Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Speak No Evil: Latest Aptera newsletter stays mum about company turmoil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Aptera Motors has been in the news recently because there's been a lot of trouble behind the scenes, with company founder Steve Fambro being let go and the vehicle being pushed back to 2010. The latest company email newsletter is out and it mentions three items:
  1. An Aptera 2e that was on display at the Reliant Football Stadium in Houston, Texas for the Texan/Titans game five days ago.
  2. That the company is resubmitting its application to the DOE, now that three-wheelers can be considered.
  3. Some information on "Aptera's Beach Body" and the evolution of the 2-series composite body.
Can you see what's missing? The official website, too, doesn't mention the trouble. We can understand that the company doesn't want to spend all of its communication bandwidth on problems it is having, but to not acknowledge them in any way gives off a bad feeling. Combine this with what we've heard (but haven't proved) about the Aptera website's RSS news feed being recoded to reduce the number of stories that show up about the troubles, and it's not exactly looking transparent over at there. Here's hoping for a bit more sunlight. Thanks to Richard H. for the tip!

[Source: Aptera]

Speak No Evil: Latest Aptera newsletter stays mum about company turmoil originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsSat, 28 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera Update: Backstory uglier than we knew?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/aptera-update-backstory-uglier-than-we-knew/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/aptera-update-backstory-uglier-than-we-knew/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/aptera-update-backstory-uglier-than-we-knew/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Electric automaker Aptera has had a very tough week, starting with news of a boardroom showdown last weekend over money troubles - which were then walked back a bit. During the week, we've been hearing that the problems run deeper than we expected, and Karen Pease from Gas 2.0 believes she has put more pieces of the tale together.

First, it's important to know about Laura Marion, who is CFO at Aptera, but she also worked at Delphi, where she was cited by the SEC (PDF) for massive accounting fraud and ended up paying a $40,000 fine. Marion came to Aptera with Paul Wilbur, now Aptera's CEO, who had previously worked at ASC and Saleen (pretty much as those companies were going bankrupt). Wilbur was behind the firings last week, and the Gas 2.0 writeup (a must read) cites an anonymous employee who was liveblogging the recent firings saying that, "Paul Wilbur has just sacrificed the company to line his own pockets. Crap, I'm crying. [...] Seems to think suspending operations til govt$$ come in will make him a rich man. So sad for [Aptera founder] Steve Fambro, he's a great guy being ruined."

We asked Wilbur for a statement, and he sent AutoblogGreen a replying saying:

We have assembled a world-class team that has the full support of our board. We and our board are confident that we have the people and resources needed to bring the most innovative electric vehicle to market as soon as possible.

This story is not over, not by a long shot.

Gallery: Aptera 2e final design renderings


[Source: Gas 2.0]

Aptera Update: Backstory uglier than we knew? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsbreakingfambrolaura marionLauraMarionpaul wilburPaulWilburstebe fambroStebeFambrosteve fambroSteveFambroFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/officially-official-aptera-production-pushed-back-to-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If anybody is still wondering whether Aptera, despite the recent commotion, will deliver one of their flightless wonders by Christmas, they can officially cease speculating. They're not, and the release date has now been pushed back to some undefined time in 2010. Hopefully, the delay won't be a full year as it was the last time they announced delivery postponement. According to the company, fund raising efforts didn't keep pace with vehicle development and so they're taking measures to slow the burn, as it were. One of those unfortunate actions involved laying off an unspecified number of employees, though one of them, co-founder Steve Fambro, has said he will resume his role next year. Addressing the situation he said:
Right now my advanced work is a lower priority for Aptera. We've got to be wholly focused on funding and getting the first 2e on the road. Paul's leadership and (chief engineer) Tom Reichenbach's talent have led to changes in the vehicle that are spot-on. They've made the vehicle safer, it's better handling and more comfortable. Once we get through this stage, we'll begin mass producing the 2e - the most aerodynamic and efficient vehicle in the world.
Sounds reasonable to us, and it's no doubt reassuring for patiently waiting customers to have official communication from the firm. However, one can't help but wonder why they didn't head this chaotic episode off at the pass by making this announcement in a more timely fashion. The emotional investment of nearly 4,000 reservation-holding fans might be just as important as seeking further financial investment. In any event, the official press release awaits after the break.

