Palo Alto Aptera Report Card [Archive] - ApteraForum.com

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 12:45 AM

Questions from KarenRei:

Is the range now 200 miles, and if so, is that standard?
They say the range is over 100 miles "with two adults, 250 lbs of luggage and all the interior equipement being used at max".

What's the approximate DoD on the battery pack? Don't need exact numbers -- just is it in the "90%" range, the "70%" range, the "50%" range, or whatnot.
Chris actually said "Tell Karen we still can't tell her that" without me mentioning the questions came from KarenRei or even this fourm. LOL

All the battery stuff is company proprietary. That even covers all of Gary's questions about batteries. Sorry guys.

KarenRei

04-23-2009, 12:48 AM

Lol.

-- Gotcha, Chris. ;) Just keep up the good work. --

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 12:51 AM

Chris: Real production prototype done in November timeframe.

Chris: Hybrids will be produced 4-6 months after the electric.
Marques: Hybrids will be produced 6-8 months after the electric.

Steve: Doors in the production version will open a full 1 1/2 fet higher that the pre-production versions.

Chris: Crash testing completed by fourth quarter.
Paul: The crash testing results will never "officially" be released due to legal/liabilty issues. Which is industry standard.

Marques: Traction control will not be offered in the beginning, but will be offered later.

KarenRei

04-23-2009, 12:56 AM

Marques: Traction control will not be offered in the beginning, but will be offered later.

Hrm. Well, I hope that "later" isn't too long. ;) I'll take it however I can get it, but traction control would be a big plus, obviously.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 12:57 AM

Chris: details of hybrid still in discussion. Example: size of fuel tank, 6, 10 or 20 gallons.

Since every six pounds of weight lowers the efficency by 1 MPG, it's a tought balancing act.

The ICE will be located behind the seats in front of the rear wheel. The may add a "bubble" under the vehicle body to hold the engine.

Maintenance will be plug-and-play. If you have a problem Aptera will simply remove the troublesome engine and replace it with another one. You drive away with an Aptera that works and they will fix the engine later.

iwannaptera

04-23-2009, 01:20 AM

Paul: The crash testing results will never be "officially" be released due to legal/liabilty issues. Which is industry standard.

Not sure I understand that. I hear commercials on the radio all the time touting a vehicle's "5 star front and side impact crash rating" etc... What will be released if anything about the crash testing results? All we really want to know is whether it "passes" and what the general "scores" are for front, offset, and side impact. Well, I'd be happy with just front and side info. This comment is worrisome to me. While Aptera has done a good job so far of meeting most reasonable expectations, this one is a biggie, and I'm concerned.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 01:20 AM

Now for some of Gary's questions:

When do they expect to have the real production prototype done.
November

Are the new doors and windows done yet?
Almost. Newer versions of the doors were at Stanford. But powered windows are waiting the new "boxier" body shape, which will also add some interior room.

Can no-pedal (feet off the pedals) regeneration be "adjusted" by the driver down to zero (for free-wheel "coasting")?
No. Paul says they are experimenting with what percentage of regen will be applied when you remove your foot from the accelerator. He also admitted (after much pestering) that if enough people insist they would like that regen percentage to be user-adjustable, it could be added to the vehicle.

Will "strong" air conditioning be available? And, for approximately how much extra money?
Marques: The Aptera will be able to match the air conditioning "power" of any car on the road today.

Does the solar-powered cabin ventilation work in the shade?
Yes

Can the cabin heating and cooling system be operated by the computer, to have it come on at a set time (before an anticipated trip-start time)?
No.

Is that ventilation thermostatically controlled?
Sorry, I mis-read the questions. I asked about climate control while a person is in the vehicle. The standard version will have a "hotter-colder" dial, while an option will be offered for termperature settable climate control.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 01:23 AM

Not sure I understand that. I hear commercials on the radio all the time touting a vehicle's "5 star front and side impact crash rating" etc... What will be released if anything about the crash testing results? All we really want to know is whether it "passes" and what the general "scores" are for front, offset, and side impact. Well, I'd be happy with just front and side info. This comment is worrisome to me. While Aptera has done a good job so far of meeting most reasonable expectations, this one is a biggie, and I'm concerned.

"X-star ratings" come from insurance agency crash testing, not the production company.

Paul was quite insistant that the Aptera will more then pass every car safety standard. In fact that is one reason the Aptera removed the "back row child seat".

