I’m thinking that because the body is four pieces that easily attach together, that body repairs would be easy and inexpensive. Just get the new piece and attach it. Wishful thinking or maybe true?
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I believe it's "4 pieces that easily attach together" permanently, at the factory.
I think the nosecone is fairly easily replaced, & probably also the doors & hatch.
From what I've heard if you've cracked the outer shell than it was a severe accident. I won't be surprised that any accident that cracks the Aptera is a total loss.
I think the four piece modular parts are just a simple part of the manufacturing. For those of you that have worked with composites, one doesn't just unclip them and replace the damaged part. They have been bonded together to form basically a single piece. Any large impact could also de-laminate the structure on surrounding pieces. This would also have to be replaced since it is part of a structural load. It would be similar to good motorcycle helmets which are made in a similar way...after any impact, they are not to be used again. The complicating issue is that the cooling system is supposed to be part of the shell of the vehicle. Is that going to be bonded in as well? Will cooling fluid be circulating through those channels?
Yes, supposedly cooling liquid flowing through the skin. Even if convection is sufficient to cool the battery & solar cells, liquid cooling is required for the motors.
@kiteboarder Hi Kite. I am really hoping for active thermal regulation for the batteries, or it may be a deal breaker for me. Don't want to see Nissan Leaf stories all over again. The charger and inverter and DC Converter are also important to cool. The solar cells shouldn't really get warm with electrical generation, except for the heat absorbed just sitting in the sun.
Also note that the front wheel covers would often take the brunt of the damage, & they're very easily replaced.