I had read “somewhere” on the original Aptera they had wind test and even cross wind test that had good results, but these are new vehicles, even more aerodynamic at 1800 to 2200 lbs (mainly due to battery pack weight), so I guess....new test will provide the best answer
Here is the answer from Chris which talks to some of this I searched and found in old replies on the Wefunder site:
Not all speeds were tested but at 65mph the downforce on the rear was about 25lbs and it steadily increases with speed. Crosswind stability is very good with VERY high gust at 70mph while traveling at 65mph. Passing semis is NO problem with such an aero fit vehicle ;)
My first car was a Toyota echo, it weighed 900kg and when a truck overtook me the buffeting air moved me around. There were also times when coming out of a tunnel or underpass the crosswinds would give me a shove. The aptera side profile is a lot more aerodynamic than my old echo i'm sure this will help. I was thinking a counter steering compensation could be implemented but its risky because if the control system fails unsafe you could crash the car.
Maybe this is something they can optimize for in CFD modelling.
Yes the power steering could automatically compensate if they want to engineer it. from WeFunder; "How stable is Aptera in strong crosswinds?
Our advanced aerodynamics has some REAL benefits! We have 110 mph crosswind stability when most flat sided cars start moving at 80 to 90mph. And you barely feel semi trucks as you just slip through their turbulence."
--Interesting coincidence, top speed of Aptera is 110MPH.
I had read “somewhere” on the original Aptera they had wind test and even cross wind test that had good results, but these are new vehicles, even more aerodynamic at 1800 to 2200 lbs (mainly due to battery pack weight), so I guess....new test will provide the best answer
I hope that helps a little
Here is the answer from Chris which talks to some of this I searched and found in old replies on the Wefunder site:
Not all speeds were tested but at 65mph the downforce on the rear was about 25lbs and it steadily increases with speed. Crosswind stability is very good with VERY high gust at 70mph while traveling at 65mph. Passing semis is NO problem with such an aero fit vehicle ;)
My first car was a Toyota echo, it weighed 900kg and when a truck overtook me the buffeting air moved me around. There were also times when coming out of a tunnel or underpass the crosswinds would give me a shove. The aptera side profile is a lot more aerodynamic than my old echo i'm sure this will help. I was thinking a counter steering compensation could be implemented but its risky because if the control system fails unsafe you could crash the car.
Maybe this is something they can optimize for in CFD modelling.
Yes the power steering could automatically compensate if they want to engineer it. from WeFunder; "How stable is Aptera in strong crosswinds?
Our advanced aerodynamics has some REAL benefits! We have 110 mph crosswind stability when most flat sided cars start moving at 80 to 90mph. And you barely feel semi trucks as you just slip through their turbulence."
--Interesting coincidence, top speed of Aptera is 110MPH.