don-rasky
Forum Replies Created
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I may retire to cold country, i.e., areas of the USA that routinely see winter temperatures in the -40 to -65 F. What effects will extreme cold have on the Aptera? NOTE: I have to assume that I will not always have the vehicle garaged in such winter conditions.
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Does anyone know if the batteries that come with the Aptera can be upgraded? For example, if you order the 40 kWh battery can it eventually be upgraded to 60 or 100 kWh at a later date without costing more than the price differences between the pack sizes and labor? I figure it is unlikely but what a dreamy situation it would be to be able to upgrade the pack like dropping in a bigger gas tank. Dreaming.
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Does anyone know what size tires/wheels the Aptera uses or will use when released? I didn’t see the wheel or tire size listed on the vehicle specification document. Also, what is the spare tire or flat repair strategy, full size spare, can o’ stuff?
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I understand that with the off road package that the Aptera gets a slight lift to 9″ and more sturdy wheel covers. Does anyone know if the suspension gets any beefier or if it might increase the load bearing capacity of the Aptera? If it’s just the lift kit and the more sturdy wheel covers, not sure it will really help me much with local potholes, rough country fire roads, and the occasional visit to snow country.
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I would like to know what the range reduction might be for an Aptera at 500 lbs rated capacity at highway speeds of 60 to 80 mph on relatively level to mountainous roads. While traffic jams slow things down during a commute, long stretches at 70 to 80 mph are routine where I live. Country roads in my region are below 60 mph but can require climbing several thousand feet in elevation. Not sure really whether to order a 400 or 600 mile range Aptera with front or all wheel drive. I am also recalling that any smallish vehicles moving in the 55 to 60 mph range do not fare well on the interstate, even in the slow lane. I’m thinking all wheel drive and the ability to zip away from the usual rude dump trucks and semis in the slow lanes might be a much needed advantage even if it costs me range.
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I would like to use the Aptera to explore the many fire roads that lead to campsites in Southern California. I would also like to travel regardless of weather be it rain or snow. Given these interests, I am curious how much of a loss in range I will incur by adding a rear wheel motor and/or the off-road package. I LOVE THE APTERA CONCEPT. I just want to get my order right.
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What are best practices for charging and/or maintaining charge in the Aptera 2170 battery packs? Will daily charging/topping off with 110v/220v over night degrade the battery and reduce its useful range? I frequently hear that the 2170 packs in Tesla BEV’s should not be allowed to get below 20% or above 80% state of charge and that the best way to maintain battery longevity is to keep the 2170 packs plugged in and charging from 110v/220v but still to not allow a greater than 80% state of charge. I intend to use the Aptera for commuting to/from San Diego 140 miles and/or LA/LAX area 240 miles daily and for visiting friends in Wisconsin and/or around the greater southwestern United States. Maintaining maximum battery and vehicle longevity and maximum available range are very important to me.