Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles

by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 11.19.07
Cars & Transportation

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Ever since we first saw the Aptera, we've been waiting for this: today, the company officially pulled the curtain back the Typ-1, the funky three-wheeler with jaw-dropping efficiency stats. After some speculation about diesel engines and parallel hybrid modes, about how the prototype would hold up in a crash, here's the real deal.

Aptera will be available in two models: all-electric and series hybrid. The electric version is slated for delivery in 2008 with the hybrid model to follow (for more on the difference between series and parallel hybrids, check out our Green Basics discussion of the topic). The all-electric model has a range of 120 miles. The plug-in series hybrid has achieved more than 300 miles per gallon with a range of more than 600 miles. Both will be available for "less than $30,000," though exact pricing hasn't been announced. So, what'll that sizable chunk of change get you?

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You'll get some pretty slick features, including solar cells embedded under the roof operate an always-on climate control system, ensuring the interior never gets too hot or too cold, and a computer-controlled “Eyes Forward” vision system. By replacing the side mirrors with embedded cameras that display a 180-degree rear view in the front of the instrument panel, Eyes Forward "gives the driver complete situational awareness without taking their eyes off of the road."

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Fully refundable reservation deposits of $500 are now being accepted from California residents on the Aptera website. The company will initially deliver vehicles in southern California, then in northern California and to other regions nationwide; cross your fingers that we'll actually see these on the road before buying a 2009 calendar. ::Aptera via ::Business Wire (sub req'd)

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Update: Check out the video below to see Aptera in action.

::YouTube

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Comments (78)

Holy Crap do I want one.

jump to top ashes says:

I put a $500 refundable deposit down on my all-electric model #228! Woo! Aptera's website said the price would be ~$26,000. And now, with a middle-class job, I can afford it. I have mixed feelngs though.

Being a early adopter means I can demonstrate interest and generate market for such a product. At the same time, I could keep driving my 33mpg 2005 Corolla, and save my $26,000 for... something else?

Then there's that guilt I have about being able to buy mitigations to my impact... oh mixed feelings!

jump to top Jack says:

is the "always-on climate control system" really necessary? it seems like a waste of energy to me.

jump to top liam says:

I put a $500 refundable deposit down on my all-electric model #228! Woo! Aptera's website said the price would be ~$26,000. And now, with a middle-class job, I can afford it. I have mixed feelngs though.

Being a early adopter means I can demonstrate interest and generate market for such a product. Then there's that guilt I have about being able to buy mitigations to my impact... oh mixed feelings! Perhaps I should get active in lobby our regional transit planners towards more transit funding while driving minimally (AND sharing my new EV?!?!) to do things that may not be so easy on a bicycle.

jump to top Jack says:

Yes, but can you keep the darn thing on the road? I drive an Aveo and had a close call this morning when I had to do defensive driving to avoid a collision but almost lost complete control of the car.

jump to top mcark says:

So how does it hold up in a crash?

jump to top Anonymous says:

It appears to be front wheel drive and rear wheel steer. Should make for "interesting" vehicle dynamics.

With that said, it's about friggin time someone broke that status quo. We live in the 21st century yet most of our cars share a design that originated in the 19th century.

Bravo, Aptera, for producing a vehicle that is intelligently designed and fully utilizes our engineering capabilities. We've had wind tunnels for near a century and have been racing F1 cars with superior crash geometry for decades, yet we've never fully embraced those technologies. The Aptera is the first in what is hopefully a whole line of such vehicles.

jump to top GreenPlease says:

That is incredible...I've been waiting for this unveiling for a while now. It'll be a little while before they are offered in Canada and I'm sure the specs will be a little less for our winters but I seriously want one!

This is great news.

Jack -
Guilt is such an unproductive emotion. Get going and ENJOY!
I hope it works out well. Your input will help determine the future of these things. We need technological advancements like these so badly.

Good Luck!!

vsk

jump to top vsk says:

Well, I like my Prius way better, for the same price.
Convenience is more important than MPG.

I seat 4 adults, usable hatchback, roof car rack with Thule. I can even tow a small trailer if I ever wanted to, without looking like a land-based dolphin.

The upgrade price for EV-20 or EV-30 has been dropping, and by the time the Volt rears it's head, I expect the price to be half that.