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 01:33 AM

Will the steering wheel be adjustable forward and back, along with up and down.
Marques: Up and down-yes. Forward and back is still in discussion. He recommends "yes".

Will the 2h be capable of continuous "full speed" operation on the generator alone?
Chris: questions doesn't really make sense. The generator only powers the batteries. The batteries power the motor. The vehicle will ensure you never get to a zero-juice left in the battery situation.

Is the backup camera an option, or is it completely gone?
Still an option. 160-degree view.

Is there a "large" screen option for the 180-degree rear-view camera?
No.

What resolution, and how distorted is the rear-view video?
I never got to actually see the rear-view video in action, but was told it is XVGA resolution.

Can it be "recorded"?
Marques: the is Federal regulations in work defining what kind of information that may be required for a car "black box". Until that is complete Aptera will not have a recording capacity of its own.

Why are wider tires (175 vs. 165) being specified?
Do the new tires have BETTER wear and wet-weather traction specs?
No one said why the tire size changed, but Chris mentioned the vehicle handled fine in the rain in Washington DC a month ago.

Do they still intend to include a jack?
How much will a "spare" (wheel and tire) cost?
A jack is still intended to be included. Along with an emergency "fill a flat" to get you home/to a service station.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 01:38 AM

Will the required charging current be adjustable?
Paul: the vehicle charger can handle currents up to 50 Amps.

Is there a battery "BMS" system that detects over and under voltage on each series cell?
Is each cell protected against over-charging and over-discharging?
What happens when motor or controller over-temperature is detected?
Are "weak" battery-cells detected and relatively easy to replace?
See above. All battery information is Aptera propietary information.

Will an alarm/charge-status/anti-theft system, with a remote monitor, be an option?
Paul: not in the first year.

Will the wheel skirts be re-designed (perhaps with rubber lower parts) to be curb-friendly?
Very much so. They expect something like that for all three wheels.

When will preliminary user and service manuals be available to read or download?
Do they expect to produce the 2e manuals without end-user feedback?
Paul: The manuals will be available when they start delivering Apteras.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 01:49 AM

There were some questions I didn't get to, for that I'm sorry. I couldn't hog the Aptera folks as there were quite a few people there.

My comments:

Over 300 "deposit folks" were there, with a like number of family and so on. I got there just after 4:30 and left after 7:00 (when I didn't get a raffle-ride). After dinner I returned to my car at 8:30 and the Aptera gang were still busy driving people. These guys don't stop.

As of now I don't fit in an Aptera; I can't get my legs under the steering wheel, even with the wheel at the highest setting. I'm 6' 2" with a 30" inseam, so most of my height is in my torso. I felt a little crowded at the shoulder/head level. However I was assured that wouldn't be a problem with the production model.

The newest model has more black along the bottom side. Likes kind of like an orca. I liked it. It also had the "more narrow" front wheels. I was told the production is even more narrow.

Bottom line: encouraging. It was good to see actual vehicles, and to meet the very dedicated members of the Aptera crew. Steve Fambro saw my deposit number on my name tage and specifically thanked me for my faith in the product. That was cool.

In the end I have to wait on the production version. If I can't fit in the vehicle it doesn't matter how well made it is.

Pictures tomorrow. I need sleep.

Bill2056

04-23-2009, 02:16 AM

As I reported in another thread Paul Wilbur said they passed the side impact with 2 times the industry standard requirement and the top crush with 5 times!! He didn't quote numbers for the front impact but indicated they have lots of crush space up front plus airbags plus improved seatbelts so they are very sure they it will easily pass the industry standard car tests.

Matthijs

04-23-2009, 04:42 AM

Will the required charging current be adjustable?
Paul: the vehicle charger can handle currents up to 50 Amps.

If this is in combination with 220V that will be amazing!! Charged up in 1 hour and 15 minutes. 80% full in 45 minutes?

Mother

04-23-2009, 10:27 AM

I was at the showing in Palo Alto and got in one of the models there. I am 6'2", 32 inch inseam, and 230 pounds. Getting in was no problem. Getting my feet over to the pedals was equivalent to entering my wife's 1980 Mercedes 300D (it takes some wiggling). Headroom was tight (about 1-2")until the Aptera guy helped adjust the seat "rake" to my preferred "Arms extended" driving position and then headroom increased to 3-4" - which was fine.

