Will choosing the off-road package impact the vehicle's efficiency at all? Increase the drag coefficient? It would be nice to see some testing numbers on that option.
Yeah, intuitively I understand it has to, but the magnitude would matter a lot to my choice. Are we talking 3% mileage hit? 7%? 15%? At 3% I would be a definite yes, 7% a maybe, 15% a definite no. I'd probably just plan to drive another car in the snow.
Wouldn't it be nice to treat the Off Road options like changing into your winter tires, where after the messy season you can simply return to low roll resistant tires , standard shape and lightweight wheel pants. Since we don’t know the details on increased GC yet, or if provided... can’t talk about that unless it is air lifted????
@Len I am no expert, but I would think you could remove the pants and skirt for those times when you would want to go off-road. You might even add skid plates to the suspension parts to protect them.
I'm not clear of one thing: Is the Off Road Kit something permanently mounted to the car, or something you put on relatively easily when you want to use it? If the latter, then I's say get it and use it in heavy snow weather.
You won't be driving at high speeds if there's snow on the road anyway. With it mounted the Aptera is still sure to be more efficient than any other vehicle you can drive.
Increased ground clearance isn't needed for snow, just better tires with better traction. I am interested in the off road option for driving off paved roads, to trailheads, etc.
From comments by the Aptera folks I understand the ride height to be adjustable with the Off road package. I don't know how much increase will be available from the stock 5" of ground clearance.
It goes to 9" clearance just with no "skirt" & switching to plain front fenders. "Hot-rod" style shown, but "dirt-bike" style might be a nice off-road option.
In before somebody suggests automatic hydraulic suspension. 😆 Since it already has an on-board computer it can auto-detect for how high off the ground the Aptera would need to have clearance. Then once back on the smooth paved road, the Aptera would auto-lower itself to its original air-piercing log-drag profile. Something like this could be offered as an option for those who drive the Aptera in mixed environments, as well as in a "Deluxe Package" with a manual override for those who intend to cruise the Aptera down Nevada Boulevard at 10 miles per hour whilst winking at every potential mate that they pass. 😂
It certainly won't help efficiency. Probably a slight hit
Yeah, intuitively I understand it has to, but the magnitude would matter a lot to my choice. Are we talking 3% mileage hit? 7%? 15%? At 3% I would be a definite yes, 7% a maybe, 15% a definite no. I'd probably just plan to drive another car in the snow.
Yes I think the vehicle is very sensitive to efficiency drop since the aero is so optimal
Wouldn't it be nice to treat the Off Road options like changing into your winter tires, where after the messy season you can simply return to low roll resistant tires , standard shape and lightweight wheel pants. Since we don’t know the details on increased GC yet, or if provided... can’t talk about that unless it is air lifted????
Yeah, that would be pretty great. Best of both worlds.
@Len I am no expert, but I would think you could remove the pants and skirt for those times when you would want to go off-road. You might even add skid plates to the suspension parts to protect them.
I'm not clear of one thing: Is the Off Road Kit something permanently mounted to the car, or something you put on relatively easily when you want to use it? If the latter, then I's say get it and use it in heavy snow weather.
You won't be driving at high speeds if there's snow on the road anyway. With it mounted the Aptera is still sure to be more efficient than any other vehicle you can drive.
Increased ground clearance isn't needed for snow, just better tires with better traction. I am interested in the off road option for driving off paved roads, to trailheads, etc.
How much would it increase the ground clearance and will the ride height be adjustable?
From comments by the Aptera folks I understand the ride height to be adjustable with the Off road package. I don't know how much increase will be available from the stock 5" of ground clearance.
It goes to 9" clearance just with no "skirt" & switching to plain front fenders. "Hot-rod" style shown, but "dirt-bike" style might be a nice off-road option.
Std 9” at belly pan only with nice angle of approach. But not sure if we get 6 to ?” with the shorter off road wheel covers
would the off road package come with different tires?
The old “rendering” makes it look like different tires, but who knows
I do like the look of the off-road in this rending (is this a Wrap)
@KARL HENSCHEL I like that matte green. Nice.
Just a rendering.
They have only duscussed vinyl wraps for vehicle color
Yes I know, But it looks (bad-ass) I like the aggressive stance.
Will it affect stability at highway speeds 70-75 mph?
Probably slightly as it would raise the centre of gravity.
In before somebody suggests automatic hydraulic suspension. 😆 Since it already has an on-board computer it can auto-detect for how high off the ground the Aptera would need to have clearance. Then once back on the smooth paved road, the Aptera would auto-lower itself to its original air-piercing log-drag profile. Something like this could be offered as an option for those who drive the Aptera in mixed environments, as well as in a "Deluxe Package" with a manual override for those who intend to cruise the Aptera down Nevada Boulevard at 10 miles per hour whilst winking at every potential mate that they pass. 😂
@fanfare and automatic pot hole bunny hops ;)