The Cars GM Needs To Make

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I thought I saw (watching the movie about the EV1 that someone posted), that the 6.4kWh 220 volt charger could charge the EV1 in ~3 hours, and the 1.2kWh 120 volt charger (that fits in the trunk) charges it in ~15 hours?

[trikkonceptz]

So then give us the following;

-An electric car with a 200 mile range (Pending battery technology)
-Supplement that with solar panel paint (Which is being experimented with now)
-Add in a small diesel generator to help recharge the system and maintain the a/c, but not run the car.

Now on my third point, is it possible to generate enough power to limp an electric car at reduced speed to a charging point?

That configuration IMO would get us past the first large hurdle, reduce our dependency on oil dramatically and open the door for infinate technological improvement to eventually cut the cord for the commuter.

I think we would pay $30,000 for a car that meet those requirements knowing that profits would continue to support innovation and eventually bring those costs back down.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

The Aptera Typ-1h will be able to run normally while charging the batteries with the onboard ICE-powered generator. No "limping" necessary. This is how a serial hybrid works!

They say that the gasoline motor will be ~16HP. They originally wanted to use a diesel, but it could not be made to run clean enough to meet California emission limits.

[trikkonceptz]

Knowing this, how can we (The Public) keep a company like Aptera going to ensure they do not go the way of Tesla ...

Obama can raise millions to keep a campaign going, why can't the same be done to kick start a new technological revolution?

[owlafaye]

Originally Posted by SuperTrooper

Here's a comparison by autobloggreen:



Throwing the Aptera into the mix is tricky since it isn't a car and lacks most of the safety features expected in a car. The ranges listed for the Aptera are estimates provided by the builder. I've yet to see any report on real world use of an Aptera, but I suspect reality will be slightly less.

The APTERA WILL NEVER SEE PRODUCTION...IT IS A CON GAME FOR ATTRACTING INVESTORS.

Ditto the 4 engined flying car...Each of these men have a working prototype and each prototype cost many millions to build. The Aptera is a complete impossibility regulations wise and totally impractical engineering wise. The flying car with the Wankel rotaries? One fails and you are DEAD. Hilarious.

[MetroMPG]

The Aptera is legally a motorcycle. What regulations are you talking about?

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by owlafaye

The Aptera is a complete impossibility regulations wise and totally impractical engineering wise.

Why is the Aptera any different in these respects than say the Harley-Davidson trike: Harley-Davidson launches new 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic - Autoblog They're even about the same price, and I see them out there on the roads more often than say Smart cars.

[Big Dave]

The Harley is a classic 1f2r trike with all its roll-over tendencies. The Aptera is a 2f1r trike. The Aptera is a cousin of the Can-Am Spyder with less aero drag.

BRP Can-Am | Spyder Ryder

Its really irrelevant. If GM cannot sell $50,000 Volts like hotcakes, its Chapter 11 time.

[owlafaye]

It is an enclosed passenger vehicle and WILL be subjected to various safety regulations outside of "motorcycle" status.

No need to worry however, it is an income generator for the inventor, not an honest new car effort. Fortunately, large investors see through these schemes and this guy doesn't seem to be getting anywhere because of it.

[owlafaye]

Tesla is still a viable concept albeit struggling with financing. He built them, sold them and they run...all in an extremely short period of time. His plans for a manufactory need more financing or he will collapse. Not to say his product was not well received nor did he fail to build any. I understand he sold the first production run 0f 300 cars and then improved the design and began building a factory...bad move maybe. He might still be able to continue the first model but he will still need more money. Funny how GM jumped on that lithium-ion battery concept almost immediately.

The Aptera and Flying Car have been around for quite awhile and are literally and figuratively going NOWHERE...no one is copying them either. Just watch them carefully and lets see who goes to jail first.