Just an idea to add a strong structural piece to the back so that a tow hitch could be added. They make small cargo carriers for motorcycles and it would be great to have one on this vehicle for camping and vacations. As a motorcyclist, I'd like also to have a removable windshield to create that motorcycle feeling.
The Aptera Forum
Add an option to pick up the rear wheel and be able to tow it in on the front wheels behind my motorhome.
I was told that you would be able to tow the Aptera with the front wheels on a car towing dolly. I believe the old Aptera 2e was moved around “back in the day” to some events that way, but they did not mention lifting the rear wheel¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I was told there is lightweight hitch planned but no details. And I did not ask this question back in ~2009 on the old 2e prototype, at a “roadshow” to realize “how”¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Motor on each wheel, not sure how it could be towable.
I am not sure either. An old question asked, but you could be right . The old 2e did not have a in wheel motor and was not AWD, that I recall. So will have to revisit this question with the new Development Aptera.
Here is something on a different EV with a “Neutral” option and zero regen??? But surely a “different animal”:
https://youtu.be/JMQ6xfF8l_0
Flat bedding might be best anyhow, even behind a RV.
Not that this helps us with this conversation but... here is a picture of the old Aptera 2’s drive options
@Len my intention is to flat bed mine. The less wear and tear on the Aptera, the better.
You can’t be wrong with that plan!
May you only have “fun“ and never need a service tow!
I haven’t needed a service tow in 47 years 😉
I have also seen small campers that can be towed by a motorcycle. I have seen some of the cargo trailers that can be towed by a motorcycle. Perhaps it would have to be really light weight. I have a feeling that the Aptera isn't really made for towing but I have seen other cars that tow trailers that weren't really suppose to either. It would be interesting to see what it could tow.
Perhaps if the trailer also had solar panels on it, it could extend the range of the vehicle as well as power the camper?
Excellent point Tom, I'd be interested in that too
Careful what you ask for. It seemed like the old Aptera failed because everyone wanted everything (a standard car - which it is not). The old company kept changing the design to incorporate what people wanted (front wheel drive instead of rear, powered windows, etc.) The design changed from being clean and lean to fat and clunky. In the end, too many changes slowed down real progress and they ran out of money. At least this time they are working with Munroe and running in-wheel motors. That should help.
I think Aptera should be for efficient transportation as its focus, not an every man's car for all situations and all conditions. Stay true to the original intent - efficiency. Bring it to market quick. Get that prototype done!
My feeling is every car company would like to know “what is important to their customers?”
They can’t always run with all their ideas and those that the public reply... but if they put them “in the parking lot of ideas” in priority order.... they have a better chance to realize their mission.
My “indicators” that Aptera seems to be doing well is not limited to:
There A+ report card on Wefunder.
Looking at there plan, which was set before the pandemic hit... they seem to be marching along to that plan.
Regarding the reason the original Aptera, ~2010 plan didn’t come to fruition, which was after the founders left the company, has been explained In *Wikipedia , in *articles and recent videos *interview with the now returned founders, back with their passion! Here is just one of many interviews:
https://youtu.be
The stories seem to be consistent between the above*.
It sounds like the Development Vehicles are coming along with some ”built in features” that could allow after launch needs. Many of which Aptera would not have to handle. Let the product specialist handled those offerings. Some relate to animal friendly features, light towing, tailgating and camping options. Aptera focuses on the production car planned weight and aerodynamics, if an owner decides to add something / more weight from there... it is on them.
Just my early “take”¯\_(ツ)_/¯..... I guess the curtain will be pulled back in the coming months to show “ reality” 🤞
I here what you are saying that is why I simply suggested to make sure any structural bar that gets put in the back is close enough to the body, and at a height that would make adding a trailer hitch doable. Some motorcycle trailers are super light and aerodynamic. I doubt it would add much complexity nor cost to the project and it would open worlds worth of possibilities. Aptera could even advise that putting such a hitch on would void the warranty and I'd consider doing it anyway for food shopping and the occasional 4/4 I need to buy.
@Mark McKee I've heard from owners of EVs that are rated to tow that towing ANYTHING cuts the range by 50% minimum: The larger/heavier the towed item, the deeper the cut in range.
I think the Pulmoor trailer - plastic - has a solar panel option. http://www.sporttrailer.co/ I wonder if there are other similar trailers with a solar panel option?
Holy Dragula! They didn't take aero drag into account on that little trailer. :) I think anything "teardrop" would provide a better option. https://teardropindependent.wordpress.com/tag/rv/