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.

 

 

Read also:

TG Daily Video: Aftermarket lithium-ion battery pack squeezes 150 MPG from a Toyota Prius 

A few probs.

Dec 17, 2007 12:06     

This car will never get 300 mpg in normal driving. This figure was arrived at by hyper-miling. Hyper-miling is out of reach of the average driver due to how difficult it is to achieve. Also, I can't imagine auto insurance being reasonable for this vehicle due to it's 3 wheel design and instability problems. A good sidewind would probably lift one of the wheels off the road. Crash time anyone?
Professor B. Abble report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -13

Hmm...

Dec 17, 2007 12:28     

Sounds like the hybrid probably features a gas generator, not gas for motive power. I'd heard VW or someone else experimenting with the concept and they were also seeing pretty outrageous mileage, but not near this. This makes me suspect the "300mpg" assumes full charge on the batteries. Also, while they look futuristic, the wheel "pods" look rather vulnerable. Even a minor bump in traffic looks like it may affect alignment unless this is rear wheel steering. Of course, while this may be in the budget of most American families, its use is limited for most American families as it only holds 2!

Jim L report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Sweet, now it needs performance stats and 4 wheels

Dec 17, 2007 12:33     

And I would be on board with something like this. I wonder how well the heater works?
Brian report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Common Arguement rebuttle

Dec 17, 2007 13:16     

In reference to the wheels, Formula 1 race cars use the same type of mechanics as this car for suspension. I think the vulnerable feeling is just that, a feeling that is wrong. "300mpg" is a marketing number. It is true, but you could get infinite mpg if you never turn on the engine. As it states, you can run it in 'battery only mode.' Last, I'm 19, go to college and I have two vehicles. Both of which I got with my own money. You can't tell me that a family of 2, that makes more than 40k a year can't afford to have two vehicles. Infact, raise of hands, who has more than two vehicles in the family? The daily commuter takes this vehicle and the family has another car (a SUV or something) for everything else. There is a niche market for this vehicle. In reference to the 3 wheel design, it has some disadvantages and advantages compared to 4 wheels. However, two wheels in front with 1 behind is a very stable design. A simple wind gust is not going to blow this car over. Chances are, it is designed with a very low center of gravity (batteries) and it appears to have a wide wheel base. Yes it is a different vehicle, but that's what we need...

Paul Wowk report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +12

make the web address a link for cryin out loud...

Dec 17, 2007 13:21     

why do news articles these days provide you with a web address, but don't bother to make it an actual link? They used to when the web was young; It's freakin' 2007! Why do we go backwards!
old fart report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

The person limit isn't a problem

Dec 17, 2007 13:38     

I'm single and childless as r most of my friends. My issue would be momentum. Cars like this don't have any compared to the rest of the objects that it might impact with. Hit an SUV and that car would ricochet off while the SUV occupants would barely feel a nudge. Think of the added risk for whiplash!
Pete Dixon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Not as problematic as you might think

Dec 17, 2007 14:02     

Insurance? This would be classified as a motorcycle and is obviously way safer than your standard motorbike. So it should be comparable to normal motorcycle insurance (of course the value is higher). Side winds? If you know aerodynamics (and the designers of this car obviously do) then you can see it is very aerodynamic from side to side in addition to from front to back. I think a mini cooper would be more prone to flipping than this car, even with the mini's extra wheel. 300 MPG? They're probably using average driving stats and assuming people will recharge the plug-in hybrid every evening. So if you drive the average 25-45 miles per day and charge every night, you'll get about 300 MPG. That doesn't seem unreasonable considering the plug-in Prius mods get well over 150 MPG and this car weighs significantly less, has better batteries, has less than 3/4 of the rolling resistance, and is far more aerodynamic. The only thing they're leaving out is the energy you put in at night. Pretty standard stuff for marketing a plug-in hybrid. 2 Seats? 95 percent of the driving done in america is done by the driver alone. Granted, there are those times when you need more than two seats, but this is an ideal commuter car for the solo driver or the two carpoolers. This is obviously not going to appeal as a primary car to anyone but the most hardcore environmentalists. It is a second car for alone driving--which can be most of it (do you take your family to work with you or to get the groceries?).

Dave report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +6

Talkback

Dec 17, 2007 14:24     

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/...e-in-2009/
Dataland report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Wheel leaves ground...

