Though it’s easy to forget now that we’re in the midst of a major economic crisis, only a few months ago the crisis du jour involved gasoline. And while gas prices may have dropped for the moment, the pressing need to develop alternative means of transportation has not. The latest invention hitting the market with that goal in mind: the Aptera.
Seeing the Aptera parked on a residential street, it would be easy to think you somehow stumbled into “Back to the Future Part II”. With a design that’s one part motorcycle and one part spaceship, the Aptera is certainly something to behold. But it’s also something that may hint at the future of motor vehicles. The interior of the compact auto features two standard front seats, an infant seat in the back and enough storage room for 15 grocery bags or two sets of golf clubs. Among the more distinct traits of the Aptera: three wheels instead of four; doors that open DeLorean-style, rising upward rather outward; a 180-degree rear picture displayed in the driver’s field of vision; LED interior and exterior lighting; a solar-assisted climate-control system; and a RFID key fob for automatic entrance and ignition. The Aptera will first be available in an all-electric model (going into production at the end of year), powered by an electric drive train and expected to get up to 120 miles on a full charge.
The Aptera is the brainchild of Steve Fambro, an engineer who decided in 2003 to devote himself to inventing a passenger vehicle more fuel-efficient than anything ever produced. Fambro’s basic goal was to reduce drag to increase fuel efficiency, while still providing the safety and comfort drivers are accustomed. After his first prototype got 230 miles to the gallon, the project moved forward with an expanded team of skilled professionals. The resulting Aptera model soon to hit the market is like nothing else on the road. While the unique vehicle is registered as a motorcycle, Fambro and company made sure it exceeded crash requirements set for conventional cars. For those willing to give the Aptera a spin, the company also made sure the price was right. At $27,000 the All-Electric Aptera is not out of the stratosphere. And a hybrid Aptera expected to hit the market in early 2010 will also come in around $30,000. With the hybrid Aptera, the electric drive train will be assisted by a fuel-efficient gasoline-powered generator. In typical driving, Aptera makers estimate the hybrid may achieve the equivalent of 300 miles per gallon.
While the energy crisis has hurt a lot of consumer bank accounts, it’s also inspired a lot of independent inventors and entrepreneurs to take action. As a result, we’re seeing new, outside-the-box concept vehicles produced like never before (see the Myers Motors NmG for another prime example). But, with industry experts on staff and down-to-earth prices, Aptera may have an advantage over some of the other startups looking to convert fuel efficiency into big business. And Fambro believes, after the initial shock wears off, people will be open to accepting more offbeat vehicles. “I think as time goes on and everyone accepts that we’re in an energy-scarce world, cars will shift in styling," he said. "Twenty years from now, we’ll look at cars that waste energy the way we look at litter today. They will make us feel weird.” For now, Aptera is taking reservations for its all-electric model. A refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve an Aptera (applied toward the total cost at the time of purchase), and, in early 2009, the first owners will be invited to the factory to receive their vehicles.
Individuals can reserve the all-electric Aptera on the Aptera Motors Web site.
