The Founder’s Mind: Thoughts from the Pen of Steve Fambro

The Acceleration at Aptera
F = M x A (Fun = Motion x Aptera)

Most drivers associate sports cars with driving fun, which usually means brisk acceleration, powerful braking and nimble, crisp handling.  Not surprising to us, the same things that make a good sports car are generally found in a very efficient vehicle — like the Aptera 2e.

For anybody who’s taken a physics class, remember that Force = Mass x Acceleration (F = M x A). To find acceleration, divide force by mass, which means acceleration is proportional to the force needed to move the mass. More simply, acceleration is a matter of power to weight, and the Aptera 2e’s power to weight ratio verges on sports car numbers, much better than most hybrid or economy cars, so it really scoots!

And acceleration isn’t just about moving forward. Braking is essentially a matter of deceleration, and lateral acceleration speaks to handling. The smaller and lower the mass of the vehicle, the quicker it’s slowed during braking and the more nimble it becomes when flicked side to side. So the strong, lightweight design of the Aptera composite chassis, combined with the dense battery weight sitting low in the vehicle’s belly, means better braking and handling that will (and has) embarrassed a lot of other cars.

By the way, the Aptera 2e’s aerodynamic shape doesn’t just increase its range; it’s a key to de-limiting high-speed performance. The top speeds of most performance cars are ultimately restricted by their inability to slip through the air, needing vast amounts of power to overcome the wall of air they’re fighting. But the 2e doesn’t fight; it slices – right through the air. And while Aptera NEVER condones unsafe driving on public roads, its low-drag-shape allows it to exceed 100 mph with only 23 HP and break 200 mph with just 150 HP. I can’t confirm or deny that either of those has been done. All I can say is: this is a FUN vehicle to drive!