Solar electric vehicle manufacturer Aptera is continuing its validation process for its unique, aerodynamic shape at Pininfarina’s world-famous wind tunnel, underscoring a commitment to revolutionizing mobility solutions.
Aptera has designed an aerodynamic vehicle with three wheels, an efficient powertrain, and a striking teardrop shape. This design is key to attaining exceptional energy efficiency, allowing solar EVs to achieve an industry-leading range of up to 1,000 miles per charge and the ability to drive up to 40 miles per day directly from the sun’s rays.
Through the ongoing validation phases, Aptera will refine and validate the aerodynamic properties of its vehicle platform, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. At the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, Aptera completed correlation testing that corroborated its computational fluid dynamics (CFD) work and offered insights on the vehicle’s shape, which Aptera anticipates will have the lowest coefficient of drag of any production passenger vehicle.
“Aptera’s exterior design draws inspiration from the research of Professor Morelli, the same engineer behind the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel. By building on Professor Morelli’s ideas, Aptera carries on this philosophy, continuing to push bounds of aerodynamic efficiency,” says Alessandro Aquili, head of Wind Tunnel at Pininfarina. “We are always excited to take part in the development of innovative vehicles, especially when they share such a strong link with our wind tunnel’s history.”
The development stages leading up to the current Validation Phase included:
- Concept and ideation
- Design and engineering
- System development
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation and modeling
- Prototyping and vehicle dynamics testing
- Solar testing and low-volume production
- Supplier selection and sourcing
- Manufacturing planning
Key steps in the validation phase include:
- Production of long lead time tools for Aptera’s BinC
- Production and validation of parts for Aptera’s BinC
- Bonding of body parts to form Aptera’s BinC
- Begin progress builds and production-intent (PI) buildsT
- Testing and validation of PI builds begin
- Safety and crash testing of PI builds begins
- Manufacturing validation phase
During the test and validation phase, Aptera will assess the suspension and dampeners will be tested to optimize ride comfort and handling dynamics. The. brake systems will undergo meticulous examination to guarantee precise stopping power. Airbag calibration to ensure passenger safety in various scenarios. The thermal system will be tested to maintain optimal operating passenger and system temperatures in diverse climates.
Also, the powertrain and battery will be subjected to extensive trials, evaluating efficiency and durability. And software integration will be fine-tuned to optimize vehicle functions, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
During Aptera’s manufacturing validation phase, the focus shifts to ensuring that the production of our solar EVs meets the highest standards of efficiency and quality. This crucial step involves the fine-tuning and testing of production equipment and assembly lines, aiming to streamline manufacturing processes and optimize precision. By thoroughly evaluating every aspect of our production systems, we are committed to delivering Aptera vehicles that are manufactured with the utmost precision for the long haul.
Only once all these steps have been completed will the company commence production and prepare for the first deliveries.
Filed Under: Technology News