Aptera’s three wheeler scoffs at Chevy Volt & Toyota plug-in hybrids
By Matt Jansen
Aptera is making design concepts and upcoming vehicles like the Chevy Volt and Toyota’s Hybrid X look like old hat. After all, who needs four wheels? The three-wheeled Aptera Typ-1 hit 230 miles-per-gallon during testing and pushes its design statement with two hatchback doors and a sleek teardrop form factor.
It’s becoming obvious that consumers are interested in more than incremental fuel efficiency improvements, and companies like GM, Toyota and Nissan are scrambling to meet the demand with electric cars that use gasoline as a backup fuel source: plug-in hybrids.
Aptera throws conventional design to the wind with its two passenger, three-wheeled Typ-1. It clearly distinguishes itself from the muscled Chevy Volt, and if Toyota continues to use the gently-curved Prius shape, the distinction will be clear there as well.
Founder of Aptera Steve Fambro said that he aimed to create a vehicle that was “safe, comfortable, and more fuel-efficient than any other vehicle ever produced,” according to the Center for American Progress.
The Type-1 will come in two flavors, as an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Right now Aptera is accepting reservations on its site.
From a marketability perspective, Aptera may have some ground to cover, as the design lends itself to questions surrounding stability and handling in tougher weather conditions. Other three wheelers like the VW GX3 also face an uphill battle, though each model is sure to offer its own unique experience. In its FAQ, Aptera indicates that the Typ-1 may not be appropriate for snow:
How will it work in the snow and cold climates, I live in the mountains in CA?
The Aptera will initially be designed for common lower altitude conditions in California. However, extensive testing for winter conditions is planned for the future.
Still, 230 miles-per-gallon is a compelling offer, and some people will enjoy the design statement as much or more than they enjoy saving the environment.
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Stumble It!
June 13th, 2008
Nothing like conning the public – Aptera uses three wheels for one and only one reason, and it’s not pretty : to have his silly machine classified as a motorcycle so that it doen’t have to pass any Federal safety standards. The Aptera is one weird looking rolling coffin. Now this ignorant writer Jensen is shilling this death trap. Feel good about all those whose bodeis are mangled in this little profit monket, Matt. Personally, you’re lucky I’m not anywhere near your stinking neck. The battery-only electric
technology is just as braindead as ever, regardless ofhow they wrap the package. They can’t do shit, and everyone knows it. Except Matt. You know, the auto expert.
June 13th, 2008
It seems the only one here who is braindead is jerry Cherry and the way how he attacks Matt is just unbelievable. Of course more and more electric cars will be seen in future. For example Th!nk is another one who is coming into the US market soon.
And the Aptera is anything else but a rolling coffin or death trap, in fact it exceeds many safety standard even for cars. From the Aptera website:
“For example, the Typ-1 roof is designed to EXCEED rollover strength requirements spelled out in FMVSS 216 for passenger vehicles. The doors EXCEED the strength requirement spelled out in FMVSS 214. We decided not just to meet many of the specs for passenger vehicles, which are set above and beyond the requirements for motorcycles, but we chose to exceed them whenever possible. Just a few of the many parts of the safety systems on the Typ-1 are airbag-in seatbelt technology, a front subframe and a firewall that redirect energy around the occupants.”
You should also check out their crash testing results!
Bernard is not right either:
Already on March 11, 2008 Aptera’s CEO Steve Fambro announced the total number of reservations is around 1,350.
June 13th, 2008
Wow Jerry, you seem terribly passionate about your hatred for the Aptera. You must either work for one of the oil companies, enjoy spending over $4 a gallon for gas, or you’re just plain ingnorant. It’s really a no brainer. The Aptera, with it’s potentially excellent fuel mileage (230 – 300mpg), is something our society needs as a step towards oil independence. You complain about the safety of the Aptera – it’s obviously safer than a motorcycle, and you you get the benefit of an enclosed climate-controlled space like a car. When you develope the vehicle that gets over 200mpg with the safety of a Hummer, please look me up Jerry. Otherwise, you’re sounding like a raving dumbass.
June 16th, 2008
How unfortunate the first poster is a retard. The Aptera website, web, and the library are filled with information regarding this concept. There are no reasons to doubt the capability and technology of this vehicle other than lack of knowledge or refusal of the facts. This country is hurting due to fuel cost and economic down turn. It’s very sad to read people with very narrow mind typing such idiotic comments, what a waste of oxygen…..
June 17th, 2008
When gas hits $11-$12 or higher a gallon – many will be either riding a bike or driving something with really good gas mileage.
June 17th, 2008
Maybe riding a horse like in the old days will be safer? Actually a lot of folks are hurt on motorcycles, but I think this aptera could easily have a roll cage if it doesn’t already.
June 18th, 2008
Interesting driving in other countries… Guess they go with what they have.
http://onemansblog.com/2008/02/06/absolutely-crazy-vietnamese-transportation/
January 5th, 2009
I find it quite ironic that Jerry whines about the safety of a vehicle offered to buyers with full disclosure about its abilities while simultaneous threatening physical violence against somebody. I think to be safe, it would be best to stay far away from Jerry.