KarenRei

04-23-2009, 10:45 AM

Can no-pedal (feet off the pedals) regeneration be "adjusted" by the driver down to zero (for free-wheel "coasting")?
No. Paul says they are experimenting with what percentage of regen will be applied when you remove your foot from the accelerator. He also admitted (after much pestering) that if enough people insist they would like that regen percentage to be user-adjustable, it could be added to the vehicle.

Well, I guess that means we have a lot of pestering ahead of us! ;)

Will "strong" air conditioning be available? And, for approximately how much extra money?
Marques: The Aptera will be able to match the air conditioning "power" of any car on the road today.

Yeah, the premise behind that question of Gary's never made much sense to me.

Can the cabin heating and cooling system be operated by the computer, to have it come on at a set time (before an anticipated trip-start time)?
No.

Hmm. The TED demo of the Automatiks software made it look like it could. Or at least be turned on remotely.

Will the required charging current be adjustable?
Paul: the vehicle charger can handle currents up to 50 Amps.

(cues up KC and the Sunshine Band) "Ceeeeelebraaate good times, come on!"

Certainly better than the 30 I was expecting. 50 is a very useful number for me. Lots of sockets out there that approach 50A. And brings them closer to the J1772 max of 80A.

aptera1213

04-23-2009, 11:07 AM

great info!!!

thanks so much...

it is great having people here getting out and seeing and sitting in the aptera

and asking all these questions.

wonderful

good to hear about the continuing improvements to the aptera...

good to hear the width is coming down a bit more

good all around...can't wait to see the new photos...did anybody get a shot of the back (now lowered)?

:)

happy

hope to be happier come winter

randyd

04-23-2009, 11:24 AM

Paul: the vehicle charger can handle currents up to 50 Amps.
He was very clear to my group:

The on-board charger and "BMS" will support 10A/110VAC, 15A/110VAC, 20A/110VAC, 30A/220VAC, and 50A/220VAC power sources. These correspond to commonly found circuits and circuit breaker values.

maestronius

04-23-2009, 04:53 PM

When are they planning the next one? And where will it be? Come on, we gave you guys the heads up; where's the love?

speednut

04-23-2009, 05:03 PM

Tamerlin, thanks for asking and posting answers to all the questions! :thumbsup:

Karen, I think they've got their eyes on you. I chortled when I read they told Tamerlin to "tell Karen..." LOL :happy0025:

KarenRei

04-23-2009, 05:20 PM

Karen, I think they've got their eyes on you. I chortled when I read they told Tamerlin to "tell Karen..." LOL

Well, if you had any doubt whether they read the forums.... ;)

But that is NOT what 99% of cars currently on the road do. If you lift off the gas, and you don't touch the brake your car will slow down. It doesn't coast freely. The engine compression will slow you.

I actually have been known switch to neutral on hills on long trips to avoid engine braking (my car doesn't have overdrive). That's how much I appreciate being able to freewheel.

I don't want an ICE car, or anything like an ICE car. That's why I'm getting an EV in the first place! :)

maestronius

04-23-2009, 07:16 PM

Louv

04-23-2009, 07:26 PM

This is all very interesting, but is it appropriate for the "Palo Alto Report Card" thread? This is the worst forum for going off on wild tangents. The show was only last night, has all the new info already been reported? I think one of the true values of this forum is being able to collect all the little tidbits of information. Steve tells one person this little blurb, Paul tells another something else; we all post it here where it gets compiled and we all have a greater understanding of this exciting new product! Some of you have done some great reporting, thanks so much for that. But I'm not satisfied! Come on Norcal! Where's the love?

There was a coloring contest.
I didn't win. (I used only white crayons. huh.)

There was a raffle for rides.
I didn't win. (but I was close... many times)

I only saw two people with numbers lower than mine.
That made me happy. Not that it changes my actual number, but I got to feel a false sense of "line superiority". I'm childish that way.

Really, was there actually any new news last night? Other than being able to touch a car, THIS FORUM has more info than these publicity events.

Aptera#1434

04-23-2009, 07:40 PM

When are they planning the next one? And where will it be? Come on, we gave you guys the heads up; where's the love?

They wouldn't tell us any info on the next show.

My guess for the reason: weather- they need to see a 7-10 day advance forecast before deciding on a showing and date.

Aptera#1434

04-23-2009, 07:46 PM

I met a guy with number 24 2e! Most of the people in attendance had high numbers.

I believe the turn-out was around 350 people from 5-8, but they had others dropping by after setting up at 1:45.