The Mitsubishi Motor-In-Wheel is my personal favorite EV design.

jump to top Mark Derail [TypeKey Profile Page] says:

Can't wait for those to start appearing in the south! All we have are pickups and SUV's.
From what I've gathered, it's a rear-wheel drive system.

jump to top jmag says:

Mark Derail said Convenience is more important than MPG

I think MPG is a form of convenience. Of course most people think of convenience as how many people/stuff they can lug around in a typical car.

I prefer riding in style.

I like this Aptera, but I would prefer something lower to the ground, like a Campagna T-Rex (I think they made a hybrid prototype too).

But since the TRex requires a motorcycle permit...

The Honda CR-Z is the hybrid that is currently holding my attention.

jump to top chris says:

It's a great looking car... looks like it could fly if you added wings!

jump to top weee says:

This has a lot of trunkspace. Enough for two golf bags, supposedly, which is more than a lot of cars.

And Treehugger is a bit late on this one. The announcement was around September.

Mark Derail - maybe it's not for you. But that doesn't mean that people won't buy it, and that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be produced.

On safety - it is supposedly very safe, even though the three wheeled design only makes it necessary for the vehicle to pass motorcycle safety standards. You can look at the website for more detail, but it supposedly has the structure of an Indy car and is made out of extremely strong materials.

jump to top Ross says:

@GreenPlease

Please read the site more carefully. It is actually, front steer rear drive.

jump to top greendoughnuts says:

$26k is no small change but extremely cheap when we consider that 90% of our driving is solo. Taking that into account, no reason to buy a vehicle for "what if" when reality most likely dictates "what now". We can adapt easy if we need the ocasional people-space or cargo-need but for work and weekends, this is great! I'd shove my 26K down if 1) had it to spare 2) didn't have a baby on the way 3) proved itself in harsher climates like extreme cold, snow, and ice. Until then the Prius will have to do... Bravo nonetheless! One concern I may hear is crash and breaking that front axle off - appears flimsy.

jump to top zoltan says:

It sounds like an extremely revolutionary car. That is exactly what we need now, to help get true efficiency.

It sounds like a lot of fun, too...That is always a good thing.

jump to top Anonymous says:

I think it is great that people are finally getting some real choices in ways to drive and do less damage to the planet and that companies are finally starting to address that demand.

If the solar cells in the roof power the climate system, there is little energy waste for it to be running constantly, and in fact it will save energy by not having to do it more rapidly on demand later. Most vehicles spend the majority of their product life cycle sitting still, even the average persons commuter car only runs for a few hours a day at most.

Solar cells are constant output when exposed to light so it really makes sense to fully use that output at all times to help recover the fundamental impact of making them in the first place. If they have already fully charged the batteries it makes sense for their output to be applied to other functions that will reduce energy demand later.

jump to top moregreen [TypeKey Profile Page] says:

Good effort
If we want 300 mpg cars then they will probably have to look like this!
Still doesn't beat the efficiency of my bike though :)

jump to top MY says:

Of COURSE it looks like it can fly - planes are the ultimate in aerodynamic design! Buckminster Fuller saw the aviation industry as the technology leader - its good to see that other people do too.

jump to top Dave says:

I read hastily but didn't see any mention of airbags. Being out on the road with gas hogging tanks like Hummers means MPG isn't the only criteria.

jump to top Lauren Ayers says:

You know it's not that I don't appreciate technological developemnts.

This thing looks AWESOME!

However I am always a bit dismayed by tree-huggers emphasis on developments in the individual motor vehicle.

It seems doubtful that the individual vehicle model will ever be truly sustainable in comparison to mass transit.

TH needs more fetaures on developemtns in electric trolley buses, and light rail.

jump to top JRB says:

I'm watching this very closely, and I hope they succeed. A couple thoughts:

I suspect the "climate control system" is an exhaust fan- not a power hungry air conditioner.