Dec 17, 2007 19:27     

I don't mean to press a point too far but this vehicle going from 3 wheel contact to 2 wheel contact is not the same as a motorcycle. People who race motorcycles are extremely aware that a slight change in leaning can produce a vast amount of turning force. This is because the wheels are no longer riding flat but are rolling on the edge of the tire. It's difficult to explain without diagrams but believe me if a gust of wind forced one wheel off the ground this vehicle would spiral sideways.

Professor B. Abble report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -6

Heavy Drivers...

Dec 17, 2007 20:47     

I drive arround 4-500 mi/wk (a little under 100/day) which makes me a near road-warrior except that I get to come home every night. I'd love something like this if it had room for all my work equipment and still got the same mileage with all the extra weight (about 400lbs). But what happens when you are in gas only mode? Does the mileage really get anything better than a stickshift commuter car (like an escort that can get 40-50mpg hwy) and when weighed down would it be better than my jetta (29-32 mpg mixed hwy and city average)? I'd be willing to look like a futuristic goof if I could still get somewhere arround 80-100mpg on gas only but I guess we will have to wait and see.

Caeden Vintori report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

sub-$20,000 would be more appealling

Dec 18, 2007 07:37     

I think it would be more appealling if it was under $20,000.00. It would be better if one had a choice of engines or motors or a combo of both; the price would depend on what one chooses. It would be neat if the gas part of the hybrid was a bio-diesel or a fuel cell. :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fuelcelvehicles (IIRC on the URL). :) http://www.aptera.com/ Here is the link for the site.
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

Nice! too bad...

Dec 18, 2007 13:54     

Too bad the vast majority of America puts fuel consuption second to performance... I see people asking for engine options, I'm suprised I don't see people asking for the 0-60 and top speeds. Also, I would go to say that this vehicle most likely turns with the back wheel because those front tires don't look like they are going anywhere. I think this car would be perfect and its a step in the right direction. I'm 22, I've totalled too many cars to say... I've had my fun in fast cars and I've grown out of the stage. Now I just want something that will get me from point a to point b efficiently and be able to listen to my music so I can enjoy the ride.

JackCrackerMan report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

Just may be

Dec 19, 2007 06:34     

the car that makes me take a $30,000 plunge into debt.
lou report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

do both?

Dec 19, 2007 07:43     

I think this vehicle shows that one can have performance and fuel economy. :) I think it is a cool design. Not every one wants or needs to have four wheels. I like three wheel vehicles. :)
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

This is my dream car!

Dec 19, 2007 08:11     

As a fan of efficiency, as well as a fan of electric vehicles, this Aptera is basically just what I've always wanted, but could never find. (because it didn't exist) I am also a big fan of Sci-Fi and love the ultra-futuristic styling... This thing looks more like a spacecraft than a car. I LOVE IT!
Tron report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

futuristic styling

Dec 19, 2007 12:05     

Yea, futuristic styling if we lived in the 1960s and 70s and thought the future was going to be like the Jetson's. With that said, I would definitely get one if it was sub 20K depending on the efficiency of the battery charge and after the reviews come out after it has been out for atleast 6 months or so.
Louis report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

I drive only 4.2 miles from my driveway to my parki...

Dec 20, 2007 05:27     

I drive only 4.2 miles from my driveway to my parking space at work. I own a 1994 Impala SS. When I was driving more than 22 miles one way, I got a good 26mpg. Now I'm lucky to get 17mpg. Worse in Winter and in Winter I get oil-foam on my rocker arms. I've been looking at the Carver (www.flytheroad.com). Think a Trike, with enclosed two passenger seating and the cockpit leans. The have 3 models starting at less than $17,000us. I've just about decided there's something which'll pry my beast from my cold dead hand while I'm still alive. Only issue is that we really still need a 4 seater since we have two kids.

Stromm report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

commutercars.com

Dec 20, 2007 09:34     

Want a peek at a serious below-the-radar contender for an EV solution, check out: http://commutercars.com/ Pure electric, compact, safe and stable. And zip to boot.
bah humbug report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Electric Vehicle: EVs not hybrids

Dec 20, 2007 11:44     

The all-electric version now available is not a hybrid, it's a pure EV and the gas mileages is nearly infinite. Power-plant emissions are always mentioned; petroleum-refining emissions, never (forget drilling, shipping, armed protection of foreign oil fields...) when gas-burners and EVs are compared. Old reporting habits die hard. The writer says: "gasoline expense would be completely diminished" instead of just saying that EVs never need petro-fuels.

Hugh E Webber report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Air Conditioning?

