105 Miles from home, did a Typ-1e make it on one charge?

[c0mp13x]

On 1/17/08 a Typ-1 was spotted on a visit to Idealab in Pasadena, CA, prompting a flurry of photography from the local bystanders. The map below shows the distance from Aptera motors in Carlsbad to Pasadena, 105 miles!

So, was this a Typ-1e stretched to near it's range limit of 120 miles... or recharged along the way? Or could this be a Typ-1h out for testing? This rare right side (passenger side) photo of the Aptera does not seem to reveal the hybrid's exhaust port under the right side of the nose, although it could be out of view.

Intriguing none the less, and great to see an Ap out on the road outside of Carlsbad.

The photo also give a nice indication of scale to the recent questions of the vehicle's size. The two passengers look comfortable, yet efficiently contained. The perspective view to the SUV makes the Aptera look large, but I really think it has a similar footprint (or smaller) and would just as easily fit in the parking space that is shown. Front track does look wide, but not unreasonable.


http://artiswrong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/dscf7050-small.JPG


Map below shows the 105 mile route from Aptera Motors (A) to Idealab (B) in Pasadena. The drive starts mostly flat and coastal transitioning into the LA basin which is also mostly flat. Not much of an elevation change for the 105 miles and possible on one Typ-1e charge, if the rated 120 mile range is relatively conservative. Can you imagine what people on the LA freeways were saying as the Aptera zoomed by?!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2261443254_ee625f5fda_o.jpg

Blog report of Pasadena Aptera sighting (thanks Alex!) (http://artiswrong.com/blog/index.php/2008/01/17/zomg-wtf-is-that/)

:D

[KarenRei]

I've seen that shot before, but had no idea Idealab was so far away from Carlsbad. I doubt it's a Typ-1h (they're still just getting ready to crash test the Typ-1e), but there's another option -- it could have been towed. Either way, though.

The Aptera's not a particularly tall vehicle -- it's more "elevated". Notice all that space between it and the ground; that helps it not dissipate as much energy between the moving vehicle and the stationary ground. Height, I think it's only half a foot or so taller than a typical sedan. Length, again, quite reasonable. My only concern is width. My calculations repeatedly show about 8' width. I'll probably have to rearrange my garage for it to have enough room (the garage door is wide enough, at 9'). 8' is streetlegal and fits in most parking spots fine (they're typically 8'-9'), etc, but it's still wide. My Saturn, from mirror to mirror, is only 6 1/2 feet wide. I don't think the original H1 Hummer is even that wide from mirror to mirror. 8' is about the width of an RV.

[LQUAN]

Speaking of "being towed". I assume this car can only be towed from the rear. Where do you think the tow hook of this car is locate? All tow-truck are equipped with dual hooks whether they tow a car from the front or the rear. I guess we need to order a flatbed tow truck when it is called for. Goodluck to the towtruck driver when he tries to mount the magnetic emergency lights onto the Aptera chassy...he he.

[KarenRei]

I was picturing a flatbed, yes.

[Thirdeye]

Very nice pic! Must be quite a sight for people unfamiliar with the Aptera to see one of these in their neighborhood.

Hmmm, looking at the rear wheel the 'skirt' looks quite close to the ground, however, its really hard to judge properly due to the angle that the photo was taken at. The front skirts do look a bit higher, though. The production vehicle might have to raise the skirt or have an impact resistant/flexible lower skirt trim perhaps.