Active safety
From Apterawiki
The first challenge in automotive safety is to help prevent an accident from happening in the first place. This quality is referred to as “active safety”.
Contents |
[edit] Traction Control
The Aptera features traction control[1], which is the reduction of engine power (and, in some implementations, application of brakes) when slip is detected[2]. It is especially important in rear-wheel drive cars like the Aptera to prevent fishtailing. Note that this should not be confused with Electronic Stability Control, which adjusts torque output between drive wheels[3]. As the Aptera has only one drivewheel, this term is not applicable.
[edit] Brakes
Aptera has two separate braking systems. First, all three wheels are equipped with manual[4] dual hydraulic disc brakes[5] These are used for rapid stopping and for coming to a complete stop. Secondly, the Aptera uses regenerative braking through the rear wheel, during which the motor acts like a generator. Regenerative braking effectiveness is reduced at low speeds[6], hence all braking needs cannot be done regeneratively. On the upside, regenerative brakes do not tend to lock wheels up. There has been no announcement about ABS on the disc brakes.
According to Popular Mechanics, the Aptera can stop quickly despite the lack of power brakes. They did mention it requiring “a little leg muscle.”[7]
[edit] Visibility
The Aptera promotes an “eyes forward” driving approach, with cameras replacing mirrors. The cameras have been demonstrated to work in the dark,[8] but the addition of conventional rear-view mirrors in the production model is “probable.’[9] The front half of the car has excellent visibility, having been described as “panoramic… the large front windshield lets you see everyone and everything”[10]