Apparently there is a spot for a baby seat behind the front 2 seats. Very good idea.

jump to top Jay Fretz says:

This post is a bit off of my normal topics, but I think it’s something important that people should be discussing. I’ll really try not to get too political, so here goes. We’ve all seen gas prices climb up to (and in many areas above) $3 USD per gallon of gasoline. We’ve also seen war, chaos, pain and turmoil going on the Middle East and elsewhere. While there is obviously some connection between the current price of gas and war, terror and fear, that’s not exactly ... (Pingback) http://dataland.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/the-future-of-cars/

jump to top Dataland says:

Aptera has released an update on it's upcoming 300 Mpg car. This car really approaches transportation from a very different vantage than does the rest of the auto industry. This car is slated to sell for $30,000 USD, and offers room for two. Here is a brief overview on the update ...

Talkback: http://dataland.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/apteras-sub-30k-300-mpg-car-will-be-here-in-2009/

jump to top Dataland says:

re: Liam
"is the "always-on climate control system" really necessary? it seems like a waste of energy to me."

I read that it's not just for comfort and is somewhat performance related as well, but it didn't really elaborate. I'm assuming the reasoning behind it is to keep the batteries from getting too hot or too cold while just sitting there.

jump to top Anonymous says:

"I read that it's not just for comfort and is somewhat performance related as well, but it didn't really elaborate. I'm assuming the reasoning behind it is to keep the batteries from getting too hot or too cold while just sitting there."

It's performance related because you're filling in the vacuum left in the back of the vehicle as it's moving with the heat being ejected out the back of the car. It lowers the drag of the car at high speeds.

They said on their website that the entire car has the same drag coefficient as a single wiper blade on a tipical car.

jump to top brenton says:

Do the solar panels on the top also charge the batteries??? I live in Las Vegas and this would make driving to and from work almost free after the initial price of the vehicle. Does the vehicle come with a spare tire or do we call Triple A??? How do we get legislation passed for the states that have helmet laws for motorcycles??? I'm going to purchase the Hybrid as soon as I am able and drive it down Las Vegas Blvd so the locald that drive their H2s and Bentleys can see that there is an alternative vehicle out there that gets better than 10 mpg.

jump to top Charles says:

I'll buy one as soon as I can. I need a truck once in a while, so I have a beater that will seat 6 if I need to take out a crowd. That's about 5% of my driving. The rest should be as cheap as possible. This vehicle's efficiency literally will pay it's entire cost in five or six years of commuting, which currently runs about $75/week for me. If they sell this thing in NY it will be in my garage. I also love the technology, the look, the safety, and the performance.

jump to top Fred says:

I just paid for the reservation #1181 of this great car / motorcycle? (the Diesel / electric hybrid)
I think, the Aptera is more for a couple or a single person. I like the way it is built and looks on the videos that I've seen so far. Hope to get a test drive soon and am SO LOOKING forward to becoming a PROUD owner of this Machine..............

jump to top theo mondle says:

02.04.08
I live in the Detroit suburbs and work in Detroit with the auto industry frequently. This is just the kind of forward thinking and corporate flexibility that GMFORDCHRYSLER can't seem to pull off. GM is banking on the new Chev. VOLT car. Hope it works. Ford and (especially Chrysler) could never be flexible enough to build something like this - and that will be the eventual reason for their collective demise. I can't wait for Aptera to start selling these outside of California - there will be two in my garage immediately. I can't wait to park it in front of GM headquarters with a big sign that says " NOT MADE BY GM FORD OR CHRYSLER"
By the way, for all of you who are concerned about the "safety" of this car, the airbags are incorporated into the seatbelts - an excellent design. When deployed, the bags inflate and hold you firmly from impacting anything, then deflate. This is a much better design than having your face slam into an exploding bag of nylon with pieces of plastic dashboard flying out at you.
One final general note, as someone who has driven everything from helicopters, earthmovers, large trucks, forklifts, motorcycles, cars, vans, busses, bicycles and lawnmowers, I can tell you that safety has little to do with the vehicle and EVERYTHING to do with the operator. Stop making stupid choices, pay attention all the time, quit messing around with the cell phone and I pod and you will never need airbags or seatbelts for that matter.
Great article - tell your friends. The more press this thing gets, the faster it will snowball and the sooner we'll all be driving these things.

jump to top Buddy1129 says:

I am grateful that we have people who are forward thinking. It's time we find solutions to our energy problems. I support us getting away from our dependance on oil and I applaud Mr. Fambro for finally giving us an option.

I signed up. I am thrilled to be number 954 on the road to freedom.

jump to top Raphie says:

I have seen how the Aptera is built as I was quoting production tooling for Aptera Motors Corporation.

