2010 Smart fortwo - Review

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

Author BIO

Eric Loveday is a car enthusiast with a love for everything automotive. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering... More

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Aptera 2e

Car and Driver recently had the chance to test drive two pre-production versions of the Aptera 2e.  With the Aptera scheduled to be released in only six months, what can would be buyers expect?

At first sight, the Aptera 2e seems like a futuristic vehicle.  Think about the far fetched concepts we see at auto shows every year,  the vehicles that never see production and that will give you a good idea of the Aptera.  A three wheeled all electric vehicle that appears to be almost plane like in its design.  Add a set of wings onto the body and it seems like it could take to flight.  But this vehicle is nearly ready for production.

The Aptera 2e is a front engine, front wheel drive 2 passenger hatchback.  It carries an electric motor that is powered by a 360 volt lithium battery pack.  The 2e tips the scales at only 1,700 pounds and can reach a top speed of 90 mph.  The 2e boasts an all electric cruising range of over 100 miles.

How does it drive?  First, you must get inside the vehicle.  Getting in the Aptera is the hard part.  You must slide under the swing up door and into the seat.  Aptera is working on revising the entry method to make the vehicle more accessible.  Once inside, all the usual controls are where they are expected to be.  The cabin is slim, offering only about the same shoulder to shoulder spacing as the Smart ForTwo.

Up to 50 mph, the Apter 2e handled soundly according to Car and Driver.  The brakes and steering had a disconnected feel to them and the ride was firm.  Car and Driver reviewer Steve Siler noted that there was virtually no body roll and the stability with only three wheels was excellent.  Many doubt that a three wheel vehicle can be as stable as a four wheel vehicle, but Siler found the 2e to handle more normally than expected.