If you had to choose between the Aptera EV or Loresmo diesel, which would you choose?

Question

Available in California in October 2008, the Aptera typ-1e EV will cost about $27,000 with a top speed of 95 mph and range of 120 miles per charge.

Soon thereafter Aptera will introduce the typ-1h, a plug-in hybrid version of the typ-1e with a 40-60 mile range on purely electrical energy, and a range of over 600 miles total when in electric/gas hybrid mode, for around $30,000. On a 120 mile trip, the typ-1h will get 300 miles per gallon. The shorter the trip, the higher the efficiency.

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1033/

Available in 2009, the Lorsemo diesel will cost $22,500-$30,000 and simply be a small, light diesel car which achieves 118 mpg.

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1048/

Photos are available in the links above. Would you rather have a funky-looking EV or plug-in hybrid like the Apteras, or a less unusual looking regular diesel car like the Loresmo? Or would you prefer a normal looking EV like the Miles Javlon?

Answer 1

I would have to know what the NOx emissions are like from the diesel.  If they are high, and they typically are from diesels, I would not support everyone moving to a diesel car, even with high mileage.  The combination of more soot, HCs, and NOx from all those tailpipes would result in killer smog.  

Do you know what the soot/HC/NOx emissions are from those?

edit:  I am generally negative about diesels despite their high mileage because diesel exhaust is nasty stuff.  Cleaning it up with cyclone separators and chemical controls is going to eat into the mileage.  Unless it is in the context of mass transit, where you could substitute one diesel for maybe 60 gasoline SOVs, diesels are a bad idea.  

Plus, there's this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBeai4VlZ...

Answer 2

I've been waiting several years for a production plug-in hybrid.  So I'm looking to get a Aptera Type-1H (or pluggable Prius/Volt) in the next few years.

Answer 3

Hmmm,  Aptera, "This (3 wheels) also helps because then, according to American safety regulations, it is technically a motorcycle, and so doesn't have to jump through any of the normal safety hoops."

i think i'd go with Lorsemo.  i could get a moped today that gets good mileage.  they're way to dangerous.

in addition, the "mileage gets better with short trips" kind of implies that they have a plug in, and don't count charging as part of energy usage.  a bit dishonest if you ask me.

finally, for either one, i'd be a bit concerned about stability.  3 wheels is obvious.  1300 pounds in a cross wind could be a problem.  not sure, just something to think about.

125 mph in a 1300 # car?  are you kidding?  a little wind, and it'd be airborn.  scary doesn't begin to ......

Answer 4

Loremo looks cooler