Aptera wins breakthrough award from Popular Mechanics
Now that we're so close to the end of the year, perhaps it is finally fitting to ask: What's the biggest automotive breakthrough of 2008? Popular Mechanics has done just that, and their choice is the Aptera Typ-1e. This is the car that looks like a spaceship and is powered by electricity (with is a hybrid version expected to come sometime next year). Specifications for the electric Aptera promise a range of 120-miles following a full 8-hour charge. Much of its amazing efficiency comes from its shapely body, which was designed with one goal in mind: slipping through the air with the least resistance possible. The team achieved this goal rather admirably; the Typ-1e scores a drag coefficient of just 0.15, making it about the most slippery shape the roads have ever seen. Couple that with the relatively low price of around $30K and you've got yourself a winner ... or so says PM. Feel free to pick your own winner in our comments if you disagree.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Scatter 7:04AM (10/17/2008)
Do they have any plans to offer a larger battery? I guess it's a good way of keeping the weight and cost down but I'd be quite keen to have the option of a 200 mile range and 20kWh battery. Modular packs would be a handy feature.
As for picking winners, it's probably a year too early but I have high hopes for the e-Loremo which is following similar lightweight and aerodynamic lines but opts for a retro design which appeals to me more (although I do like the Aptera's lines a lot). Although it looks like I won't be able to fit in it :(
Reply
Will 10:49AM (10/17/2008)
I'm so glad to see their progress. I've been following these guys back when the only picture on their website looked like a fiberglass bathtub. I can't wait until you open up an East Coast distribution center.
Reply
rsbell 2:02PM (10/17/2008)
Mine is order, and I'm getting a bit tired of waiting! :)
Reply