I have also seen quite a bit of composite structures used in Space Craft (I worked on the solar panels for MESSENGER that has been sending back images of Mercury) and SLIC (Super Light Weight Interchangeable Carrier) to be used to carried equipment on the Space Shuttle. The structure is launching this August 08 and I have a paid for invite to see it launch. I have done aircraft structures and yes even that light weight at 22lbs/ft^2 composite armor for the Crusader program a few years back.

I can say that the Aptera is well engineered, analyzed and at least the prototype is very well built. Sitting in it, the Aptera feels solid, sound dampening from using foam core between stressed skin will provide a lot of noise attenuation.

My reservation number is 1267 and regardless whether or not we get the contract for the tooling, I hope that this thing will take off.

I had three different Porche 914s. This thing is very roomy, it feels wider than a Miyata. Frontal visibility is great with real glass on the wind shield and windows, it has very little distortion.

I have learned a lot from a friend who used to work at ECAR in Santa Rosa about a decade ago...AC drive is more complicated but is a much better set up for efficiency. The low drag and mostly electric powered means a very quiet ride and the sandwich construction will with stand impact very well.

I have help built and subsequently repaired the Space Shuttle arm boom. To protect the arm boom, a honeycomb cored Kevlar skin bumper system is applied all around the arm to reduce the chance of damage on impact with anything solid.

The cool factor is just too darn hard to resist.

Sometimes existing designs are so outdated you just have to scrap it and start over.

I have a machine I have set up to commute with...it is a mere toy but if you don't think out side the box...changes may not happen fast enough.

Do more...with less.

jump to top Quan Q Pham says:

I just did it..... I reserved mine, I'm #1288. I'm not one to get swept up and emotionally involved in new vehicles but this is the first hybrid I've seen that makes sense to me. Other hybrids offer "ok" performance but barely better then regular gasoline economy cars, for much more money. IE, I own a 36 MPG corolla now which I paid for with a personal check and it cost $14k. Or..... I can spend double that for a prius that gets ~15+ mpg more. Uh, yeah, not really making sense there. But double the cost for TEN TIMES the mileage? Um yeah, I'm so there.

I chose the hybrid model because I live in a condo and wouldn't have any way to plug it in right now until I can get a new place with a garage. I also do lots of very long distance driving from San Diego to San Francisco or Vegas. This will be great for that. I'm definitely going to look into some decals to customize it, if Aptera isn't offering anything cool I'll probably work with a local designer.

I'm amazed it can fit a 7' surfboard, though that means I'm going to have to either sell my death log or get a beater to go surfing with lol. What makes this so great is the reserve deposit is fully refundable. I can back out at any time if I don't like the insurance prospects, or see if the first few off the production line have major issues. I can't wait to get my aptera.

Signed,
Owner of #1288

jump to top Chupacabra says:

It's just a shame that I don't live in California....
Here a the Reunion Island (FR) this could be a quite buzz if I drive my Aptera here.... -:)

Vladan

jump to top bestsolar says:

the climate control is a heat-pump which heats and air-conditions and operates on very low amounts of energy. Cool, eh! Or Cool, huh, for those south of the 49th.

jump to top Will says:

If Aptera offers me a loan at 5%-6% interest, I would certainly buy one. It's so GREEN and CUTE!

jump to top Anonymous says:

I love it! This one of the answers to the multifacetted problem of oil dependancy and polution. This vehicle will definitely take a bite out of OPEC's profits! Let them drown in their oil!

jump to top Frank says:

This LA Times article is from June 2006:

http://www.laweekly.com/news/features/whos-resurrecting-the-electric-car/13975/

...but that only shows how long the momentum has been building. Americans are more than ready for electric cars, and if the easiest way to get one that doesn't have a speed restriction and can carry more than 4 people is to convert an existing car, that's what we'll do.

I love the Aptera, and even though we are a family of 5, I seldom drive with more than one passenger -- so I could drive it every day. When the kids are grown I'll need the extra passenger space even less often, so...

Meanwhile I've got a perfect candidate for conversion, a 'project car' that seats 5 and is old enough to technically be called a classic. To solve the problem of limited range -- which would only be an issue for us a few times a year -- I could use a 'pusher'.

