AVL Helps Power Aptera Motors Electric Vehicle, X PRIZE Finalist

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- AVL North America announces today its advanced simulation platform contribution to Aptera Motors' electric vehicle concept, 'Aptera 2e,' an Alternative Class finalist in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition. Since January 2009, AVL has contributed to the development of the battery electric vehicle through use of their vehicle system and driveline analysis tool, AVL CRUISE.

Offering various simulation and optimization capabilities, CRUISE assisted in improving efficiencies within all modes of 2e vehicle operation. By investigating performance sensitivity as it relates to driver input, the Aptera development team was able to realize the outcome of different driving techniques prior to competing in X PRIZE, which awards $10 million to the best 100 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) production-capable cars across three competition classes. The adaptable platform also played a critical role in helping Aptera to meet the competition's stringent safety, emissions and performance requirements.

In one example, CRUISE allowed Aptera to use real and simulated data to identify an unexplainable resistance component that led to replacement of the vehicle's electric motor.

"AVL CRUISE provided by far the most powerful, robust and adaptable platform for developing accurate vehicle models," said Tom Reichenbach, vice president and chief engineer, Aptera Motors. "AVL has an expansive knowledge of vehicle powertrain analysis. Along with excellent technical support, the CRUISE software solution is a winning combination."

Of 136 original X PRIZE entrants, only 11 finalists will advance to the validation stage this September 16, in Washington D.C. Competing alongside the three-wheeled Aptera 2e in the Alternative Class, Side-by-Side division, will be four additional battery electric vehicles. For full details on the program, visit www.XPRIZE.org.

AVL is the world's largest privately owned and independent company for the development of gasoline, diesel and alternative fuel powertrain systems, as well as fuel cell and hybrid technologies.  The company offers combined solutions of powertrain engineering, simulation software and testing and instrumentation systems.  AVL's North American Headquarters is located in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan.  For more information, AVL can be found at www.avl.com.

About Aptera Motors

Aptera Motors (www.aptera.com) was founded in 2006 to develop and build the most energy-efficient commuter vehicles on the road, without compromise to safety or comfort. Utilizing streamlined aerodynamic design, lightweight composite structures and unique drive systems, Aptera delivers vehicles that are affordable and efficient. The Southern California company operates a facility in north San Diego County, where it designs, engineers and manufactures the vehicles and their composite systems to create an exceptionally strong, safe, sleek body.

SOURCE AVL North America