Dec 20, 2007 15:07     

Air conditioning would suck battery power like a leech, and in some locations you about have to use it.
Mark Stucky report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

wheel won't leave ground

Dec 20, 2007 15:22     

The wheels won't leave the ground. The way they design the center of gravity and such, the wheel won't leave the ground, even where it might in the case of an SUV. Wind, no problem because of aerodynamics. Hard turns? I saw a video of this car zooming around turns to the point where the tires screeched. It hugged the ground nicely, no wheels in the air. They also make sure it meets regular car safety standards. The bumper is high enough, also, so no worries there. Give these guys some credit! $30000 for a 2.5 seater that goes 300 mpg? Actually, that number varies for different conditions. With short trips, the gas might not turn on at all. For a 120 mile trip starting on a full battery, it is supposed to have 230 MPG. And when only using gas, it is supposed to be 130 mpg.

jeff report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

defrost and heat

Dec 21, 2007 13:22     

In the midwest a electric car wont cut it because of the current needed for the heat and defrost but I can see myself getting the hybred. [Just install a 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine, and use the exhaust as the heat source, and the power from the engine to charge the batteries. :) -Rick]
Hydro report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -2

$30k is impossible

Dec 21, 2007 19:45     

Great styling and a well thought out shape, but there is simply no way a small volume carbon composite vehicle with the loads of electronics can be produced for that price. Maybe double that if they are lucky.
bgd report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Miles per dollars, not MPG

Dec 21, 2007 20:43     

When I read people talk about the milage this vehicle gets, the cost of the electricity used to charge the batteries seems not to be acounted for. I would like to know how many miles per kilowatt this car will get. I could se myself buying this vehicle, but not untill it gets a stability concrol system. (BRP has a stability control system on their three wheeled motorcycle.) I worry about driving this thing in the snow though. With only one tire providing propulsion and that tire riding in the center of the lane where all of the snow and slush accumulate.

PJBerndt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

0 - 60 ?

Dec 21, 2007 21:25     

I know that you trace fuel efficiency for performance. So I wonder how many minutes will it take to get from 0 to 60 MPH with a 300 MPG power plant?
9Nails report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Wipers??

Dec 22, 2007 00:17     

What do you do when it rains??
2 Weels report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Give em a break

Dec 26, 2007 21:24     

Have you people ever thought just what it takes to come up with an idea like this and acutally get it any where near the production stage? This car is awsome! It may not be the perfect car for the guy that wants a hole shot off of every red light, or the person with kids but there is a definate place for a car like this in this world. You have to give the designers credit for at least pushing themselves and other manufactures in the right direction. I can't wait until it hits the open market and see just how well it performs. They are looking towards the future for all of us. It may become a little slower pace on the roadway but well worth it for the future of the humane race

bill report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

Needs to have seating increased

Dec 31, 2007 02:54     

This car needs to have the seating increased to at least 4 seats, 4 FULL seats. I have a small family of 3, myself included, and cannot contemplate the issues that having a 2.5 seater would cause. Drop the "efficiency" 30 MPG to add the extra 2 seats, great, still better efficiency than 90% of what is out on the road. Add regenerative breaking and a few other features and you are all set, like "3 wheel drive" by having weaker motors in the front wheels, that you use in inclimate weather, or other disasters.

Onoitsu2 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

4 sit?

Jan 01, 2008 14:36     

Most American drive alone, why they should target the family market if the car design for you work week? Also, if they add 2 more sit, they need to make the triangle bigger. Than, it won't be a enclose motocycle at all.
Lawrence report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

In reference to defrost

Jan 03, 2008 11:47     

It is easy to install a 2kW heating coil in one of these cars (defrost and heat). The down side is it will probably reduce your range by 10 miles in the winter when lead acid batteries perform the worst. That is bound to change with new batteries. It is a problem of energy density (in batteries) not a problem of being able to build it.
Paul Wowk report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Wipers? There is a large wiper at the base of the ...

Jan 04, 2008 23:44     

Wipers? There is a large wiper at the base of the windscreen hidden underneath the cowl. Why? because it puts it out of the windstream and cuts down on aerodynamic drag thus adding the efficiency of the car. 0-60 times are 10 seconds (prius territory). The front wheels turn and move just like all other vehicles, but especially like super performing open wheel race cars (F1 and Indy). The wheel covers move with the front wheels. It is not made from Carbon composites (expensive). It will not be sold (at first) outside of California. It uses a heat pump for heating/cooling and the roof solar panels add energy to the system. They will sell more of the hybrid ones because most customers don't want to worry about range. (the EV problem yet to be solved..) The aerodynamics are such that the faster you go, the more the vehicle sucks towards the ground. (angle of attack) Also, you have a large stabilizing "fin" that will keep it straight and steady. The mileage number was NOT arrived at by hypermiling.