[Source: Aptera Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010

Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Aptera2010ApteraApteraAptera 2eAptera2ebreakingproduction delayProductionDelaySteve FambroSteveFambroWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera update: Vacation instead of ousters?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/aptera-update-vacation-instead-of-ousters/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/aptera-update-vacation-instead-of-ousters/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/aptera-update-vacation-instead-of-ousters/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're still waiting for an official response from Aptera Motors on the ouster of top company members Steve Fambro, Chris Anthony and others, but Popular Mechanics has been able to get a bit more information about the "boardroom showdown" and it may not be as bad as first rumored.

First, it seems that Fambro has not left. Instead, he is making use of his saved vacation time. As head of the company's advanced concepts group, his job isn't directly tied to delivering Job One, and chief marketing officer Marques McCammon told PM that, "We needed to reduce our burn rate on anything not associated with getting a production vehicle out the door." Fambro remains on the board and will come back to the company next year after the final round of funding closes. He told PM that, "Some folks were let go, and since they hadn't seen me around - they put two and two together and made a fairly large and incorrect assumption." Fambro also made clear that the evolving design of Aptera's first vehicle is all for the best.

Anthony, for his part, was not asked to leave and is instead focusing on his other companies, Epic Boats and battery management systems company Flux Power. So, everyone cool now?


Gallery: Aptera 2e final design renderings


[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Aptera update: Vacation instead of ousters? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2eapteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsbreakingchris anthonyChrisAnthonySteve FambroSteveFambrotyp 1typ 2Typ1typ2Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More on the trouble at Aptera, cash may be running out]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/more-on-the-trouble-at-aptera-cash-may-be-running-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/more-on-the-trouble-at-aptera-cash-may-be-running-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/more-on-the-trouble-at-aptera-cash-may-be-running-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

While Aptera has yet to respond to our request for a comment about about the reported turmoil there, Darryl Siry has apparently been able to talk to some people close to the situation. Reporting in Wired, Siry confirms that founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony are out, along with a number of other staffers.

In many respects, what is happening at Aptera parallels the situation at Tesla in late 2007 when an idealistic founder butted up against the realities of actually delivering a product to paying customers. When auto industry veterans like Paul Wilbur were brought in to help bring the 2e to fruition, they realized that the constraints put on the vehicle by the original designers would make it much more difficult to sell beyond the cadre of early adopters. The design changes that were pushed through delayed production by over a year and, with it, any revenues from sales.

At the same time all of this was happening, the ability to raise further cash from the capital markets had evaporated and, while new legislation passed last month makes companies like Aptera eligible for ATVM loans, that money has yet to be approved or disbursed. As we all know by now, regardless of what the energy source is, the auto industry runs on cubic miles of cash.

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Wired]

More on the trouble at Aptera, cash may be running out originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsaptera-motorsAptera2eApteraMotorscashcash crunchCashCrunchMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[RUMORMILL: Aptera co-founders booted, staff slashed!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-aptera-co-founders-booted-staff-slashed/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-aptera-co-founders-booted-staff-slashed/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-aptera-co-founders-booted-staff-slashed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A website devoted to following the development of that futuristic vision of automotive efficiency known as the Aptera has spent much of the month of November in stomach-knotting suspense as rumors began flowing that CEO Paul Wilbur and company directors were planning significant staff cuts (thread here). According to multiple anonymous sources, the blood-letting began in earnest on Thursday when the top fabrication engineer and supervisor (and aluminum jewelery maker) Tim Dine was axed and continued when word trickled out that co-founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony had also been ousted, along with 30 percent of remaining employees.

We expect Aptera to release a statement soon addressing the situation. If true, the firings would seem to confirm recent speculation that the company was not going to hit its target of beginning production by the end of the year. An alleged final production version of the craft has only been seen in a computer rendering and communication from the firm has been, well, let's just say their Twitter feed has been tweetless for over a month. On the other hand, the company has recently re-applied for $75 million in DOE loans that, if successful, should lead to cars coming off the line. Eventually. Our fingers remain crossed.