A 'pusher' is a trailer-mounted generator, which effectively transforms an electric vehicle into a series hybrid. Someone could definitely make a living fitting generators to light trailers. I'll take mine with some cargo space, please, to make up for the room in my trunk eaten up by batteries.

For my conversion I'll be smoothing over the fuel filler door instead of using it as a charging port -- because if you're ever going to use a 'pusher', you'll want your charging port on the rear, not the side (and certainly not on the front).

Any chance of someone high on the waiting list changing his or her mind? I want my Aptera YESTERDAY!

jump to top fil says:

The Aptera is a belt driven rear wheel drive vehicle. Just three questions. If the belt breaks will it damage the car? Is it easy to replace? and Does it use automotive tires. I hope it doesn't motorcyle tires? Because they only last for 8 to 10 thousand miles before you have to replace them. That is the only thing I hate about my Harley.

jump to top Frankie says:

Would the folks at Aptera provide as an option, a bio-diesel still where I can make a few gallons a month at home from yard clippings to meet my transportation needs? Here in Georgia, we have plenty of sunlight, so make it solar all the way.

Mike
Peachtree City, GA

jump to top Mike says:

Frankie,

It uses car tires already in production on other cars. I'd read elsewhere they did rolling resistance tests with a cart and a steep hill.
How far it went up on the other side determined the winner.
The car uses a belt, just like most Harleys do. And it won't require removing the swingarm to replace the belt, which Harleys require.
Belt technology is quite advanced due to industrial needs. It will probably have a recommended lifetime of 50-100K.

jump to top Greg says:

I want to be the first in Kansas City to own one! I would like to see it have a diesel option though. With gasoline going to plus $4 a gallon or more this summer, I think Aptera will not be able to keep up with demand.

jump to top Ron says:

Oh my goodness! I live in FL and will be eagerly awaiting sales here!!! I will buy the hybrid in a heart beat, and know many friends and acquaintences who will too! The only other option I am watching is the compressed air engine car supposedly coming by end 2009 or 2010 to US. Either way, my next vehicle won't depend on gasoline alone. Hopefully not at all.

jump to top Colleen Morrison says:

I just reserved 2 of them.

It feels great to finally do something, and on top of it it's cool!

I have nubers 2310 and 2311. Thus there are 2309 "DOERS" ahead of me, and millions and millions of talkers all around me!

Thank you Aptera, it feels good to be part of the family.

jump to top Stefan says:

No one ever talks about the effect on your electric bill, or the already over-worked grids. Anyone have any imput to this matter?

jump to top Robert F says:

No one ever talks about the effect on your electric bill, or the already over-worked grids. Anyone have any imput to this matter?

jump to top Robert F says:

I think Aptera costs about 50kw to run a hour.

Compared to gas for an average 20MPG in US, $4 = 1 gallon = 20 miles, Aptera can do $0.12*50 = $6 = 60 miles, which is $2 per 20 miles. In a nutshell, the energy price is halved.

The cost efficiency will improve if gas price goes up like a rocket.

jump to top Anonymous says:

I have tried to keep up with the development of the Aptera for almost a year and a half now- at first I was skeptical because the only thing I could see on their site was computer generated models. I'm glad to see what they've put out- a real breath a fresh air!

I've been telling everybody that I think would be open to the idea of such a vehicle... it's too bad because in UT I personally know of 14 people that would buy one in a heartbeat and another 50-60 that would heavily consider it. I tried to put my name on the list- unfortunately not available in UT ... YET. :D Now to go sign up for my PV Design and Installation class.... Cheers!

jump to top Matt says:

The aptera is really taking off! Almost 2500 orders by now! We are making an production slot calender at apteraforum.com so feel free to visit!

jump to top Matthijs says:

Has anyone heard any projections on the expected production volume once production commences? In a line if 2,000+ I'm thinking it may be a while.

jump to top Anonymous says:

Has anyone heard any projections on the expected production volume once production commences? In a line if 2,000+ I'm thinking it may be a while.

jump to top Anonymous says:

i realy want the aptera as my first car but i think it would be wierd driving it to school every day. everyone would be staring at me like im crazy. but i realy want the 300mi a gallon instead of a used car getting 16mi aq gallon

jump to top patman says:

It doesn't cost for the airconditioner to be on , and I am 1915 on the Hybred. I would like to get it now.

jump to top David Bisson says:

Well, Well, Well, Well Done. America is using it brains again. We don't need Foreign Imports to direct us on how to spend our future income. Lets Buy Buy Buy American.

