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Old 06-07-2009, 03:32 PM   #16 (permalink)
roflwaffle
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave View Post
In such an environment, the Aptera’s excellent aerodynamics are nearly neutralized. An electric xBox or Smart would be just as good in an urban environment – if not better.
Only if we ignore the extra $30,000 in cost, of which a small part, maybe $5,000 or so, could probably upgrade the Aptera to a larger pack.

Besides, it isn't as if we're talking about a huge difference in range. An eBox weighs in at a bit less than twice what the Aptera weighs, and has twice the drag coefficient as well as ~1.5-2 times the reference area, so even with a 35kWh pack, in the city it's probably equivalent to a ~13-15kWh pack in an Aptera. The stated pack sizing for the Aptera seems to be ~10-13kWh, so you're really splitting hairs IMO. The only place it would make a huge difference is when the vehicle isn't moving w/ the AC and accessories on, and even then the Aptera may fare well since it's composite body won't transmit as much energy to the cab and it has to heat/cool less than twice as much interior.
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