[Source: ApteraForum]

RUMORMILL: Aptera co-founders booted, staff slashed! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApteraChris AnthonyChrisAnthonyfiringsfoundersre-organizationrumor millRumorMillSteve FambroSteveFambroSun, 15 Nov 2009 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera officially resubmits application for DOE loan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Not that it comes as a shock or anything, but word comes from Aptera (by way of Green Car Advisor) that it has officially resubmitted its application for DOE loans. The hopeful manufacturer of three-wheeled electric vehicles had previously submitted an application for funds from the DOE's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program, but the application was declined as the funds were only available for four-wheeled vehicles.

Now that President Obama and Congress have revised the ATVM program to include three-wheeled cars that can carry at least two passengers and return at least 75 miles per gallon (or the electrical equivalent, naturally), Aptera now qualifies for funding. As such, Aptera has updated its application for a $75 million loan.

The updated application still needs to be approved by the powers that be before any funds will be distributed, though it would seem that Aptera would be a shoe-in now that the program's guidelines have been revised.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Aptera officially resubmits application for DOE loan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive ProgramAdvanced Technology Vehicles ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing ATVM Loan programAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingIncentiveProgramAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAtvmLoanProgramapteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsatvmatvmpdoedoe fundsDoeFundsFri, 30 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

When congress established the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program in the 2007 energy bill, it explicitly said that it applied to making cars that come under the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Those safety standards apply only to vehicles with four or more wheels, meaning that three wheelers like the Aptera 2e were not eligible for the money.

This week, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law a bill that revises the $25 billion loan program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. The ATVM program now applies to high efficiency two- and three-wheelers that carry at least two people and get 75 mpg or more. Aptera is now revising and re-submitting its loan application based on the new rules. In spite of not being required to meet federal safety standards, Aptera has committed to passing all the crash requirements anyway. Now the company may be able to get some-low cost funding to help expand and get cars into customer hands.

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Aptera]

Continue reading President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers

President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive ProgramAdvanced Technology Vehicles ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing ATVM Loan programAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingIncentiveProgramAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAtvmLoanProgramapteraaptera 2eaptera motorsaptera-motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsatvmatvmlpFri, 30 Oct 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Aptera 2e leaked again on forum]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/production-aptera-2e-leaked-again-on-forum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/production-aptera-2e-leaked-again-on-forum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/production-aptera-2e-leaked-again-on-forum/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Just about a month ago, a rendering of what appears to be the final production-spec Aptera 2e showed up at apteraforum.com. As interesting as that image was, it only showed the futuristic machine from the rear three-quarter view, leaving us to wonder what changes had been made to the front fascia.

Wonder no more. Thanks to a new post at Aptera Forum, we get another glimpse of what's purported to be the production-spec car, this time from the front three-quarter. As before, we note some obvious changes to the original design, most notably the addition of a hood and a front bumper.

We also see front wheel pods that are asymetrical, new headlight clusters with integrated turn signals, new side mirrors and newly-shaped windows that now feature a lower sill - likely necessary to facilitate fully functional roll-down glass. Take a look at the image below and be sure to check out apteraforum.com for more commentary.


Gallery: Aptera 2e final design renderings


[Source: apteraforum.com]

Production Aptera 2e leaked again on forum originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera finalaptera motorsaptera renderingAptera2eApteraFinalApteraMotorsApteraRenderingproduction apteraProductionApteraTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Following months of debate, Congress has approved a bill that will pave the way for three-wheeled vehicle manufacturers like Aptera to qualify for funding from the Department of Energy. Next step: President Obama's desk, and the Commander-in-Chief is reportedly expected to sign the bill into law in short order. Rep. Brian Bilbray, a Republican from California that co-sponsored the bill, says:
This is a huge win for scientific innovation and the environment. We need more innovation and less regulation when it comes to promoting new ways to save energy while saving money at the pump.
Indeed, three-wheeled vehicle platforms sometimes have the potential to use less energy to operate than their four-wheeled siblings, though some still question the inherent safety of such designs. Assuming the bill passes the President's desk, any manufacturer of enclosed three-wheeled vehicles that can carry at least two adults while returning at least 75 miles per gallon will be eligible for funding, though the DOE will still approve applications on a case-by-case basis.


Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apterabreakingDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoedoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansthree-wheelthree-wheeledthree-wheeled carThree-wheeledCarthree-wheelerFri, 16 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Aptera 2e rendering leaked online?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/production-aptera-2e-rendering-leaked-online/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/production-aptera-2e-rendering-leaked-online/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/production-aptera-2e-rendering-leaked-online/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

As Aptera continues to push forward with the development of its futuristic-looking and innovative 2e electric three-wheeler, it almost seems inevitable that details of the vehicle's official specifications will leak out... this is the internet age after all. True to form, today we get what appears to be a sneak peek at the wingless airplane's final production shape.

At first glance, not much appears all that different from previous iterations of the 2e, but a closer look offers a few important changes. For instance, the vehicle now has fully operational windows for both the driver and passenger that will roll all the way up and down. We also note larger rear side glass and new front wheel spats and rear wheel housings that offer more clearance and flow better with the rest of the body shape.

If this rendering has you interest piqued, you may also be interested in the rumor that Best Buy is planning to carry the three-wheeled electric vehicle once it's ready for sale, which is currently scheduled to take place before the end of 2009. Stay tuned.

[Source: Aptera Forum]

Production Aptera 2e rendering leaked online? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera 2e final designaptera best buyAptera2eAptera2eFinalDesignApteraBestBuybest buyBestBuyelectric carelectric carselectric three-wheelerelectric trikeelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricThree-wheelerElectricTrikeElectricVehicleFri, 25 Sep 2009 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Best Buy to sell Aptera 2e?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-best-buy-to-sell-aptera-2e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-best-buy-to-sell-aptera-2e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-best-buy-to-sell-aptera-2e/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e - Click above for high-res image gallery

Might Best Buy begin offering the Aptera 2e when the vehicle is finally ready for sale at some unknown time in the future? Possibly. Though the video has since been removed from YouTube, some sort of promotional material from the big box retailer highlighting electric vehicles reportedly featured at least two separate cars from Aptera.

Further, the idea of selling electric vehicles at Best Buy locations isn't something new. In fact, selected locations scattered along the West Coast are already selling the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle. Further, rumors abound that Best Buy will soon offer more electric two-wheelers, including Segways and bicycles.

So, is this a good idea or bad idea? Would you consider purchasing an Aptera 2e from Best Buy? It's certainly a large purchase and there are obvious questions as to how the vehicle will be serviced, but having the space-age car available at such a large and well-known location might add to its credibility. What say you? Thanks to all who sent this in!


Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Aptera Forum]

Continue reading Rumormill: Best Buy to sell Aptera 2e?

Rumormill: Best Buy to sell Aptera 2e? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera best buyAptera2eApteraBestBuybest buybest buy apterabest buy electric vehiclesBestBuyBestBuyApteraBestBuyElectricVehiclesThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington debates if the Aptera 2e should be considered a car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/washington-debates-if-the-aptera-2e-should-be-considered-a-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/washington-debates-if-the-aptera-2e-should-be-considered-a-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/washington-debates-if-the-aptera-2e-should-be-considered-a-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aptera 2e - Click above for high-res image gallery

For some time now we have been discussing the status of vehicles like the Aptera 2e. While Aptera's tear drop-shaped creation promises to be highly efficient, there are concerns about the safety of vehicles like this and others, like the Zap Alias. The problem lies in federal rules that define anything with less than four wheels as a motorcycle and thus exempt for crash safety rules. Aptera at least has been adamant that its vehicle, while not required to meet impact standards is being designed to meet them anyway.

Aptera has applied for some of the funding available under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program, but was denied because the 2e is not a "car" by federal rules. Some California members of Congress are now trying to change that with a bill that changes the qualification to any enclosed vehicle that seats at least two adults and gets at least 75 mpg. The legislation passed the House and is now awaiting Senate approval. Perhaps what they should do instead is change the rules about the definition of a car to require any full bodied vehicle to meet safety standards regardless of how many wheels it has. Thanks to Vince for the tip!

