Self Leveling Shocks

[Tim Dean]

With so much space behind the seats and a 500# cargo capacity (including 2 passengers) and only 1 rear suspension, there needs to be a self leveling system which compensates for cargo weight. Also, the passenger seat needs to be easily removed & re-installed to a improve cargo weight distribution & capacity for safety.

[John Malcom]

I think the recently completed Beta suspension testing validated the Roush designed front and rear suspension for the operating envelope of the vehicle. Aptera will now be tuning that suspension. I am sure they have taken CG, load balancing, and other factors we are not aware of into account in the design and validation testing. I don’t believe that the front seat needs to be removed to accommodate loads up to the spec limits. Loads above the limit should not be tempted of course.

My daughter wants the passenger seat removable so she can put her long surfboard in though😉

[Curtis Cibinel]

You can probably leave the hatch ajar with the board out a few feet. This would be simpler than removing a seat on any vehicle I’ve seen. Yes it would impact aerodynamics but it shouldn’t be enough to be a big issue. Technically it should be flagged but that’s easy.

[John Malcom]

👍 yes that was my suggestion to her. It is a short distance from where she lives to the beach where she surfs. Not a problem I think.

[Vernon Michael Gardner]

There used to be a clip that you could put on the hatch at the seams for skis and surfboards. It was really common on Porsche 924s and 944s. The skis and the surfboards would sit on their sides facing the front of the vehicle.

• This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Vernon Michael Gardner.

[Tim Dean]

I was also considering those who may want to use their Aptera for currier or delivery service. One driver with lots of (relatively light) stuff. Maybe even install a small pizza heater or just a large flat spot on the passenger side.

Example: 500# payload: (1) 200# driver. (9) 24can soft drink cases in passenger compartment (22lbs/ea) totals 198#. Leaves only 102# for the rear section. I don’t know what the passenger seat weighs. Remove the seat & add the weight of a cooler & ice for the drinks… (maybe). 80/20 front/rear weight distribution?

• This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Tim Dean.

[Vernon Michael Gardner]

Maybe a purpose built delivery vehicle. Maybe a four-door Bolt or something similar.

[Joshua Rosen]

We will need some clarification of the 500 lb limit. I don’t believe that number includes passengers, it’s probably the weight of the cargo in back. Two good sized guys could add up 500 lbs, I doubt their intent was to build a vehicle that could only be used by ballerinas.

[Bob Kirchner]

Unfortunately, no. When asked, Aptera has stated that the 500 lb. limit is total weight including driver/passenger.

This is a dilemma for me, because I am fat.

What they have not clarified is which battery the figure applies to. Hopefully the figure is for the 1000 mile version, which would leave some ullage for me with the 60 kW version.

[Joshua Rosen]

That number predates the Roush suspension. Hopefully they’ve improved it.

[Bob Kirchner]

I hadn’t thought of that. Here’s hoping.

[Curtis Cibinel]

500lb is not an unusually low limit. That said its not like the vehicle will grind to a halt if your 50lb over. The iso double lane change test (mouse test) is performed with the vehicle loaded down to its rated amount so it will handle very well with 500lb in it. I tried to find what the EPA cycle assumes but couldnt find anything about driver/cargo weight being factored in.

Preloading the shocks past this point will definitely worsen responsiveness but the impact is gradual as more weight is added. I have no idea if insurance coverage might be void if your over weight rating. Being 100-200lb over could impact emergency steering enough that the vehicle would no longer respond well enough to pass the moose test (43 mph)

For comparison per the following a Honda Accord (which has 5 seats) is “limited” to 850lb and Tesla model 3 is 953 lb.
– https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/09/the-heavy-reality-of-car-weight-limits-and-weight-capacity/index.htm
– https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_us/GUID-877ACE2D-B62F-4596-A6AD-A74F7905741C.html
– https://vehq.com/how-much-weight-car-carry/

• This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Curtis Cibinel.
• This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Curtis Cibinel.

[John Shenton]

Me and my “other” weigh in at 490 lbs. Add a pair of 50 lb flight bags and we have a problem.

Bottoming out suspensions does not make for a fun trip.

[Guy SKEER]

I have mentioned elsehwere on this Wonderful Site, that I want to have/make an adjustable link for the front suspension so that I can “Tune Out” half of the Port List that the vehicle will have when only I am aboard, as I am (Ahem) somewhat in Excess of the FAA “Standard” 160 Pound Person.

Additionally I had mentioned that an Airbag or Hydrodynamic Height Adjust System would be on my “Nice to Have” list, whether from the Factory (Not Likely, nor even considered), or After Purchase.

At Present, My Main Squeeze’s Number (Which shall NEVAH be disclosed!) plus My Avoirdupois are in Excess of the 500 Pound Weight Limit. I have undergone Gastric Surgery (For My Health, and before I Joined the Hopefuls of the APTERA Clan) followed by “Tummy Tuck” Surgery. At present, have declared redundant and abandoned more than 240 Pounds. Eighty Five More to Go (Provided the Missus doesn’t decide to make it hard on Me!).

Now, How to convince Her to Leave the “Purse” Behind?