Suggestion Box

[Yanquetino]

I don't know if the folks at Aptera ever browse through this forum, but if perchance they do, perhaps they would welcome some last-minute suggestions before they ramp up production later this year. I have already made one suggestion about future stores and dealerships elsewhere in the forum (http://www.apteraforum.com/showthread.php?t=42#3). Allow me to initiate this thread with another one.

If at all possible, over the next few months Aptera should seriously focus on trying to increase the Typ-1e's range a bit more. 120 miles is merely the same range achieved by the RAV4-EV and the EV1 (gen 2) with their NiMH batteries. As a new, cutting-edge vehicle touting the recent advances of lithium ion batteries, the Typ-1e should surpass that --if for nothing else than public perception. After all, since the Tesla Roadster's EPA range is 221 miles, Aptera shouldn't settle for merely half that distance, especially since it is the lighter, more aerodynamic, more innovative, and much more efficient of the two vehicles.

Obviously, this would mean increasing its battery capacity —which would, in turn, increase its weight. But I am not talking about making it as heavy as the Roadster --by any means! Simply expanding its capacity to achieve at least a 150 mile range (25% more) would probably suffice. By my guess'timates :confused: that might require adding about... 50 more pounds to the vehicle. Batteries are likely the most expensive component in the vehicle, I know, but I would gladly pay proportionately more for a longer range --and suspect that others would too.

Where to put the extra batteries? I dunno. If there simply isn't any more room in the nose, how 'bout... an extra 25-pound module under each seat, thus still keeping the weight low in the vehicle!?

Of course, this suggestion might prove a moot point, since battery technology seems to be improving day by day. By the time the Typ-1e is delivered to customers, the battery pack might very well be capable of a longer range without increasing its size and weight.

I hope so! I just don't want to see Aptera settle for a mere 120 miles.

[Yanquetino]

Here's another idea. Like most recent EVs, the Aptera Typ-1 boasts "regen." This is a great feature --if it is taken full advantage of.

Over at Tesla Motors they have been trying to decide, via their customer test drives, just how much regen their electric motor should be set at: too much, and the car will lurch and decelerate abruptly; too little, and the recharge is too minimal to extend its range.

I think that AC Propulsion has come up with a better idea. They have set up their eBox in a way that allows drivers to adjust the regen according to their own preferences and situation. Specifically, they have installed a sliding lever for that purpose on the dashboard. If you want less regen, you slide it up (say, when you want to coast); if you want more regen, you slide it down (say, when going down a steep hill). Pretty clever, really --but a bit clumsy to execute, since you have to take one hand off of the steering wheel to alter the amount of regen.

Here's my suggestion: Aptera should emulate AC Propulsion's idea, but instead of providing a sliding lever on the dashboard, they should simply tie the same feature into the brake pedal itself. The harder you push, the more aggresive the regen. In fact, they could make it so that the actual brake pads do not start to engage until the pedal is more than halfway down, thus using regen as much as possible to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery. I think :confused: that's the kind of regen system that the EV1 used --but those who actually leased one would have to confirm it.

At any rate, just more food for thought. ;)

[Matthijs]

Adaptable regen is in my opinion a great feature! It will greatly help to adapt the car to your habits and needs. And you can have great influence on how the car behaves.

What I would like to suggest is an option to have smaller tires. For example 145/70/14 or 135/70/14 even. Because this will give less rolling losses. In Europe are allot of small cars with this tire size that are even heavier then the Aptera!

Take a look @ the Loremo(.com) for example. This car uses 105/70/14 and it works great! :)

[3-4-me]

tie the same feature into the brake pedal itself. The harder you push, the more aggresive the regen. In fact, they could make it so that the actual brake pads do not start to engage until the pedal is more than halfway down, thus using regen as much as possible to slow the vehicle and recharge the batteryI love this idea! So simple yet practicle.

I started another thread reguarding the rear door, so I'll put it here too.

I'd like to see it open forwards because:
less chance of wind grabbing it
easier to secure an oversized package
interior protection if opened in rain
more symetrical look


I'm not talking about it opening all the way vertical, just above head high.

[Yanquetino]

I mentioned this suggestion in another thread, but will repeat it here --in case Aptera ever comes for a visit.



