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Aptera 2e electric car transforms personal transportation economics
Aptera 2e
Posted 09.14.2009 in Articles by Christopher
A car that emits no tailpipe emissions is smart. A car that pays for itself within half its expected service life is genius.
Aptera's "clean sheet" styling may be too radical to gain initial mainstream acceptance, but there's little doubt that the tadpole shaped vehicle will turn the heads of even the most traditionalist drivers. Once observers recover from the surprise of Aptera's unconventionally fluid lines, the equally radical efficiency performance figures also challenge the traditional conceptions of an automobile. It is this dramatic departure from the incremental "Joule per mile" improvements we've become accustomed to from conventional car makers that will win the Aptera a devoted following among motorists.
Aptera's aerodynamic and weight efficiency gains are substantial enough to change the economic equation of a commuter's car purchase. At 1,700 lbs, Aptera is half the weight of the average American sedan which EPA statistics report is 4,066 lbs. With an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.15, the Aptera 2e realizes less drag than any other production automobile. The Toyota Prius by comparison measures 0.25, impressive by industry standards. The ultra low weight and drag translate directly into fuel savings and extended range, making the freeway capable 100-mile range electric car a practical choice even for those whose commute distance is double the national average.
Commuters who travel an average of 40 miles per day can cut their fuel cost from the typical $7.00 to less than 80 cents. The $2,263 annual savings is enough to make car payments of $189 per month, almost half of the Aptera's expected $489 monthly payments on a five year loan assuming 100% financing. Aptera's entire purchase price is effectively zero if driven for 13 years when compared to conventional automobiles. If gasoline prices spike back up near $5.00, and increased demand in China and the rest of the emerging economies help to keep it near that number going forward, the payback shrinks to under eight years, including finance charges.
Fuel costs aside, the anticipated dramatically lower maintenance costs of the electric-only drive train increase the financial advantage. The Aptera's composite monocoque chassis and body will never rust. Electric motors are typically rated at 100,000 hours time between overhaul versus approximately 2,000 hours for gasoline internal combustion engines. There are no air filters, spark plugs or oil to change.
Aptera's sexy curves have inspired the fevered passion of ultramodernist devotees. But her economic sensibility will win the favor of even the most staid traditionalist. As the Apple Macintosh did for personal computers, and the Internet did for computer networks, Aptera redefines the expectations of the entire field. Other manufacturers now need to compete not just based on styling, comfort, and utility, but on the fundamental economics of driving.