With its sleek profile and unusual design, the Aptera Typ-1 looks like something from an episode of The Jetsons, and the start-up company behind the car hopes it can be a big part of lowering energy costs for drivers and moving the country toward energy independence.
Many drivers want the people making the Aptera Typ-1 to succeed. I, for one, would love to make the trip to the gas pump much less frequently.
The 1500-pound two-passenger vehicle reportedly gets 300 miles per gallon. You read that right.
The vehicle is technically a 2+1, but the website claims that the third is for a center infant seat, so three passengers only works for baby-on-boarders.
“I am thrilled to see American entrepreneurs finding ways to develop highly efficient ways for people to commute,” says Ron Sturgeon, a Dallas car collector and owner of an exotic car rental company in Dallas.
The Aptera Typ-1 is capable of about 95 miles per hour, and can travel 120 miles on a charge, double the range of many plug-in vehicles.
Technically, the Aptera Typ-1 isn’t a car at all. It’s classified as a motorcycle, but it exceeds many of the safety requirements of passenger cars, including rollover strength and door strength.
The interior of the Aptera Typ-1 features too roomy bucket seats and a wrap-around windshield that provides excellent visibility. The car does not have side mirrors. Instead, it has a central video monitor that assists drivers in avoiding accidents when backing the vehicle.
The Aptera Typ-1 features solar panels on the roof, which gather the sun’s energy to run the vehicle’s air conditioning system. Way Cool!
The fully electric Aptera Typ-1 will reportedly retail for around $27,000. The company is planning to release a hybrid model soon, which will retail for just under $30,000.
The Aptera site has excellent photos of the vehicle and gives those interested an opportunity to sign up for a newsletter about the Aptera. The company also is taking $500 deposits to reserve Apteras from California residents.
The company that will make the Aptera Type-1 is privately held. Initially, the vehicles will be available only in California because the Carlsbad-based company has the capacity to service buyers in that state.
“What is happening in the automotive industry right now is as exciting as any time in the thirty years that I have been involved in aspects of it,” says small business consultant and public speaker Ron Sturgeon.
“For those of us who believe passionately in capitalism and in the ability of entrepreneurs to solve America’s most pressing problems, the Aptera Typ-1 is exciting news,” said the Dallas luxury car rental agency owner.
The company website (http://www.aptera.com) has excellent videos of prototypes and of the celebration of the entry of the vehicle into the manufacturing phase.
Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.
