Aptera, LoReMo (Low Resistance Mobile), and Zap are all working on vehicles based on this concept. Aptera is way ahead of the curve because the hull is composed of carbon fibre and their plug-in hybrid is to have an electric drivetrain with an onboard gasoline powered generator.

Electric drivetrains are inherently safer and more reliable than internal combustion engines and do not require transmissions or exhaust systems. We knew this in 1910, and we are rediscovering these truths in the 21st century.

LoReMo by comparison is to be diesel TDI driven with a metal chassis, and the Zap is to be electric only with an aluminum chassis.

Thus the Aptera is theoretically the best combination of available technologies to leapfrog traditional auto makers for a mild climate dedicated commute vehicle. It offers the best combination of drivetrain (plug-in hybrid w onboard gas generator), chassis (ultra low drag coeficient carbon fibre for low weight, rigidity, and safety), and low rolling resistance.

The ability to utilize the HOV lane is critical in the market appeal of this vehicle. Unless we are prepared to rebuild our cities and turn the suburbs back into farmland the highly efficient commuter car is critical to our dilemma. Presumably, 4 wheel vehicles may follow the success of this first model. Four wheels are essential for dealing with ice and snow.

The only possible improvement to the Aptera hybrid would be a diesel powered generator that could comply with CARB. That would probably require a German partnership.

If Smart Car (or even Mini) had been forward thinking enough to put TDI’s into their U.S. models, we would be much further down the road towards updating our Carter era CAFE standards. The TDI is the critical missing piece in the U.S. Only after the TDI comes to the U.S. in quantity, will we begin to see a shift in public perception around efficiency standards.

Aptera, LoReMo (Low Resistance Mobile), and Zap are all working on vehicles based on this concept. Aptera is way ahead of the curve because the hull is composed of carbon fibre and their plug-in hybrid is to have an electric drivetrain with an onboard gasoline powered generator.

Electric drivetrains are inherently safer and more reliable than internal combustion engines and do not require transmissions or exhaust systems. We knew this in 1910, and we are rediscovering these truths in the 21st century.

LoReMo by comparison is to be diesel TDI driven with a metal chassis, and the Zap is to be electric only with an aluminum chassis.

Thus the Aptera is theoretically the best combination of available technologies to leapfrog traditional auto makers for a mild climate dedicated commute vehicle. It offers the best combination of drivetrain (plug-in hybrid w onboard gas generator), chassis (ultra low drag coeficient carbon fibre for low weight, rigidity, and safety), and low rolling resistance.

The ability to utilize the HOV lane is critical in the market appeal of this vehicle. Unless we are prepared to rebuild our cities and turn the suburbs back into farmland the highly efficient commuter car is critical to our dilemma. Presumably, 4 wheel vehicles may follow the success of this first model. Four wheels are essential for dealing with ice and snow.

The only possible improvement to the Aptera hybrid would be a diesel powered generator that could comply with CARB. That would probably require a German partnership.

If Smart Car (or even Mini) had been forward thinking enough to put TDI’s into their U.S. models, we would be much further down the road towards updating our Carter era CAFE standards. The TDI is the critical missing piece in the U.S. Only after the TDI comes to the U.S. in quantity, will we begin to see a shift in public perception around efficiency standards.

Aptera, LoReMo (Low Resistance Mobile), and Zap are all working on vehicles based on this concept. Aptera is way ahead of the curve because the hull is composed of carbon fibre and their plug-in hybrid is to have an electric drivetrain with an onboard gasoline powered generator.

Electric drivetrains are inherently safer and more reliable than internal combustion engines and do not require transmissions or exhaust systems. We knew this in 1910, and we are rediscovering these truths in the 21st century.

LoReMo by comparison is to be diesel TDI driven with a metal chassis, and the Zap is to be electric only with an aluminum chassis.

Thus the Aptera is theoretically the best combination of available technologies to leapfrog traditional auto makers for a mild climate dedicated commute vehicle. It offers the best combination of drivetrain (plug-in hybrid w onboard gas generator), chassis (ultra low drag coeficient carbon fibre for low weight, rigidity, and safety), and low rolling resistance.

The ability to utilize the HOV lane is critical in the market appeal of this vehicle. Unless we are prepared to rebuild our cities and turn the suburbs back into farmland the highly efficient commuter car is critical to our dilemma. Presumably, 4 wheel vehicles may follow the success of this first model. Four wheels are essential for dealing with ice and snow.

The only possible improvement to the Aptera hybrid would be a diesel powered generator that could comply with CARB. That would probably require a German partnership.

If Smart Car (or even Mini) had been forward thinking enough to put TDI’s into their U.S. models, we would be much further down the road towards updating our Carter era CAFE standards. The TDI is the critical missing piece in the U.S. Only after the TDI comes to the U.S. in quantity, will we begin to see a shift in public perception around efficiency standards.

I bought a 1996 Geo two weeks ago, it can beat 60 mpg with its 3 cyc, 5 speed. I don’t drive it for its good looks, though the Aptera design is a nice side effect. I saw a “Smart 4 Two” today and the guy paid over $20,000. to get 44 mpg. I have had a half dozen cheaper used cars that could do that.

If you want change you have to support it! What is the cost of a Prius? Not much different and you still only get 42-49 mpg, unless you are into “pulse & glide” driving techniques. I am #2505 on Aptera’s list and $500. was nothing if it helps to change the demands being placed on Detroit auto makers.

I bought a 1996 Geo two weeks ago, it can beat 60 mpg with its 3 cyc, 5 speed. I don’t drive it for its good looks, though the Aptera design is a nice side effect. I saw a “Smart 4 Two” today and the guy paid over $20,000. to get 44 mpg. I have had a half dozen cheaper used cars that could do that.

If you want change you have to support it! What is the cost of a Prius? Not much different and you still only get 42-49 mpg, unless you are into “pulse & glide” driving techniques. I am #2505 on Aptera’s list and $500. was nothing if it helps to change the demands being placed on Detroit auto makers.

I bought a 1996 Geo two weeks ago, it can beat 60 mpg with its 3 cyc, 5 speed. I don’t drive it for its good looks, though the Aptera design is a nice side effect. I saw a “Smart 4 Two” today and the guy paid over $20,000. to get 44 mpg. I have had a half dozen cheaper used cars that could do that.

If you want change you have to support it! What is the cost of a Prius? Not much different and you still only get 42-49 mpg, unless you are into “pulse & glide” driving techniques. I am #2505 on Aptera’s list and $500. was nothing if it helps to change the demands being placed on Detroit auto makers.