If the showing was on the weekend, attendance would have been quite higher.

dmtaub

04-23-2009, 07:47 PM

Someone on the forum is number 20 2e. Also, we now know Bill Gross from Idealab is #1.

maestronius

04-23-2009, 07:50 PM

Those "publicity" events are some of the best places to pump the Aptera folks for new information. And if you refer to pages 1 and 2 there is new info. For example, we have learned that the charger has a capacity of 220v 50a. That figure was left vague at the San Diego show. We have also learned that they have completed the side impact crash test and have exceeded the standard by 2x. In San Diego, that test hadn't been done yet, they were confident they would pass, but now we know that indeed it has. My concern is to keep this info coming in as new attendees read this thread. I would hate to have it bogged down by some extraneous post about how their beamer's tranny downshifts automatically going downhill. Don't misunderstand me, the regenerative braking debate is important and interesting. I just think it belongs in the "abrupt regen unacceptable" thread.

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 09:50 PM

Here come some pictures!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3470119250_924dce0ce2_o.jpg
New engineering test vehicle

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3469307231_10ee7a3bec_o.jpg
The front wheels are more narrow that earlier versions. But the doors still don't stick out too far.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3470119216_0d80864ea3_o.jpg
Another door shot

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3470119278_a255a40060_o.jpg
Look! A stereo speaker

Tamerlin

04-23-2009, 09:55 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3469307379_5174892c4e_o.jpg
View of the interior

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3470119370_6dd746314b_o.jpg
Very basic controls.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3470119338_553cc9250c_o.jpg
Actual "truck" will be up to 9" lower.

Remember, this is an engineering test vehicle. The inside is very spartan and no solar roof. Which makes sense.

jsnable

04-23-2009, 10:18 PM

One thing I did take note of in this prototype was the "center" Alpine speaker. Could be a prelude of what sort of sound system will be available...

Jay

Matthijs

04-24-2009, 06:53 AM

Here you can see the regen switch, that is a supported feature of the AD controller.

jstdadd

04-24-2009, 09:39 AM

Kinda looks like the EEs threw up in this one. What's with the male USB connectors hanging off the dash? LOL!

EDIT: Notice the iPod holder down and to the right. I like that much better.

randyd

04-24-2009, 10:51 AM

One thing I did take note of in this prototype was the "center" Alpine speaker. Could be a prelude of what sort of sound system will be available...

Jay

Oh yeah! Paul said that they are going to offer 3 levels of audio system, all of them from Alpine.

KarenRei

04-24-2009, 12:11 PM

Matthijs

04-24-2009, 12:29 PM

Um... am I the only one who noticed a big slider in the center that says "regen"?

Am I to assume that this particular prototype already has user-adjustable regen? I mean, obviously, this is a very rough-finish, clearly not production intent vehicle.. but still... :)

ForumLink (http://www.apteraforum.com/showpost.php?p=31677&postcount=48)

I was under the impression that it was a switch because of the controller capability but a slider would be great. Why not implement it on production? Standard or as option.

speednut

04-24-2009, 12:59 PM

Looks like the Aptera logo in the back hatch is the cover over a subwoofer. :thumbsup:
Center dash speaker, oh dear... http://davejenson.com/smile/mav/crazy.gif

I really want to know what the spinner knob is for that's shown to the right of the display above the steering wheel. You think they've got MAME running and are playing Tempest at stoplights? http://apteraforum.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Aptera1171

