. This keeps the interior comfortable and reduces the size of the heat pump needed. The seats can be heated or cooled by forced air, both for comfort and efficiency reasons.<ref name=ApteraJourney>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aptera.com/takejourney.html|title=The Aptera Journey|accessdate=4 July 2008|publisher=Aptera Motors|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304190403/http://www.aptera.com/takejourney.html|archivedate=4 March 2008|url-status=dead }}</ref> The only comfort downside is that the suspension was described as "hard".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aptera in Action Video: Driving the Planet's Greenest All-Electric Three-Wheeler!|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1019328_aptera-in-action-video-driving-the-planets-greenest-all-electric-three-wheeler|first=John|last=Voelcker|date=17 March 2009|accessdate=18 May 2010}}</ref>

[[Radio]], [[CD]]/[[DVD]]/[[MP3]] player, and [[GPS]] navigation were integrated into an in-console [[touch screen]] [[carputer]], based on [[Moblin]] by [[Wind River Systems]], but the [[climate control]] used physical dials. It also had [[RFID]]-based [[keyless ignition]] and entry and [[butterfly doors|scarab doors]].<ref name="ohgizmo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/09/28/aptera-electrichybrid-car-on-pre-order-for-500/|title=Aptera Electric/Hybrid Car On Pre-Order for $500|accessdate=2010-05-18|last=Ackerman|first=Evan|date=2007-09-28|publisher=OhGizmo!|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527140011/http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/09/28/aptera-electrichybrid-car-on-pre-order-for-500/|archivedate=2010-05-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

To reduce the [[ecological footprint]] of construction, EcoSpun [[Recycling|recycled materials]] <!-- <ref name=PopMech2 /> --> and organic dyes were to be used for the seats and flooring, and the dashboard and the door panels were free of [[heavy metals]] and [[plasticizers]].<ref name=ApteraJourney /><ref name="Youtube2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeN1Okyy05Q|title=YouTube - An Aptera guided tour: Introduction|accessdate=31 March 2008|date=28 March 2008|publisher=Aptera Motors}}</ref> Aptera also planned to have leatherette and leather seats as options.<ref name=newsletter200907>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aptera.com/newsletter072709/|title=Aptera Newsletter|date=27 June 2009|publisher=Aptera Motors|accessdate=6 June 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20090731131036/http://www.aptera.com/newsletter072709/|archivedate=31 July 2009}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Plug-in electric vehicle]]
* [[Aurel Persu]]{{snd}} designer of teardrop aerodynamic car in 1922
* [[List of motorized trikes]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aptera 2e}}
{{Official website | https://web.archive.org/web/20110707153940/http://www.aptera.com/ }}

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[[Category:Electric concept cars]]
[[Category:Electric motorcycles]]
[[Category:Battery electric vehicles]]
[[Category:Plug-in hybrid vehicles]]
[[Category:Hybrid electric vehicles]]
[[Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles]]
[[Category:Proposed electric car models]]

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