WS report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +5

Popular Mechanics review

Jan 24, 2008 15:57     

Here's the website: http://www.popularmechanics.co...l?page=6, check it out, they seem to be pretty impressed with it. By the way Prof. B., the 300 mpg estimate was determined by the engineers, they don't have a working prototype yet, so it couldn't have been hyper-miling.
Dane report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

why don't it have more seats

Jan 25, 2008 10:27     

most of american has children and it only has two seats
matthew report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Hell, I'd be happy with one seater

Feb 28, 2008 20:07     

I'm single and long term gf free. I'd say 99% of my travel is one person oriented. For that other 1% we take their car.. I do agree with the comment of momentum. Basic physics dictates a very light car hitting a large vehicle would be a mosquito on the other car's bumper. That being said I'd probably take the risk for the planet, cuz that's really what's at stake here.
Pete Dixon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

carbon footprint

Jun 07, 2008 02:53     

Carbon footprint seems to be the catch-phrase. It depends on where your power comes from. I live near many hydro-electric dams and wind generated power, so EVs make sense here if the commute is within range. If you get yours from coal, it's a little more polluting, yet probably still better than 25mpg. Also, what does your electricity cost? Even if it runs on the gas engine constantly at 130mpg, I'll take it. That's 3 times better than my motorcycle, with stereo, heater, and no helmets. Many have wondered about 2 seats. Lots of cars have two seats as do motorcycles, lots of folks have those, and a family car (as someone stated earlier). I have a feeling that the car is targeted toward commuting to work (where people blow most of their fuel), not camping. I'm sure that if it is a success, a 4 seater will come. But 30 large, how long does it take to see my savings (return on investment), 5-8 years? I guess it depends on what your comparing it to and the average cost of fuel over time. I wonder how conforatable it is. Probably not, but it will get better quickly. My first impression was "A small plane without wings". My second impression was "It's the unltimate expression of a nerd". When I heard it got 300mpg, I will be that nerd!

dude report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

A/C and

Jun 29, 2008 01:22     

I've been keeping up with the Aptera's progress and am looking forward to purchasing one asap! Had to throw my 2 cents in however, sumbody commented, how much power would th A/C would suck up. The Aptera's roof doubles as a solar panel that powers the climate control. Why hasn't anybody else thought of this!? When it's hot, the SUN is out! Let's run that power robbing A/C off the SUN! ^_^ Somebody asked about 0-60 time, and it's specs state 10 second range 0-60 times Not suprising as an electric motor willingly delivers it's full horsepower/torque capability immediately as opposed to the power curve every combustion engine is limited to. I also remember reading somewhere that if the first model is successfull (i suspect it will be plenty successful) There may be a 4 seater in the near future. Oh, and don't let 3 wheels fool you, it's very stable and the funky design has shown to be safe in virtual crash testing. Guess the road will provide the true crash testing... I don't think they want 2 mash up too many considering they are a relatively small company still... ^_^ Have a great day everybody!! -Aaron- This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Aaron report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

inventer and specializing in elcetric and steam as well as hydroelectric

Oct 09, 2008 14:54     

I am very interested on more imfo.please email me your phone no. you can call 1336 229 1243. thanks col. paul brim
col.paul brim report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

top speed?

Oct 18, 2008 23:10     

what is the top speed for this car i have some highway traveling on my daily commute and was just wondering if it would be able to maintain a speed of 70mph.
biggy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

gm stock is like 4.67 ford is like 2.00

Oct 28, 2008 12:20     

4 wheels and performance? this car is not about that its about mpg--new thinking, maybe if other car mfg's were worried about it thier stocks would be higher? bankrupt? sweet car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
scot report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

educate yourself...

Nov 29, 2008 15:23     

the world will change without you! if you don't go with it you WILL be left behind~ and nobody will help you with your lack of insight~ good luck painting mine black!
d report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Top speed: over 85 mph

Dec 03, 2008 12:25     

They are aiming for an electronically-limited top speed of over 85 mph. Most likely, the limit is in place so they can make range guarantees. Range drops significantly at higher speeds due to aerodynamic drag, and they are trying to milk the most range out of the batteries on the electric model. Good luck to them. I hope they are successful enough to expand sales outside of California so I can buy one.

IanO report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0