This looks crazy - has anyone heard of Aptera before?

Question

They're making both a fully electric and plug-in hybrid version of their car. The electric version can go 120 miles per charge, the plug-in will be able to go 40-60 miles purely on electric power before switching to gas/electric mode.

http://www.aptera.com/about.php

The really impressive thing is that both models will cost $30,000 (or less), and supposedly be available next year. That means Aptera could possibly have the first affordable long-range high-speed EV (in competition with the ZAP Alias and Miles Javlon), and an equivalent to the Chevy Volt, but 2 years earlier.

Anyone ever heard of this company before? I'm shocked that I'd never heard of them before today, as an alternative fueled vehicles buff.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/unveiled_aptera.php

Answer 1

Never heard of them, but I'd be interested to see how they do on snow.  Sounds like they have some pretty decent cargo space.

I'm a little skeptical about the three wheeler version, (I come from a land where we have black ice half the year) but the efficiency is pretty impressive.  I'd be more likely to buy a 4 wheeler version.  It's more interesting looking than those goofy smart cars tho, lol!

Answer 2

It looks great but I don't think many people can afford it

Answer 3

Have I heard of what.  I think it would be better to wait for your fuel cell because of the battery.  When the battery can't hold the charge you have a one ton battery in your landfill.

Answer 4

It is entirely possible that someone might have heard of Aptera before.  However, several of your statements appear to be inaccurate.  From their website, they are apparently not "making both a fully electric and a plug-in hybrid version of their car."  Rather, they are making a motorcycle.  Thus, their vehicle does not appear to be "an equivalent to the Chevy Volt," as I understand the Chevy Volt to be a car, not a motorcycle.  Moreover, motorcycles typically get great gas mileage compared to cars, so it comes as no surprise that Aptera claims great mileage.

Answer 5

No I haven't seen this particular vehicle before. But I have seen several similar and quite a few years ago. I'm impressed that this company has made it this close to production. I wish them all the best.

The world solar challenge is now over twenty years old. And similar designs appeared ages ago. This year one team put together some old parts (ok, may have "breathed" on them a bit) and created a nostalgic entry. Aurora Christine is pictured on this link.

http://www.aurorasolarcar.com/programmes...

"The first World Solar Challenge was staged in 1987, with a field of 23 fantastic cars led by the GM Sunraycer that completed the trip with an average speed of 67kmph."

http://www.nt.gov.au/majorevents/events/...

This is the team that went on to design the EV1, (apparently "killed" in a movie) which also had a lower cd than Prius (EV1 0.19). Yes that long ago.

http://www.ev1.pair.com/charge_across_am...

As far as cd is concerned on a practical vehicle, I think Daimler Chrysler has the winner at the moment with this at 0.06.

http://www.the-scientist.com/article/hom...

Don't get me wrong. This thing is a huge leap in the right direction. The maker has identified the main ingredient that leads to an energy efficient vehicle. (Aerodynamic shape) (cd + frontal area). Personally I find it more desirable than most of the offerings in the electric/hybrid car market.

Don't know about the price, that pays for and awful lot of Lasagne. (Cycling fuel). But then this would take me 100 miles a fair bit quicker.

I love all sorts of alternative vehicles. I still think the humble bicycle is the best for commuting (Up to 15 miles). Something like this is getting pretty close though.

P.S. Rationality Personified you might want to click "vehicle details" then scroll down to the "power train and energy" tab