Aptera’s $26,000 Electric Car and 300 MPG Hybrid Coming Soon
For under $30,000, you will soon be able to buy an electric car with a 120 mile range, or a plug-in hybrid that gets 300 miles-per-gallon.
Sound like a fantasy, but this one could be coming to a dealer near you. Slated for release in late 2008, the company Aptera will be offering the initial limited release of their fully electric model Aptera Typ1, and the 300 mpg plug-in will follow in 2009.
- » See also: Is the Renault-Nissan Alliance Going in Two Different Electric Car Directions?
- » Get Gas 2.0 by RSS or sign up by email.
At first glance, this thing looks as ungainly and futuristic as other highly efficient, low-drag vehicles (it reminds me of a wingless Cessna 206). But before you pass judgment, check out the test drive video from Popular Mechanics. Also see the short video segment below. This thing cruises, topping out at 85 mph:
Aptera’s car is really a study in advanced aerodynamics. As the PM video points out, the Typ1 has embedded body panels, glass, and even windshield wipers to reduce drag. You’ll also notice it has only three wheels, which makes it legally registered in California as a motorcycle (and eligible for use of carpool lanes). It also has some nifty features, like recycled interior components, and embedded side and rear video cameras that replace side- and rear-view mirrors. Solar cells on the roof supplement internal climate control and shunt warm cabin air out the back of the vehicle—further improving efficiency and decreasing drag.
It should only take a few hours to charge the Typ1’s 10-kilowatt lithium-ion battery packs, at a cost of $1 to $2 (based on typical California electricity prices).
Aptera is currently taking refundable $500 reservations on their website.
More Electric Cars:
An Electric Car You Can Buy Today: The $20K TRIAC EV
Plug-In Hybrids Use Over 17 Times More Water Than Regular Cars, Researchers Say
Get 120 MPG Out of Your Prius (Plug It In)
The Sporty Future of Electrics Cars: the Lightning GT
For more information, see the following:
Aptera: www.aptera.com
Popular Mechanics (Nov. 20, 2007): 300-mpg, Electric Aptera Typ-1 Ready for 2008 Production
Popular Mechanics (Dec. 21, 2007): Aptera’s Super-MPG Electric Typ-1 e: Exclusive Video Test Drive
TreeHugger (Nov. 19, 2007): Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles
Photo Credit: Aptera
[...] lbs/mile of CO2 for the average US power grid mix, and 0.093 lbs/mile for the PG&E mix. The Aptera typ-1e creates 0.114 lbs/mile of CO2 for the average US power grid mix, and 0.044 lbs/mile for the [...]
Why do all the electric car designers think they need to make the car “futuristic”? Having something that looks like a run of the mill car would probably sell a lot better. I’m sure there design is well intentioned and probably help the cars get better range but drop it. If your car looks like a nerd would drive it then it aint going to sell. A car is as much about what others think of you as it is what you think of yourself. The Tesla is a great example. Look mostly like a regular car ergo people want to buy it. Even it is $100k+. These cars look stupid and that is why they aren’t selling.
This kind of work is inspiring. Even if the range and seating are limited it’s such a step in the right direction for everyone. How exciting to read about. Now all I’ve got to do is move to California, or wait a few years and hope it survives to make it out to me. This is such a positive development. Thanks for sharing the news!
I agree with Amber, Clayton and Alec. The last family trip we went on included me , my mom and dad, little sister, 2 brothers and our poodle. I too like sporty cars but family comes first. We would need a big electric powered mini van for us, or a car with four seats and we could leave my sister and brothers behind
:)P. JK, but we NEED TO BRING THE DOG
F=MA. I like things that are efficient and this Aptera, with it’s low drag co-efficient and lightweight body is quite efficient. When you put 4 people in instead of 1, it takes much more energy to go, resulting in less range, or bigger batteries. I’ve got a 80 mile one way commute, so I’m waiting for more range, but its a step in the right direction.
Maybe the hybrid will come out soon!
-Dean