Aptera's sub-$30K, 300 mpg car will be here in 2009

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Business and Law

By Rick C. Hodgin Monday, 17 December 2007 06:30

Carlsbad (CA) - Today, a California car maker named Aptera Motors officially took the wraps off of two new car models which offer crazy fuel economy. The first model will arrive in Q4 2008 as an all-electric vehicle with a maximum range of 120 miles priced below $30,000. A true fuel-electric hybrid model will follow in 2009. Early tests indicate the hybrid model achieves 300 miles per gallon, making an affordable gas sipper within budget for many American families.

Designed to be as aerodynamic as possible for two-person occupancy, the radical new shell design looks more like something out of Blade Runner than a traditional automobile. The "Typ-1" (sic) uses light-weight composite material for its construction, while maintaining the "two plus one" seating configuration, allowing for a child up to age 3 to be placed in the middle behind the two primary occupants. Additional cargo storage area allows for up to 15 bags of groceries, two bags of golf clubs, or even two seven foot surfboards (if the child's seat is removed).

The Typ-1 comes standard with both driver and passenger airbags, an energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger safety cell with front crumple zones, an advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, large rear view camera and a complete vehicle diagnostic system, LED interior and exterior lighting for low-power operations, RFID keyless entry, even a USB port for charging a notebook, MP3 player or other devices. It comes with a CD/MP3/DVD player, as well as XM satellite radio.

Electric recharge
Both Typ-1 models use a standard 110-volt A/C outlet to recharge their batteries in a few hours. Driver's can obtain a time-sensitive electrical meter from the power company for use in their homes or businesses. These determine when the electricity is being used and, based on the electric company's allowances, evening electricity can be purchased at a lesser rate than daytime use. This makes the electric recharge even more economical.

Operations
In strict battery mode, the Typ-1 all-electric vehicle can get up to 120 miles per charge. For the daily commuter with a 30-minute or less one-way commute, this is more than likely completely sufficient. The gasoline expense would be completely diminished while, at the same time, the automobile would be generating no direct CO2 or other greenhouse gases. The power plant would still be generating whatever greenhouse gases it does, of course.

Buying one
Aptera Motors is already taking deposits for early pre-orders. $500 fully refundable deposits are accepted at the Aptera website (http://www.aptera.com) for California residents. Aptera plans to initially introduce them to Southern California, and then northern California, and finally nationwide. Aptera has already received more than 400 pre-sale deposits. Aptera is a Greek word meaning "wingless flight", and after looking at the car's initial design, it seems appropriate.

Conclusion
Based on the powerful demand for low/no-emission vehicles, The Typ-1 will likely be a catalyst for other models from Aptera Motors, as well as new models from other car makers as well. It seems the age of affordable all-electric, hybrid vehicles may soon be really here.