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Washington debates if the Aptera 2e should be considered a car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsatvmatvmlpatvmpdoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoanssafety standardsSafetyStandardsMon, 14 Sep 2009 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera newsletter reveals production interior, doesn't answer all questions [UPDATED w/IMAGE]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/aptera-newsletter-reveals-production-interior-doesnt-answer-al/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/aptera-newsletter-reveals-production-interior-doesnt-answer-al/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/aptera-newsletter-reveals-production-interior-doesnt-answer-al/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The newsletter that was promised from Aptera HQ has been released. The news from the missive is a tiny sneak peek of the interior of the production version of the 2e (above) and that a new Aptera e-store will open at the end of this month. The store won't sell you any cars, yet, but you will be able to get branded water bottles, hats and the like. So there's that.

As for the interior, Aptera is saying that the design of the production version came about after "clinical research on all vehicle details, which uncovered a number of issues that could have been potential 'dissatisfiers' in our original designs." The issues included not enough space (the production version is now 10 percent bigger all around), perception of space (people thought it was too dark, so now there is a center console infotainment system called Eva that lights up the cabin and helps define the space. All the company is saying now is that Eva "likely has twice the computing power of any machine in your house," which sounds exciting. There are also three drive states and a new seat construction that will be used in the production vehicle.

Some of the issues that were been raised by the Aptera fanbase in recent months - questions about the windows, the real life range - were not addressed in the newsletter. Will it be enough to quiet things down?

UPDATE: see a larger image of the interior rendering here.

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Aptera]

Aptera newsletter reveals production interior, doesn't answer all questions [UPDATED w/IMAGE] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera 2haptera motorsaptera newsletterAptera2eAptera2hApteraMotorsApteraNewsletterbreakingTue, 28 Jul 2009 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Apterans to Mothership: Phone home!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/apterans-to-mothership-phone-home/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/apterans-to-mothership-phone-home/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/apterans-to-mothership-phone-home/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Aptera 2e - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, all is not well in Aptera Motors fandom land. After something of a sustained burst in marketing and promotional appearances earlier this year that included a visit to TED and to Washington D.C., it seems a recent lack of announcements and unresponsiveness to customer emails is leading some Apterans to begin stressing big time about what is up with the company that's supposed to begin building their first model, the all-electric 2e, this autumn. Their internet home, the Aptera Forum, has been sprouting threads full of apprehension and expressing doubts that the road-going craft will even make it to market. Even if it does, there are worries about the windows rolling down, the range for regular drivers and whether the final production version will look like an expecting inverted orca. One alleged anguished Apteran even wrote us saying, "I emailed them a few times and never heard anything back. I'm thinking about getting my deposit back. They have stopped all communication to reservations holders... Not a good sign to me."

Well, here's a good sign for those anxious for more Aptera news. We contacted the company about the situation and got this response from their head marketing man, Marques McCammon:
Our small team of executives has been traveling around the country establishing business relationships that will be beneficial to the future of Aptera. The result is that we will have some important announcements to make during the next few months. While these business activities have taken our primary focus away from communicating directly with our depositors, our next newsletter is slated to be emailed on Tuesday, which will jump-start a series of regular communications with our supporters.
See? They say that all really is well and they've just been a little busy with the task of starting up a brand new automotive company. Have a little patience, please. We only hope that among these upcoming announcements is the unveiling of the finally final, officially official production version of the two-seater. With windows that roll down. Tip of the hat to Ashley!

Gallery: Aptera 2e


[Source: Aptera Motors]

Apterans to Mothership: Phone home! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsApteraAptera 2eAptera forumAptera MotorsAptera2eApteraForumApteraMotorsMarques McCammonMarquesMccammonMon, 27 Jul 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives, loves the Aptera]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/video-jay-leno-drives-loves-the-aptera/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/video-jay-leno-drives-loves-the-aptera/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/video-jay-leno-drives-loves-the-aptera/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

While Dave Letterman struggles to correctly describe the Chevrolet Volt, rival late-night host Jay Leno takes a bit more care to get things right in his test drive of the Aptera 2e. To get the facts straight, Leno interviews Paul Wilbur, Aptera's president and CEO. Wilbur explains how the car's solar panels keep the interior cool, talks about the vehicle's aerodynamics, and describes a little bit of the technology inside the 2e's sleek body. One cool thing we learn is that, thanks to the incredibly low drag on the 2e, taking your foot of the accelerator results in a very smooth bit of coasting. The last few minutes of the nine-minute video is of Jay Leno cruising down the California highway at 70 mph, with everybody and their brother snapping pictures as they drive by. Check out the video after the jump. Thanks to Mike B. and Brian for the tips!


