300 Miles Per Gallon! Aptera Motors Unveils Ultra Efficient All-Electric
and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles for Under $30K
Today, Aptera (Greek for
“Wingless Flight”)
officially unveiled two vehicles that could change the future of
automotive design. Aptera’s Typ-1 is a
radically different vehicle designed to marry advanced aerodynamics with
light-weight composite technology creating an incredibly powerful, yet
extremely safe vehicle that is a joy to drive - even for the most
performance-minded individuals. The Aptera Typ-1 will be available in
all-electric and hybrid models for less than $30,000 (£15,000), the
electric version slated for delivery in 2008 with the hybrid model to
follow. The all-electric model has a range of 120 miles. The plug-in
series hybrid has achieved more than 300 miles per gallon with a range
of more than 600 miles. Both versions are loaded with safety features.
Through extensive fluid dynamics
modelling and materials engineering, the Aptera team has created the
most efficient, lowest-drag shape that can surround two occupants
side-by-side, and has made safety a priority in the design.
Additionally, the car features three wheels, making it eligible for most
carpool lanes, even with only one person in the vehicle.
The car has “two
plus one” seating offering ample room for
driver and passenger while an infant seat (for newborns to age three)
can be located in the middle behind them. Storage room is also generous
with enough space to fit 15 bags of groceries, two full-size golf club
bags or even a couple of seven foot surf boards with the infant seat
removed.
The Aptera Typ-1 is loaded with safety
features. They include a front crumple zone, a front end that re-directs
crash energy in a frontal impact, steel and composite side and rollover
protection as well as driver and passenger side airbags.
The Aptera Typ-1 is available in two
models:
All Electric –
This model is powered exclusively with batteries and will get someone
around town for approximately 120 miles depending on driving conditions.
At night, simply plug the Aptera into any standard 110-volt outlet, and
in just a few hours, the vehicle will be fully charged and ready for
another 120 miles.
Plug-In Hybrid –
The Aptera hybrid is powered by an electric drive train but is also
assisted by a fuel-efficient gasoline-powered generator, which stretches
the range considerably. In typical driving, the hybrid Aptera may
achieve over 300 miles per gallon, a range far beyond any other
passenger vehicle available today.
The Aptera Typ-1 also offers features
that typically are not found on any vehicle, much less a hybrid or
all-electric model. Solar cells embedded under the roof operate an
always-on climate control system, ensuring the interior never gets too
hot or too cold. The dashboard display and infotainment system is
controlled by an in-vehicle computer, which also controls the
“Eyes Forward”
vision system. By replacing the side mirrors with embedded cameras that
display a 180-degree rear view in the front of the instrument panel,
Eyes Forward gives the driver complete situational awareness without
taking their eyes off of the road.
“Initial
response has been tremendous; validating our belief that future-minded
consumers want a vehicle that is sleek, safe, eco-conscious and
affordable. Through word-of-mouth alone, we’ve
already received more than 400 pre-sale deposits,”
added Fambro. Aptera
is currently raising additional capital to begin manufacturing.