I think that Aptera should consider swinging a deal with some non-auto dealer retail chain that already has service bays and mechanics. Let's say something like... Sears, for example. There are already stores nationwide, and it would be much easier to simply train their key sales people and mechanics than to build stores from the ground up. Heck... Sears might even agree to provide charging stations so that, when Aptera owners went to the mall to shop, see a movie, get a bite to eat, etc., they could plug their cars in. That seems a much better alternative to me that trying to find a charging station somewhere else --and probably in a more inconvenient location.

Just my $.02 worth, of course. :rolleyes:

[Matthijs]

I mentioned this suggestion in another thread, but will repeat it here --in case Aptera ever comes for a visit.

This is a great idea, they also want to do this construction with the Loremo(.com). For me this construction gives a great deal of confidence they really want to sell an electric car. This because they are not going with the standard business model of the auto industry of making 90% of the profits on after market activities like servicing, tune up or repairs.

[speedgsx98]

adjustable regen...yes, great idea.
optional extended range for a cost...would be nice, but not needed for me.

Dave
#989

[MegaAutoBit]

I’ve heard that Apple is looking to produce an iCar. A previous post made me think Aptera and Apple could get together. It would be a perfect fit, all Aptera would need to do is change the GUI on the central screen to make it appear more iPod’es. If Apple was to endorse the Aptera, think of all the people who would buy the car just because it’s an iCar.

[KarenRei]

I'll simplify the battery suggestion.

"Aptera: Please give us options on batteries."

That's it. I'd just like some choice in the balance in batteries between:

* Weight
* Cost
* Range
* Charge time (the most important to me)

Even if there were only two options, that'd still be nice.

Yanquentino: I'd be careful what you wish for. The longest range batteries on the market right now are LiCoO2 -- "laptop batteries". They're what the Tesla is using. They're also fire-prone, complex to manage, and have short lifespans. Also, who's to say that there's *any* extra space in the Aptera for more batteries?

The real options, it seems, are in the type of batteries. Aptera is reportedly leaning toward lithium iron phosphate. But in the next six months, the Toshiba SCiB (fast charge long-life li-ion that's not ridiculously priced, like AltairNano's) will hit the market and we'll know if the EESU from EEStor has revolutionized power storage or not. Now, I know that swapping out a battery isn't as simple as "put a different one in, and we're done!". For example, the EESU is 3,500 volts; I'm sure your electrical system is nowhere near that. But we're talking about some very major benefits involved in giving us options, so at least try and give us *some* choices. :)

That's my take, at least.

[Yanquetino]

It would be nice if Aptera could provide different battery options, depending upon the feature most desired (range, power, recharging time, etc.) --and how much a customer is willing to pay for that feature.

My guess is... that's not gonna happen with the first models. Maybe later on. I suspect that Aptera will simply settle on whatever battery configuration seems like the best "compromise" for all those features right now, probably because such options would also require swapping out the controller and the charger as well. It could get pretty complicated, especially on the assembly line, should a worker put in a particular kind of battery, while another one inadvertently installs the wrong controller to go with it! Better to keep it simple when starting up, I would imagine.

Also, battery capabilities seem to be changing so quickly that it's hard to predict what will prove the "best" over the next year or two. :confused: Of the lithium ion chemistries currently available, there are cobalt, manganese, iron phosphate, titanate spinel oxide, metal polymer, and vanadium variations. They are apparently all different when it comes to power, range, cycle life, calendar life, sensitivity to hot and cold, heat generated, impedence, and memory effect. Moreover, Stanford's nanotech research could change everything! We'll just have to see.

In the interim, Steve's gotta put something in the first models, simply to fulfill the promise of delivery starting October 2008. One good thing: years from now, when those original batteries are depleted, owners will probably be able to replace them with even better ones --likely at a lower cost, too! :)

[Matthijs]

Yeah in my opinion the Aptera typ-1 platform is one of best produced ever for an EV! So imagine having better future batteries. Then range will not be a problem anymore. Maybe it will even outperform gas cars!

[Aptera#965]

Another vote for battery options. If not from the git-go, perhaps a way to design it so upgrades are possible later on down the road? Easier said than done I'm sure. But would be nice!

[Jeff Sutter]

One way to make room for more batteries is to move the motor to the wheel. This also eliminates the drive belts and a bunch of moving parts including the brakes - these motors can slow & stop reliably.

Taking it to the next level, w/a motor on each wheel, it'd be possible to tune the power distribution for better cornering and braking. With high power batteries (like Altairnano or with added supercaps), there would be dramatically improved acceleration.

