The ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera - pics

[Kadie]

Aptera Vice President and Chief Engineer Tom Reichenbach shows off the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.


Media surround the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.


Aptera CEO and President Paul Wilbur shows off the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.


Media surround the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year


The interior of the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle is seen during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.


The electric motor of the ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle is seen during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.


The ultra-aerodynamic all-electric Aptera 2e production-intent vehicle is driven past a jet fueling truck during its unveiling in Carlsbad, California April 14, 2010. The company hopes to have the Lithium Ion nano-phosphate battery-powered two-passenger vehicle, which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving, in production within one year.

[Greyskye]

1. I was really drooling over the Aptera before I was laid off a year ago.

Now I just look and go "ah well..."...

It's a sweet design, I hope they do well.

Is there a link to this article?

[kayakjohnny]

2. Here is their main site...

http://www.aptera.com/

[KonaKane]

3. It looks flimsy

Like one decent bump in the road will cause it fly into ten different pieces. Just a first impression.

[IDemo]

4. It's anything but

This previously unheard of level of efficiency is delivered by the Aptera 2e's aerodynamically designed, lightweight composite body that is so strong it can withstand a blow form a 5lb sledge hammer without so much as a dent. The body's strength is augmented by a collection of traditional safety features like 3 point pre-tensioning seat belts, dual front and side airbags, front and rear crumple zones and side impact door beams.

http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/teams/aptera

[LostInAnomie]

7. I agree.

Looks like a small bump from another vehicle would render it useless. I would never buy a three wheeled car anyway.

[IDemo]

5. That's a vehicle I might actually trade in the truck for

I virtually never drive outside of the range of the Aptera, and electricity is dirt cheap and relatively clean here (hydro/gas mix).

Wish they'd left off the black trim around the wheel covers though. I like the concept vehicle's looks better:

[jmowreader]

6. The back reminds me of the Dale

The Dale was a three-wheeled car powered by a motorcycle engine. It was supposed to get all these super high mpg numbers and be super safe...plus it only cost $2000.

The Dale was designed by Dale Clift, who was paid $1001 in cash, a check for $2000 and the promise of a royalty on every car sold. It was to be marketed by the Twentieth Century Motor Car Corporation, which was owned by a tall 200-pound woman named Liz Carmichael...who was once a tall 200-pound man named Jerry Dean Michael. Ms. Carmichael went to prison for fraud, Mr. Clift's $2000 payment check bounced, there was only one car ever made and...well, hilarity all around.

[IDemo]

9. I remember the Dale

Came out about the same time frame as the DeLorean, if I recall. And that would be the only thing it had in common..

[alittlelark]

8. I pre-ordered one over a year ago.

A $500 deposit got me the 1,987th slot.

I sincerely hope they actually get to market w/it.
I'm a little concerned.

[azul]

11. I be # 86, still,

and I have since converted a 914 to electric after Aptera's missed deadlines, now that LiFePO4 batteries have finally made electrics viable. I've had my solar panels up and ready for over 2 years waiting, waiting. Couldn't wait no more.

A 3-wheeler is considered a motorcycle. I was quoted a weight of 800lbs and a cost of around $26k when I made the deposit.

[Gold Metal Flake]

10. Is this the car which has a top speed of 90MPH and 100 miles EPA combined city/highway driving?

Seriously, this is an all-electric that I could commute with. My commute is 45 miles total, which is just beyond the stated limit of most ECs, but I have large hills to contend with which reduces the range. This would work and still be able to run an errand during the day or go off-site for lunch. Perfect!

[gmoney]

12. would be tough to drive around here, being SO low to the ground

it's hard enough in an Accord with 90% of the other vickles* being minivans, pick-ups, or SUVs.

*in Ohio, apparently we're now supposed to pronounce "vehicles" as "vickles" -- rhymes with "pickles."

[Forkboy]

13. Looks like an electric razor with wheels to me.

:shrug: