Video: Aptera Typ-1 moves into production

Posted Thu Mar 27 2008 1:13 PM by Nelson Ireson

Already we've seen preproduction versions of Aptera's aerodynamic plug-in hybrid reviewed by several major publications, on TV and on movie sets. Now the company is ready to move into production, having raised enough money to support the manufacturing process, the company is now beginning to hire workers and conduct advanced crash testing. It looks like Aptera just might achieve their goal of delivering the first customer Typ-1 in 2008.

The plug-in hybrid has already established a place for itself in the mainstream media thanks not only to it's dramatic and futuristic appearance, but for its ability to back up the manufacturer's claims. With designer Jason Hill, whose previous work includes the Porsche Carrera GT and the Smart car on board, the vehicle has moved from concept to reality in just nine months.

A complete reconceptualization of the passenger car, the Aptera uses technology more often associated with aircraft than automobiles. The extreme teardrop shape, composite material construction, light weight and three-wheel configuration make the Aptera look something like a wingless plane - an apt comparison, considering 'aptera' is Greek for 'wingless flight.'

Expected pricing is around $30,000 and with an estimated fuel economy of 300mpg and an all-electric range of 120mi, it looks to be king of the efficiency hill once it makes it to full production. Of course, that assumes Aptera can scale the even more difficult heights of full crash testing, mass production and quality control.

Reader Comments

Thu Mar 27 2008 3:39 PM
Knight3058 says

I wish them luck in getting this wingless bird off the ground.
Thu Mar 27 2008 5:23 PM
Gus says

I would love to have one.
I would love to drive one.
But I will say it over and over again, crash tests do not show what happens when you hit something with twice (Ford Taurus) or 3x (Expedition) the mass.
Crash tests only show what happens when you hit another Aptera, which in the real world, is unlikely.
Gas isn't so expensive yet that I'm willing to risk my safety...
Thu Mar 27 2008 7:25 PM
MARK says

I will buy one if they came onto the aussie market. Its true Gus that hitting a bigger car will always be a problem when driving a small car but in countrys that have a lot of smaller cars like the UK its not so much of a problem.
Thu Mar 27 2008 7:35 PM
RB says

I hope this project goes well - its the first electric vehicle which also looks cool!

I think it will go down well in Europe as well as the UK - its interesting that it is made in the US where big cars and cheap petrol reign (for now)! - At least in OZ the cars are on the whole more euro sized even if petrol is still seriously cheap!

Yes I agree about hitting a larger car but if its tested to ENCAP at least its a test result which can be compared to other vehicles scores relatively. It will be interesting to see how it gets on as I expect it will be a very stiff structure.
Thu Mar 27 2008 8:45 PM
Gus says

Yes, I agree that in Europe it would be much safer, since the average car is much smaller.
Is that true for Australia as well? I thought they love SUV's and medium size (Pontiac G8, or similar) cars there like the Americans do, since gas is cheaper and there's more room there to drive and park, or am I mistaken?
Thu Mar 27 2008 8:46 PM
Gus says

Personally I hope that in the future all cars are made from carbon-fiber. Maybe someday that will be cheaper than it is today. So much fuel savings could be realized this way...
Sun Apr 13 2008 3:33 PM
jon says

i agree with u Gus they should put cars in carbon-fiber cause it save gas and it lite and its also strong thats wut i heard....
Wed Jun 4 2008 11:46 PM
mike says

Why do people think twice about driving in an enclosed 3 wheel vehicle with safety features and airbags? People travel on motorcycles all of the time.... Imagine hitting an Aptera while riding one of those..who would win?

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