No doubt the cost increase would be significant but the motor maker (PML) has demonstrated 0-60 in 4 sec performance on a modified Mini so there's little doubt that you'd get a BANG for those bucks.

Here's a link to PML that makes hyper efficient wheel motors that will add only 4lb to the unsprung weight.


http://www.pmlflightlink.com/motors/wheelmotors.html

[Matthijs]

Hi,

Yesterday I heart PML will work exclusively with Volvo. And the Volvo guy said the technology isn't ready for another 10 years. :(

They even made a HPD45 model of the Hi-PA Drive motor with a 1000Nm and 160kW! http://evolution.loremo.com/components/com_fireboard/template/default/images/english/emoticons/dizzy.png

And a big change is needed in the automotive business structure to sell this type of technology in cars.

[/URL][URL="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/22/volvo-pml-flightlink-is-working-exclusively-with-us-zap-x-de/#comments"]Link (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/22/volvo-pml-flightlink-is-working-exclusively-with-us-zap-x-de/%5BURL=%22http://%5B/URL%22)

[Yanquetino]

Here's another suggestion: Aptera should seriously look into opening up an online shop, with a link along the top menu of its website.

I would love to buy one of the green Aptera t-shirts I've seen in the team photos! Heck... I'd love all kinds of Aptera t-shirts with photos and logos and its trademark symbol. The same with jackets. And caps. And coffee-mugs. And... come to think of it, how about a 1:18 model to show off on my desk? Now that would be cool, huh? :cool:

If done right, the online shop could actually pay for itself, so only a token investment would be needed to get it started. In fact, if done really right, it might even generate a modest profit for the company until customers start taking delivery next fall.

I'll bet that practically everyone who signs onto this forum regularly would buy something, a keychain perhaps, if for nothing else than to show their loyalty and feed their hunger while waiting for the vehicles. Am I guessing correctly with that assumption?

[IanO]

"32:1 model" +1

Hey, they are in the same city as LegoLand. How about a Lego Aptera kit!

[Yanquetino]

IanO: I'm glad somebody's more alert than I. The car models that I have are actually 1:18. I have thus corrected that ratio error above. Maybe UT would agree to do an Aptera model if Steve contacted them, d'ya think?

[Yanquetino]

Another suggestion: When Aptera gets around to considering available accessories for the Typ-1, I really hope that they will offer cargo nets for the rear of the vehicle. Our current station wagon has four of these, and we have come to think to them more as a necessity than an option.

[MegaAutoBit]

I hope not to get bashed for this. I would like to see a leather option for the Aptera. Leather is very durable, and easy to keep clean.

[KarenRei]

Well, so long as they don't make it standard.

You have to wonder, though -- leather on an eco-friendly car? Might want to read this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html

[Matthijs]

Then they can better go with vinyl like the MB-Tex stuff. It is even more durable then leather and also has the "looks". Found this quote on benzworld:

I may be the lone dissenter here...but that said, owning two MB's, one with leather, one with MBTex (99 & 87 respectively) in hot, humid Florida, the MBTex is simply more comfortable. It's durability I believe to be greater and maintenance requirements are substantially less than leather and easier to perform, not to mention that it's sooo much cooler (temp) and doesn't stick to the backs of your legs on these wonderful hot days. Please understand, I love the look of natural leather, it's simply in this climate, for me, I prefer the MBTex.

[Yanquetino]

I kinda had the impression that Steve Fambro is strongly committed to using as many recyclable materials as possible in the Aptera --including the seats. T'is true that the ones in the prototype seem sort of "porous," almost like breathable neoprene foam, which could explain Wikipedia's claim:
The seats can be heated or cooled by forced air, both for comfort and efficiency reasons.
That sounds pretty good to me, but might rule out both leather and vinyl.

[MegaAutoBit]

I kinda had the impression that Steve Fambro is strongly committed to using as many recyclable materials as possible in the Aptera --including the seats. T'is true that the ones in the prototype seem sort of "porous," almost like breathable neoprene foam, which could explain Wikipedia's claim:

That sounds pretty good to me, but might rule out both leather and vinyl.

It depends on the system. But all the German manufacturers have similar systems, specifically on their high end models with leather. The only real requirement is for the leather to work in this type of setup is for it to be perforated.

[Yanquetino]

MegaAutoBit:

Both our current cars have heated leather seats, and I really like them. I certainly don't have any objection to using leather, either. I mean, as long as our society continues to enjoy barbecues, we might as well utilize the by-products rather than letting them go to waste, you know? I am also very impressed with microfiber. It feels so luxurious, breathes well, and is surprisingly easy to keep looking good.

