How will the Aptera deal with electric motor & drivetrain noise?

[c0mp13x]

The hard shell composite construction of the Typ-1 has me wondering about cabin noise. With both the motor and drivetrain directly behind the passenger area, I'm sure it was a challenge for Aptera to suppress the high-frequency whine coming from the back of the cabin.

Here's an example of a small, open cabin EV that also utilizes it's 3rd rear wheel for propulsion. The BugE is a 3 wheeled cross between a bicycle and a motorcycle and has very little suppression of motor whine.

BugE ride, take a listen:

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:D

[futura]

Yeah, the noise has been mentioned by reporters I've contacted who've ridden in the prototype. Tesla seems to have handled it, based on this video from Jay Leno's garage (it's a long vid but he mentions how quiet it is)
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=229378

Hopefully, Aptera can do as well without adding too much of a space/weight penalty.
Cheers.

[3-4-me]

To be fair, that camera seemed to have a hyper-sensative mic.
Listen before he even gets in the car.
The BugE is also an open cockpit vehicle.
I'm sure there will be some degree of motor whine, but hopefully Aptera will make it tolerable.

[Don]

I always have questions about new cars or new inovations. Frinstance, will the motor be reliable? Will it stand up to the hard use over the years? Watching this video, I notice that Jay Leno did mention that the electric car he owns had many miles of use and had never given him any problems. That is good news - at least gives a good indication of what to expect from the Aptera. Now, I must admit, as all my questions are being answered one by one, I am even more chomping at the bit to own one. I hope this vehicle does well. I hope that sales and profits will make it available in Arizona, say, by next week ??

[KarenRei]

I don't think there's a way to answer questions about the reliability of the motor right now that wouldn't be pure speculation.

As for noise, this really isn't a difficult problem. Right now, AFAIK, there is no soundproofing at all around the engine. Zero. Obviously that's going to be noisy. There are all kinds of light materials you can use to soundproof, from polyurethane foam to cellulose insulation, that'll cut the noise tenfold. They may need better air circulation after soundproofing (since whatever they use will probably insulate as well), but that only takes a little fan to fix. And on the upside, it may make it easier to scavenge waste heat from the engine for cabin heating. Who knows if they'll do that or not at this point.

[appyfan]

Actually, I wouldn't want my Aptera to be completley silent. That noise I just heard from that electric BugE sounded really sweet. I know of course that after a few months it might start to get on my nerves, but in terms of the sound department I really hope Aptera makes a good balance between "subtle electronic sophistication" and sex appeal. :cool:

[Don]

Appyfan, But, are you a happy fan? lol !! I think you may be right about having a motor that is too quiet. When all you would hear is the rushing of the wind, how would you know when you have driven off the edge of Grand Canyon? Yep. A little noise from the motor would be an asset, maybe not a shrill whine, but a low hum?

[KarenRei]

Personally, I'd love mine to be completely silent ;) I don't *expect* that, but I'd love it nonetheless. If I were to somehow get desperate for motor noise, I could play motor noise on the stereo :)

[appyfan]

Lol Don, I will be one of the happiest fans when the Aptera comes out! :D