Posted by george-hughes on December 30, 2024 at 3:09 pm
https://aptera.us/community/discussion/ ... tic-pulse/
If you have heard of the Carrington event back in 1859 you have some idea of the danger of EMPs …or electromagnetic pulses. EMPs can come from both natural and man-made causes; the 1859 event being caused by a massive solar flare aimed directly at earth. It has been predicted that a “Carrington-level event” will occur once every 150-500 years, which, at 185 or so years since 1859, means we are due now and into the foreseeable future.
That event was early in the development of electronic tools and about the only thing using electricity in those days was the telegraph. The EMP created current in the telegraph lines and shocked telegraph operators and caused some of the wire to ignite from the increased energy.
Experts expect an event the magnitude of the 1859 event would largely devastate the electric grid on which ever side of the earth is facing daylight at the time of the event.
Experts are also aware of the danger of man-made EMP events, although the aftermath of such an attack would probably make the EMP attack the least of our problems.
Still, the insanity of unleashing such an attack might not end in nuclear winter; although the region so-attacked would have a long, hard recovery.
The purpose of this discussion is to suggest that the inclusion of a Faraday cage around the critical electronic components could be a life-saver for those who have the powered by the Sun Aptera. And because the Aptera is designed as a multi-generational vehicle with a useful lifespan of 60 or more years with upgrades, of all the vehicles on the road, the Aptera is most likely to encounter an EMP in its extended life. Compared to an ICE vehicle, the likelihood of impact by an EMP is at one-fifth that based on the longevity of the platform.
So, the real question is how easy might it be to harden the Aptera against EMP?
First, Carbon Fiber does conduct electricity so there is a lot of faraday cage material in play with the Aptera so hardening against an EMP may be comparatively simple to accomplish. Indeed, a test of some 50 ICE cars back in 2002 by an EMP study committee found that most cars are capable of withstanding such an attack with minimal disruption of service. The report I saw said something like 10 percent of the vehicles tested stopped running during the EMP used in testing. Seems the metal body and frame coupled with the insulation afforded by the tires, created, along with the shielding to minimize interference, acted as a faraday cage. Of the five cars impacted, one remained running but had an interruption of the radio signal and the four that stopped running in the test, were able to restart immediately.
This suggests that EMP protection may be as close as testing, but that is going to take engineers to contemplate what additional actions, if any, would ben necessary to isolate the electronics in the Aptera fro’l;k;’lk
Given the standard risk of EMPs is magnified by the Aptera’s long projected life, this potentially simple test may point out any simple to add hardening.
While Ford may have opted to roast their customers instead of installing a ten-dollar fix to the exploding gas tank of the Pinto, discovering and implementing a ten-dollar EMP fix, may be the smartest thing Aptera Motors did. ”cause if they’re the only vehicle running on not the day after an EMP, but two weeks later as the grid will still likely be toast causing real issues with both EV charging and ICE fueling as pumps and stations remain closed.
As suggested by the 2002 study of EMPs on cars of that era, most will likely survive such an attack and given that carbon fiber, like sheet steel, conducts electricity, it may be that Aptera is already able to survive an event. But, I would recommend Aptera be tested and be modified, if necessary, to survive an EMP incident for no other reason it makes the long-term life of Aptera more certain.
How hard will it be to make Aptera hardened against Electromagnetic pulse?
Re: How hard will it be to make Aptera hardened against Electromagnetic pulse?
In the Aptera community forum, a discussion titled "How hard will it be to make Aptera hardened against electromagnetic pulse?" explored the feasibility and challenges of protecting the Aptera vehicle from the effects of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
Original Post:
The topic was initiated by a member concerned about the vulnerability of modern electric vehicles, like the Aptera, to EMP events. They inquired about the possibility and practicality of implementing EMP hardening measures to safeguard the vehicle's electronic systems.
Summary of Responses:
Feasibility of EMP Hardening: Participants acknowledged that while EMP hardening is technically possible, it presents significant challenges. The process would require extensive shielding and design modifications, potentially increasing the vehicle's weight and cost. Given Aptera's focus on efficiency and lightweight design, incorporating such measures could compromise its core principles.
Likelihood of EMP Events: Several members debated the probability of an EMP event occurring, with some viewing it as a low-risk scenario. They suggested that the rarity of such events might not justify the complexities and expenses associated with EMP hardening.
Alternative Solutions: Some contributors proposed that owners concerned about EMP threats could explore aftermarket solutions or personal protective measures, such as Faraday cages, to shield critical components. However, they noted that these solutions might not be practical for everyday use.
Aptera's Design Priorities: The discussion highlighted that Aptera's design priorities center on efficiency, sustainability, and affordability. Implementing EMP hardening could divert resources and focus away from these primary goals, potentially affecting the vehicle's market appeal and accessibility.
Overall, the community recognized the theoretical benefits of EMP hardening but concluded that, given the associated challenges and the low likelihood of an EMP event, it may not be a practical consideration for Aptera's design and development at this time.
Original Post:
The topic was initiated by a member concerned about the vulnerability of modern electric vehicles, like the Aptera, to EMP events. They inquired about the possibility and practicality of implementing EMP hardening measures to safeguard the vehicle's electronic systems.
Summary of Responses:
Feasibility of EMP Hardening: Participants acknowledged that while EMP hardening is technically possible, it presents significant challenges. The process would require extensive shielding and design modifications, potentially increasing the vehicle's weight and cost. Given Aptera's focus on efficiency and lightweight design, incorporating such measures could compromise its core principles.
Likelihood of EMP Events: Several members debated the probability of an EMP event occurring, with some viewing it as a low-risk scenario. They suggested that the rarity of such events might not justify the complexities and expenses associated with EMP hardening.
Alternative Solutions: Some contributors proposed that owners concerned about EMP threats could explore aftermarket solutions or personal protective measures, such as Faraday cages, to shield critical components. However, they noted that these solutions might not be practical for everyday use.
Aptera's Design Priorities: The discussion highlighted that Aptera's design priorities center on efficiency, sustainability, and affordability. Implementing EMP hardening could divert resources and focus away from these primary goals, potentially affecting the vehicle's market appeal and accessibility.
Overall, the community recognized the theoretical benefits of EMP hardening but concluded that, given the associated challenges and the low likelihood of an EMP event, it may not be a practical consideration for Aptera's design and development at this time.
Re: How hard will it be to make Aptera hardened against Electromagnetic pulse?
You can see how brutal AI can be in its assessment of the response to this topic. If I were reporting it, it would suggest more cynacism by folks who don't like 'waiting' and are definitely tired of waiting.
My gut is that since carbon fiber is conductive, and the electronics are basically located on the firewall area of the vehicle, and because of the aero requirements there really aren't any big gaps, the Aptera is probably well protected in stock form.
What would be cool is if we could get youtube reviewers like 'Out of Spec reviews" to incorporate EMP testing on the premise that 90 percent of all vehicles are EMP resistant ... so it is important to know the one's that aren't.
My primary point is that it is something we would want to know.
My gut is that since carbon fiber is conductive, and the electronics are basically located on the firewall area of the vehicle, and because of the aero requirements there really aren't any big gaps, the Aptera is probably well protected in stock form.
What would be cool is if we could get youtube reviewers like 'Out of Spec reviews" to incorporate EMP testing on the premise that 90 percent of all vehicles are EMP resistant ... so it is important to know the one's that aren't.
My primary point is that it is something we would want to know.