Of course, I am open to whatever alternatives Aptera comes up with, especially if they improve both "comfort and efficiency." When you finally get notice that your personalized Aptera page is waiting for your input, let us know what seating options they give you, okay?

[MegaAutoBit]

It's a deal. ;)

[MegaAutoBit]

I came up with another suggestion, Aptera needs to include the HomeLink system. This is a very easy implementation; all that is required is a 12V line, and some space for three little buttons. It saves you from having all those ugly remotes floating around the car.

[fritzponds]

If you could swap out battery packs easily you could just bring an extra charged battery pack in the trunk for long trips, swap them out at a rest stop.

[LQUAN]

I need to have a way to mount my bicycle rack if I cannot fit my bicycle in the trunk. I don't mind removing the front wheel of my bicycle if I have to.:)

[KarenRei]

Given the size and shape, I bet you could fit at least some type of bicycle back there. The only problem I can picture is that the handlebars on most bikes are perpendicular to the front wheel, and I'm not sure if having the handlebars aligned vertically (so that the wheel is flat) would be too tall at the point of the back seat. Beyond that, the other dimensions (length and width) should be just fine for it.

If, for some reason, the handlebars are too wide, you could always, as you stated, take the front wheel off, or you could get a folding bike. Either should work; as noted, there should be more than enough length and width in the trunk.

With a car like the Aptera, a bike rack on the top is right out. They've spent all this work to make it aerodynamic (which allows for a smaller battery pack, and thus lower prices), and that would completely ruin it.

[Dubito]

KarenRei is right on the bike rack, you’d probably cut your range(or mpg) in half with a bike rack and bike. You might need to get a different bike, but I’m sure there’s a good one that will fit in the car. I can’t tell, but maybe you can get a bike in more easily by folding a seat down and sliding it in the side door.

[IanO]

KarenRei is right on the bike rack, you’d probably cut your range(or mpg) in half with a bike rack and bike. You might need to get a different bike, but I’m sure there’s a good one that will fit in the car. I can’t tell, but maybe you can get a bike in more easily by folding a seat down and sliding it in the side door.

Actually, I have the perfect companion bike for the Aptera:

http://www.strida.us/

Very lightweight, folds compactly, looks unconventional... and also uses a belt drive!

[3-4-me]

It pretty much looks like the Aptera of bikes:cool:
My first thought when I saw it though was; "nutcracker":eek:
The video with the head to head race was kinda cool('till they ran down and up the stairs)

[LQUAN]

First of all, I don't plan to transport my bike everywhere I go in my Aptera - perhaps on some weekends out in Palm Desert in the winter and spring. I am totally against using a bike rack on my Aptera. I might have to consider using one if I can't fit my bike inside. Of course, the bike rack only goes on the car only when it has a bike on it.

Regarding the Strida bike. It is the perfect match for Aptera image - out of this word. :) It would be perfect for city dwelers like in NY City.

[aptera@1227]

I love this idea! So simple yet practicle.

I started another thread reguarding the rear door, so I'll put it here too.

I'd like to see it open forwards because:
less chance of wind grabbing it
easier to secure an oversized package
interior protection if opened in rain
more symetrical look


I'm not talking about it opening all the way vertical, just above head high.

Great idea!!!

also it will be nice to be able to remove or fold the rear seat to accomodate
a longer surf board or any long item.

[AT802]

Here's an idea for the Type-1h. 0-10 is just a little slow , especially in large cities like Houston , Dallas and many others. I am a country boy and probably wouldn't need it but what if you could run battery and generator power to motor for short periods of time to get on interstates or just not to get run over by an SUV or eighteen wheeler. Seems like there will have to be some control over gen running time anyway to utilize batteries to their fullest extent. For example I don't want to arrive home from work every day just as my battery is nearing full charge.

[KarenRei]

0-10 is just a little slow

I assume you mean, "0-60 in 10 seconds"?

what if you could run battery and generator power to motor for short periods of time to get on interstates or just not to get run over by an SUV or eighteen wheeler.

Are you assuming the gasoline engine in the Typ-1h is in some way connected to the wheels? It's only hooked up to a generator which charges the batteries. The limits on the performance of both Aptera models should be the power of their electric motor. I doubt that they oversized their motor in comparison to what their battery pack can output.

Anyways, you feel 0-60 in 10 seconds is bad?