Watch Out ! that the big Three Car Manufacturers in Detroit might buy the Patent and bury it. They have no imagination. They just spit out what they have been doing for the last 30 years and maybe add a New Cup Holder !!! -- Sad - Isn't It.

Why look at a Concept Car that will never go to Production, when you can have an Aptera in your driveway much sooner.

jump to top Phil Williams says:

"It appears to be front wheel drive and rear wheel steer. Should make for "interesting" vehicle dynamics."

Actually, it is a rear wheel drive car with front wheel steering. The single rear wheel gets the electric motor...

jump to top John M says:

I intend to plug my Type 1e into my 5kw solar panels on my home. Drive for free.
Bill #2292

jump to top Bill says:

"No one ever talks about the effect on your electric bill..."
The aptera website is predicting that it will cost $1-2 USD per night to charge the all electric model to its full range of 120 miles based on California prices. Keep in mind that electricity costs less at night when nobody is using it.

jump to top jpcreptilian says:

Can anyone lend me their CA address?
What would happen if a resident bought one, then moved out of the state, would it not be allowed on the road?
It's perfect for me now that my kids are going off to college. If I need to travel I can always rent a hybrid, and if I need to go out with the family, I can always rent a van. Hey, big business for auto rentals, they can keep the old fashioned gas guzzling cars for now. I'll have a futuristic model in my garage.
Now, if the world would also change their home designs to something more futuristic design with all the green savings, I'm on it. I'm tired of living like a square.
I think I was born in the wrong century anyway.

jump to top Fran says:

I am a pilot and really like the design of this car. It really looks as though you could get wings retrofitted and fly this thing. I really am attracted to anything "green" as in saving me a little green.

jump to top Bryan says:

No. 2890 here!

I saw this about a year ago and was severely tempted back then but there was no hard evidence that this actually might be pulled off.

Now I'm more of a believer and I joined the almost 3000 before me.

This is hilarious for me because I'm not the most "green-friendly) kind of guy. But now I take public transit and have a bike going to work besides this. :)

jump to top JohnnyLA says:

I reserved mine don't know how long it will take to get to 2705.

jump to top Fred C. says:

This ride looks fly and all but how we brothers gonna put our 22's on this thing? Maybe those wheel fenders can be taken off.

jump to top Tyrone says:

When are these coming to Texas? I would even sign up to be a dealer if they are available. I live North of Houston if you need a dealer here. I know 20 people right now who would buy one of these in a heartbeat.

jump to top Tom in Texas says:

I live in the Phoenix area and have concerns about the batteries being located in the engine compartment of the hybrid. Six year batteries in cars with batteries in the engine compartment last about two year here. My crrent car which is a Camry Hybrid has the batteries in the trunk where they stay much cooler

I too am anxiously waitung for the Aptera Hybid to be made available in Arizona.

jump to top Anonymous says:

Re: Robert F

Peak energy usage is around 1pm every day, and the lowest energy demands on the grid are from 8pm-6am. The great thing is, these things would be plugged in at home and over night. I recently heard a statistic that current energy grid infrastructure could easily accommodate 20 million plug in cars if they were plugged in in the evening (ie. after people get home from work)

Now what if you got some of those super cheap (but not yet available) printed solar panels from nanosolar on top of your garage, and a battery bank to store the energy from the day's sunlight? Sometimes I get depressed about the future, and then other times, I get so freakin excited!

jump to top Peter G. says:

I sold my two Prius to buy this Aptera Series-Plug-In Hybrid. I'm ready to buy. and I've never been so excited about the purchase of a car. I totally love the look, design and style of the Aptera. Good Job Design Team. I hope the Automotive Industry leaves Aptera alone and doesn't try to buy them out or Shut them down the way they did with Tucker(see the movie if you haven't). So if I don't plug in at home, I get about 125 miles per gallon, if I do plug in at home, I get 300 miles per gallon for the first 100 miles, and it only cost me about 1 or 2 Dollars in electricity cost. That's pretty Good! It's the best soon to be available and I want one with all my heart and mind. The automotive industry is so far behind with fuel economy and mechanical technological breakthroughs. They actually have the technology but keep it locked away, never to be seen. That's why it takes a small company like Aptera, To make the most advanced, and simple system Now. And to make it available to us consumers. "We The People" need cars that use clean fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Electricity for Propulsion. We The People Need Choices, NOW! Thank you Aptera for being brave and innovative and not Holding Out and keeping the technology in your mind or in some room locked up, never to be seen like the rest of the automotive industry. GM, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, You'll should be ashamed of yourselves. My neighbor drives a 6 thousand Pound SUV(Volvo XC90, Five Cylinder) that gets 20 miles per gallon. And a Prius weighing in at less than half the weight, all that technology, can only a little more than double the miles per gallon? That's just ridiculous Toyota. Cars, with the very latest in technology should be getting a minimum of 100 miles per gallon, period. And all the commercials saying that 35 miles per gallon is Fuel Efficient, Reality check! 35 miles per gallon is not fuel efficient, for any car truck or suv. It's just not! Aptera, Here I come and I hope you come out very very soon!!!

jump to top Joseph Mercado says:

Well here it is August of 2008,.. and just like all the other promises of 'pre-order this...' from the Apterus to flying cars it is all compost... If you really want to make a statement to the government and the oil companies and to corporations in general... IF you can figure out how to do it... build your own! Better yet CONVERT a small compact to entirely electric!!! Enough people do this and big business will get the message REAL QUICK... THAT is how to solve the matter! And not just waiting for people that promise to deliver. Make the promise happen for yourself... and if you can't do it find those that can, AND LEARN then TEACH... but take a serious step into the future and JUST DO IT! I not only speak the words,.. I am doing it!

jump to top Manuel Colunga-Hernandez says:

Well here it is August of 2008,.. and just like all the other promises of 'pre-order this...' from the Apterus to flying cars it is all compost... If you really want to make a statement to the government and the oil companies and to corporations in general... IF you can figure out how to do it... build your own! Better yet CONVERT a small compact to entirely electric!!! Enough people do this and big business will get the message REAL QUICK... THAT is how to solve the matter! And not just waiting for people that promise to deliver. Make the promise happen for yourself... and if you can't do it find those that can, AND LEARN then TEACH... but take a serious step into the future and JUST DO IT! I not only speak the words,.. I am doing it!

jump to top Manuel Colunga-Hernandez says:

My question is this, I am 6'4. How am I going to fit in this car? Americans tend to be overweight too, how much interior room is there? How about a car seat for a toddler or 2? Is there any back seat at all?

jump to top Greg says:

Yes, Greg, it has room and attachments for a baby/toddler seat in the back and reportedly 14 bags of groceries will fit in the long, flat trunk. As for fitting, the final dimensions haven't been released by the company, but the operational prototypes out there seem big enough for two full-sized adults. Most people who have seen it say it is bigger than they thought. I can't promise you that at 6'4" you'll be comfortable; the car is not for everybody.

jump to top Russ says:

I think that the sooner the Aptera gets on the road the better. I don't live in Califorina so I won't put a deposit down until it is sold in NY. I can't wait to test drive one of these suckers.

jump to top Gordon Howard says:

I give up.......where is the spare tire....

jump to top bill f says:

Does this car run on gasoline at all or will there be models that just run on 100% electric and no gasoline?

jump to top Anonymous says:

To Greg: (Quoting from Aptera.com FAQ)

"The Aptera will comfortably fit someone that is 6'1" and with minor seat pad adjustments you can be as tall as 6'5" and drive comfortably."

I live in Sweden and I realy can't wait until the car becomes avalible here! I'm even considering importing an aptera from CA when they become avalible.

jump to top Håkan Carlsson says:

Does this car run on gasoline at all or will there be models that just run on 100% electric and no gasoline?

jump to top Anonymous says:

Yes they run on only plug in power. I want one here in Vancouver... go aptera!

jump to top dw says:

I hope you can sell these in Ontario soon, but I would have a concern about how winterized it would be. Both in terms of comfort and in driving in snow,not to mention the cold and battery performance/ reliability. Perhaps in could only be a summer car.

jump to top Doug says:

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