Aptera has two innovative models that are almost production-ready at $30,000 and below: for next year, the all-electric, 120-mile-range Typ-1 e will be available; and, by 2009, the range-extended series gasoline Typ-1 h, which Aptera says will hit 300 mpg.
This "futuristic golf car" looks like its flimsy and just a toy. I wonder if they've done any crash testing on it. How sturdy are the body panels and how easily replaceable are they? How does it do in a collision with an 18-wheeler? It's going to be hard to convince many people that a car like that is safer on the roads than an SUV.
The full story can be found here. The site uses heaps of flash animations and the article plus pics is 11 pages in length. Having a modest net connection makes reading this article, painfully slow going. The video although incredibly thorough is another painful watching experience !
Nevertheless the plan is to have a vehicle that goes 120 miles on a single lithium-phosphate pack charge for 2008, with a 300-mpg model to follow by 2009.
Aptera is also mentioned in Wired's new cover story as one of several early front-runners for the Automotive X Prize."
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Update
The Aptera has just been recognized as one of the Top 10 New World-Changing Innovations of 2008.