04-24-2009, 01:06 PM

My son and I made the trip to Stanford from Fresno to check out what we hope to be our next vehicle. After finding the crowd we parked our new Honda Insight in what we termed “hybrid row” because every car there was either a Prius or an Insight (old or new model).
All of the Aptera Team were very approachable and tried their best to accommodate everyone’s questions. We were able to speak with Steve, Marques and one other Apterian. We could not get any more definitive answers then others who went. So, I tried to bring up the concerns that the valley customers may have.
First, service – we were told they are still trying to come up with final plans on this. They may ask customers to bring their 2e’s in to be checked two or three times over the first year of service. This would be hard for us to do if they don’t have a shop to take it to in the valley. So, they may have some sort of mixed service structure (shops and rolling fleet service).
Then comes AC for the valley heat – they made me confident that the standard AC will be sufficient to work in our 100-110 degree summers. No options needed or offered. Standard AC will keep our Aptera cool.
Finally, I discussed range with Steve. No real confirmation of anything we have not already heard (100 miles with full AC, 250 pounds cargo and two people in the vehicle at a realistic speed ~55 mph). I brought up the real-world experience of driving from Fresno to Stanford. That’s 175 miles with a tough mountain pass on highway 152 at approximately the ½ way point. We actually do drive this four to six times a year so we’d like to be able to make this trip in the Aptera.
First, Steve confirmed that this would be doable if we stopped for a charge at about the halfway point. I pushed the idea of doing this without the stop to charge and brought up the several different battery packs that have been touted (10, 13, 17, 22 kw). I asked Steve if it might be possible for me to purchase an upgrade so I can make this trip without stopping. Steve would not commit, but did give me the impression that a battery upgrade would be offered and that upgrade would make my Fresno to Stanford trip possible. Again, this was not a “yes” but more of a “we know your needs and plan to try to make the Aptera work for you…” Again, more to come and no comment on when we’ll be told.
Sorry for the length of this post. Just a couple of more points. Pricing won’t be set until just before they start delivering. The ability to lock in should still be offered when pricing is announced. So, if you’re on the fence about locking in until you have firm prices, we may have a long wait. Finally, they all read this forum and know our issues and questions. So, keep your concerns coming and eventually we’ll get answers. Thanks for reading!:logo:

Holz

04-24-2009, 02:45 PM

First, service – we were told they are still trying to come up with final plans on this. They may ask customers to bring their 2e’s in to be checked two or three times over the first year of service. This would be hard for us to do if they don’t have a shop to take it to in the valley. So, they may have some sort of mixed service structure (shops and rolling fleet service).

Thanks very much for all the additional insights 1171,
I think the service issue is going to come back to bite Aptera and one they seem to be pretty vague about. It will probably be an interesting learning experience the first year...for everyone.

KarenRei

04-24-2009, 03:52 PM

Didn't they say at some point that they were planning to have 5 or so shops around the state by the time they start shipping?

Aptera1171

04-24-2009, 04:20 PM

Didn't they say at some point that they were planning to have 5 or so shops around the state by the time they start shipping?

They did, but from what they told me at Stanford, no real decisions have been made on this yet.

Dolphyn

04-24-2009, 04:22 PM

I met a guy with number 24 2e!
That would be me. :)

By the way, I'm not sure if this is new information, but I found out the production vehicle will have the back door hinged at the top. They kept the back door of each vehicle closed during the event, because they didn't want to give the wrong impression of how the back door opens.

zak650

04-24-2009, 04:44 PM

Matthijs

04-25-2009, 06:48 AM

How about an internet service link: A usb cable plugs into the Aptera and your Aptera sends diagnostic data over the net to the home office where the folks at Aptera can check how your battery and other important items are doing. It could also upgrade the Aptera's software or make parameter improvments this way.

This is one of the possibilities of the Automatiks telematic system see here: Forumlink (http://apteraforum.com/showpost.php?p=31047&postcount=41)

henry

04-26-2009, 10:38 PM

I had a great time at the event at Palo Alto. great access. I sat in all three prototypes. The best was when I went to leave an Aptera drove by in front of me. I can now actually imagine it on the road. See att. pics

henry

04-26-2009, 10:50 PM

here are some other pics from palo alto

Aptera#1434

04-27-2009, 10:52 AM

here are some other pics from palo alto

Very nice pics Henry! Funny how they had the masking tape "please do not sit on the seat". That went out the window within the first hour of the show.

henry

04-27-2009, 09:36 PM

Very nice pics Hernry! Funny how they had the masking tape "please do not sit on the seat". That went out the window within the first hour of the show.

Thanks. I was great to see the car in person. That would not be my choice for a seat fabric color, but it does illustrate the seat shape.

RainCaster

04-30-2009, 09:31 AM

Wow, I just can't get over the "uniqueness" of that green upholstery.

Aptera#1434

04-30-2009, 09:35 AM

If that "unique green" seat fabric becomes the only option, I may opt to get seat covers by: www.wetokole.com

evmavin

04-30-2009, 09:45 AM

This is one of the possibilities of the Automatiks telematic system see here: Forumlink (http://apteraforum.com/showpost.php?p=31047&postcount=41)

All modern card have an OBD port which can read all diagnostics from the engine ECU, i don't think Aptera will have this as it is not required on motorcycles. With the right tool you can get any real time info you can imagine.

