Would it be possible to either have an up / down position for the 3 wheel covers for off-roading or wheel change? Alternatively take off easily and store in the boot (aussi for trunk) for off-roading? Like most 4WD off-roading is actually a very small percentage of driving and it would be sad to compromise efficiency here.
The Aptera Forum
Good idea, it would be simple enough to have the wheel covers fitted with a locking bolt so they could be removed in ten minutes. I will get the off road pack as 7" ground clearance would be better than 5". It would be better still if the ground clearance was adjustable like on many modern cars, and could be lowered and raised while driving. 11" ground clearance would be even better! Amphibious even better still!! Flying better still!!!
are these vehicles operale in sno (4")? Ie: Minnesota in winter?
We will know more when they are tested on the Elaphe cold weather test track next season, but the AWD versions are likely to perform very well with snow tires or chains, depending on conditions. The ABS and traction control are far more quickly reacting and capable than other systems, with sensing and adjustment 32 times per wheel revolution, and snow is very unlikely to build up under the wheel pants because of heat from the motors.
are these vehicles operale in sno (4")? Ie: Minnesota in winter?
Even without variable-height covers, it should clear more than 5" of snow. It already has 5" ground clearance, & will compress fresh snow less, because of its high total tire width for its weight, & the rear tire compressing its own path.
I did the math: Traction is controlled every 2.25" of tread movement (1/32nd rotation of the 195/45R16 tires). That's independent on each wheel, for the same effect as a limited-slip differential, AND it has about 10% better front weight bias compared to most FWD cars that are fine in snow.
Wheel covers are said to be SO easy to remove that theft is a concern! The only real question seems to be whether or not they fit in the hatch.
theft problem can be dealt with the key slot used for starting the drivetrain, when the key is turned to unlock car, a lock mechanism detaches via string actuated by rotation of the key slot to unlock the car. it can be used with the current electronic locking mechanism, but the electronic system should be replaced with a reliable normal key b/c security reasons and its probably cheaper and more reliable that way anyway. https://www.aptera.us/forum/main/comment/6032f854310e1a00170e5145
Aptera's FAQ spreadsheet says "we may have a lock option in the future.", so apparently they're aware of the potential problem/solution.