[evolutionmovement]

10 secs. probably sounds slower than it feels - electric motors make peak torque at 0 rpm, so when you step on the accelerator, the car immediately shoves off. It's not like a gas engine that needs to be revved to get any power out of it. I'd bet 0-30 is pretty quick.

I used to drive 73 HP Subarus (0-60 ~13 secs.) and had no problems. The EA81 engine's saving grace was also an abundance of low end torque (peak ~2200 rpm). Off the line, the car actually took off and it would get you to a reasonable speed for highway merging quick enough to be safe. You learn to use momentum, which is a smarter, more efficient way to drive anyway.

[Aptera #1159]

I’ve heard that Apple is looking to produce an iCar. A previous post made me think Aptera and Apple could get together. It would be a perfect fit, all Aptera would need to do is change the GUI on the central screen to make it appear more iPod’es. If Apple was to endorse the Aptera, think of all the people who would buy the car just because it’s an iCar.

Yes! My two favorite CEO's joining forces.

You guys both have the name Steve. Having the name Steve= automatic awesomeness (except for Steve Ballmer).

The car reminds me of Apple. The company reminds me of Apple; both are so secretive, releasing new info in a slow steady stream. This makes customers go crazy. Keeps the hype up! I proudly call myself an Aptera Fanboy.

Seriously, I would love to have this kind of partnership. Please do not call it iCar... Keep Aptera.

The brochures could say Aptera+Apple. The best in computer efficiency meets the best in Automotive efficiency.

I bet Steve Fambro uses Linux; but hey OS X has Unix certification! I bet Steve F. usses Fedora or Ubuntu. Suse? What do you think?

Im so excited! I can't contain it!:D

[Aptera #1159]

Here's another suggestion: Aptera should seriously look into opening up an online shop, with a link along the top menu of its website.

I would love to buy one of the green Aptera t-shirts I've seen in the team photos! Heck... I'd love all kinds of Aptera t-shirts with photos and logos and its trademark symbol. The same with jackets. And caps. And coffee-mugs. And... come to think of it, how about a 1:18 model to show off on my desk? Now that would be cool, huh? :cool:

If done right, the online shop could actually pay for itself, so only a token investment would be needed to get it started. In fact, if done really right, it might even generate a modest profit for the company until customers start taking delivery next fall.

I'll bet that practically everyone who signs onto this forum regularly would buy something, a keychain perhaps, if for nothing else than to show their loyalty and feed their hunger while waiting for the vehicles. Am I guessing correctly with that assumption?

Absolutely. I would buy many things. One of each. Maybe!:D

[appyfan]

Oh god I hope Apple never gets involved. I am a huge hater of Apple products for a whole slew of reasons which I won't mention since that would take me off topic.

The Aptera is an Aptera and thats exactly the way I want to see the car. No icar, no itransport, no imove. At first, I thought it was pretty cool that Apple was making a come back into the computer scene, but now they got an ego to go along with it. Plus I can't stand it when people just make blind decisions to buy an Apple product since... It's an Apple.

I also wouldn't want the label. No, I don't wear square reading glasses with black frames. No I don't make a living as a graphic designer. No, I don't fit in to the "i" crowd nor am I a trendy, stylish, fashionable individual. I buy things based upon their functionality and overall efficiency, not for aesthetic purposes.

At the end of the day, any machine no matter what it looks like or how friendly it seems will be colder than you.

[Aptera #1159]

Oh god I hope Apple never gets involved. I am a huge hater of Apple products for a whole slew of reasons which I won't mention since that would take me off topic.

The Aptera is an Aptera and thats exactly the way I want to see the car. No icar, no itransport, no imove. At first, I thought it was pretty cool that Apple was making a come back into the computer scene, but now they got an ego to go along with it. Plus I can't stand it when people just make blind decisions to buy an Apple product since... It's an Apple.

I also wouldn't want the label. No, I don't wear square reading glasses with black frames. No I don't make a living as a graphic designer. No, I don't fit in to the "i" crowd nor am I a trendy, stylish, fashionable individual. I buy things based upon their functionality and overall efficiency, not for aesthetic purposes.

At the end of the day, any machine no matter what it looks like or how friendly it seems will be colder than you.

I love all computers. I love my windows PC!:p People do not hate Apple, they hate the 'stupid' fans; don't deny yourself quality hardware and software because you hate the end user's attitude.