Matthijs

05-01-2009, 02:46 AM

I have the feeling that if Aptera wont provide some of the not so mainstream options, the community will come up with all kinds of solutions/hacks etc. I look forward to that already.

speculawyer

05-02-2009, 04:25 PM

Thanks very much for all the additional insights 1171,
I think the service issue is going to come back to bite Aptera and one they seem to be pretty vague about. It will probably be an interesting learning experience the first year...for everyone.
Maybe I'm too much of a DIY guy but I think people are a bit too worried about this. As long as you can be towed to a service center within a reasonable distance (I dunno . . . 250 miles or so?), I don't see what people are so worried about. The 2e is an electric car. There are no spark plugs, oil filters, distributors, water pumps, oil changes, etc. What exactly are they going to service? Fill up your windshield washer fluid and rotate your tires?

If things break, I guess you may need a repair. But as far as regular maintenance goes, there doesn't see to be much. Gear box fluid replacement could be one, but I think you can go a couple years without replacing it. If you don't have anything break and you are willing to do some simple maintenance yourself, I don't really know why you'd need a service center a couple years. Here are the things I think you might need to deal with: tire rotation, check/top-off windshield wiper fluid, check/top-off brake fluid, maybe replace a filter for the air-conditioning/heating system(?), etc.

Of course, if something significant breaks, all bets are off and you'll probably need to be towed to the service center. Things like the charger, motor controller, the motor, etc. But those involve very few moving parts such that you'll probably be fine.

Didn't they say at some point that they were planning to have 5 or so shops around the state by the time they start shipping?
Initially, they are looking at starting with 2 . . . a northern california one and a southern california one. And then they'll grow from there.

Holz

05-02-2009, 06:08 PM

I don't see what people are so worried about.
----
Initially, they are looking at starting with 2 . . . a northern california one and a southern california one. And then they'll grow from there.

"I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder....Modern ship-building has gone beyond that."
--Edward J. Smith, Captain, R.M.S Titanic in 1907

Yeah, you're probably right. It would be nice to have a lifeboat here and there though, just to be on the safe side. And I am more concerned about break-downs and unique parts that must be replaced/fixed by an authorized agent so as not to void warrantees and issues like that, rather than about service issues.

I don't suppose anyone has seen hints as to what a warrantee would look like for the Aptera?
Where did you source the information about the 2 service/repair centers Speculawyer?

speculawyer

05-02-2009, 06:45 PM

"I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder....Modern ship-building has gone beyond that."
--Edward J. Smith, Captain, R.M.S Titanic in 1907

Yeah, you're probably right. It would be nice to have a lifeboat here and there though, just to be on the safe side. And I am more concerned about break-downs and unique parts that must be replaced/fixed by an authorized agent so as not to void warrantees and issues like that, rather than about service issues.
Well, if you hit an iceberg, I can guarantee that you will need service on your Aptera. ;)

I'm hoping that the 2 or so years of actual experience they've had of driving Apteras around will give them enough experience to build a pretty solid Aptera. And there will certainly be people that do have problems, hence a service center within 250 miles or so will be needed. I just don't understand any point of going to a service center 3 times in the first year. If it ain't broke . . .

I do think the idea of having remote diagnostics and uploading of data would be great though . . . it should be really easy to implement and will help spot problems or potential problems. It could be implemented in so many ways. For example, have a USB port and have the Aptera dump a diagnostic file onto a USB memory fob (small ones are practically free these days). Then a person could stick the USB fob into a PC and email it to Aptera, FTP it, upload to Aptera web site, etc.

I don't suppose anyone has seen hints as to what a warrantee would look like for the Aptera?
They've put things in various brochures, but they seem to change frequently.

Where did you source the information about the 2 service/repair centers Speculawyer?
Chris Anthony at the Palo Alto event. They noted that LA/San Diego and San Francisco/Silicon Valley are their two biggest cluster spots of Aptera reservations. So he thought they would open up service places to serve those 2 clusters and then grow from there. The reason they picked Stanford Mall (Palo Alto) as a place to host an event is that it was around 1/2 between San Fran & San Jose . . . right in the middle of the Northern California cluster.

n_dawg

05-02-2009, 06:47 PM

One of the interesting things my school is doing is working on maintainability for automobiles through embedded datalogging. So, for instance, your starter would have a small chip that keeps track of a few key datapoints – number of starts, highest operating temperature seen, number of failed starts this month, etc. Then, when the part is removed the monitor chip can be read, which helps predict whether the part can be refurbished or should be recycled.

Of course, this same system can be used preemptively to predict failures. The motor and controller should be easy to remove and replace, and then AM can choose to refurbish or break it down, whichever is more profitable / sustainable.