Lets take this argument to the lounge (http://apteraforum.com/showthread.php?t=592).:D (http://iphonematters.com)

Microsoft and Apple are 100% different; Apples (pun intended) and err...oranges. They only compete in the OS development field. Apple makes hardware, the only hardware Microsoft makes are mice and keyboards. Aptera and Apple are very similar. Ballmer is still disgusting.

[AT802]

Maybe Aptera could put a compartment to accomodate a small Honda gen to limp along at 55 on the type e.

[garygid]

"Limping" along at 55 mph apparently takes about 4400 watts,
and a typical 5000 watt generator (http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=635&source=other)is 160 pounds and 2 feet by
2 feet by 2 feet (8 cubic feet), so it would not fit in any "small"
compartment. Although it can produce 5000 watts continuously,
its outputs only allow one way of attaching to the current Aptera,
via the 120 volt, 15 amp charging input, which only "accepts" about
1700 watts.

So, assuming that one can only take advantage of a 2000 watt (http://www.everygenerator.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=BAS1001&refid=FR77-BAS1001)
generator, and really "limp" at maybe 25 (or so) mph, and there
is room for a smaller generator (with the gas fumes and exhaust
handled in some way), there still needs to be a way to charge
and drive at the same time, but the Aptera will probably be interlocked
so that driving while charging is not allowed. The generator still
weighs close to 95 pounds, and takes up considerable room.
So, one cannot "limp" this way either.

Note: Some "2000 watt" generators really only produce 1000 or 1200
watts continuously, and will only handle a short 2000 watt surge.

The last alternative is to find a place to park and run the generator
to actually charge the 1e, and then continue in an hour or so when
enough charge has been built up.

What kind of "small" generator did you have in mind?

[KarenRei]

"Limping" along at 55 mph apparently takes about 4400 watts,
and a typical 5000 watt generator is 160 pounds and 2 feet by
2 feet by 2 feet (8 cubic feet), so it would not fit in any "small"
compartment

A small microturbine could pull it off, although they cost several thousand dollars or more. LQUAN has mentioned that they're usually high maintenance, although I recently heard one manufacturer talking about how theirs are sealed and need no maintenance at all. *shrug*. Either way, they put out a ton of power for their size/weight and can burn almost any fuel, rather efficiently.

[onmymind]

This idea may initially seem silly, but I am concerned about being squashed by some reversing SUV. A friend of a friend in a Mini Cooper, was seriously backed-up onto (apparently, the SUV suddenly changed where it wanted to go) at some traffic lights—the low-slung Mini simply couldn't be seen. And I've witnessed two incidents in one day, of SUV's backing into non-SUV vehicles!

I do, however, see a possible solution: Some kind of aerodynamically designed banner raised (or otherwise made visible) at low speeds. Engineer-types will have, I've no doubt, novel ideas as to how this feature could best be attached to the vehicle. For myself, I'd probably make a suction-cup, or window-frame-clip device, if this idea hasn't been addressed by Aptera, or someone else, before delivery. The simplest (to me) build of such a thing would be a V shaped upright pylon (the apex pointing into the wind), about a foot high and topped with a spring-loaded, centrally-hinged banner (say, 10” by 10”) that closes like a book when the vehicle speeds up. For example, the material of the pylon would be approximately 12” long by 5” wide, folded along its length: ending up with an upright, 12” high (slanting backward?) and about 2” wide. I expect some modification along these lines, would actually better suit the design of the Type 1. One suggestion for the banner: a life-size image of a human face (not too real-looking, perhaps with a bicycle helmet?) would likely get attention.

As most driving is done in cities, this folding “visibility banner” could be permanent, removable (but lockable when in place), or retractable. Such design variations are, or course, myriad.
This being a safety feature, I suspect it may positively affect insurance. And if it were an add-on option, I would be surprised if many wouldn't want it, as it is evident that several people have already noticed this particular vulnerability.

And, of course, such a device is also relevant to all other vulnerable low-slung vehicles, and depending on how it's designed, could be manufactured accordingly.

[LQUAN]

I have a better idea. Use the horn!

[garygid]

It looks like driving and parking defensively will be a factor
in owning an Aptera.

However, I was thinking that an EM pulse cannon powered
by the UltraCapacitor might be more effective than a horn. :D

[gg222]

Didn't the Enterprise have force fields or something like that.

[appyfan]

Didn't the Enterprise have force fields or something like that.

Lol! Great observation gg222... I was thinking more along the lines of independance day though.:p