Gallery: Aptera 2e


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives, loves the Aptera

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives, loves the Aptera originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apterajay lenojay leno apterajay leno garageJayLenoJayLenoApteraJayLenoGarageleno apteraLenoApteraWed, 20 May 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Aptera video offers a look under the skin]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-aptera-video-offers-a-look-under-the-skin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-aptera-video-offers-a-look-under-the-skin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-aptera-video-offers-a-look-under-the-skin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

Aptera hasn't formally announced what company it's getting the components that make up its electric drivetrain from, but there's been speculation that Azure Dynamics is the supplier. We still can't be 100-percent certain, but a new video from America.gov (pasted after the break, of course) shows off most of the goods under the 2e's sleek, aerodynamic skin.

In addition to the expected electric motor (bottom left, with what appears to be a heatsink on top), transmission unit and all the electronic bits that make it work, we can see some massive aluminum arms that operate the inboard suspension pieces. It's all impressively compact and looks to be very well engineered, in our non-expert opinions.

Towards the end of the video, we also get a sneak peek at a bunch of composite 2e shells awaiting their chance to be mated up with the rest of the goods that make it all function. Thanks for the tip, Broz!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading New Aptera video offers a look under the skin

New Aptera video offers a look under the skin originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera drivetrainaptera motorsaptera powertrainaptera videoAptera2eApteraDrivetrainApteraMotorsApteraPowertrainApteraVideoWed, 01 Apr 2009 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[New Aptera 2e video demonstrates stability of three-wheeled platform]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/new-aptera-2e-video-demonstrates-stability-of-three-wheeled-plat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/new-aptera-2e-video-demonstrates-stability-of-three-wheeled-plat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/new-aptera-2e-video-demonstrates-stability-of-three-wheeled-plat/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

Wondering how stable the Aptera 2e's three-wheeled configuration will be? Not having had the chance to slide behind the slinky machine's wheel just yet, we wonder as well. Fortunately, the topic is also on the minds of some of the lucky few testers who have gotten seat time in preproduction Apteras, and at least one person has captured his driving antics on video.

Jason H. Harper, writing for Bloomberg, recently took an Aptera 2e for a spin and he strapped a video camera inside while taking a number of tire-screechingly tight corners at speed. From the looks (and sounds) of things, the Aptera made good use of its twin front wheels and comparatively wide track to remain impressively stable throughout the exercise. We're also wondering about the 17 kWh battery as quoted in this writeup - could this be an optional high-capacity unit?

We still have questions as to how the 2e will perform in inclement weather and, until Aptera releases crash testing data at least, how well it will hold up in the unfortunate event of an accident. Regardless, footage like this makes us look forward to our own stint behind the wheel, whenever that may come.

[Source: Jason H. Harper via Green Car Reports]

Continue reading New Aptera 2e video demonstrates stability of three-wheeled platform

New Aptera 2e video demonstrates stability of three-wheeled platform originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera 2e videoaptera videoAptera2eAptera2eVideoApteraVideoThu, 19 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera rebuts safety concerns of its three-wheeled 2e]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/aptera-rebuts-safety-concerns-of-its-three-wheeler/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/aptera-rebuts-safety-concerns-of-its-three-wheeler/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/aptera-rebuts-safety-concerns-of-its-three-wheeler/#commentsFiled under: ,



We recently opined about the fact that the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program excludes vehicles not covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The subject specifically came up because Aptera is supporting a bill that would amend the rules of the program to allow alternative vehicles such as its three wheeled 2e to be eligible for support from the low interest loan program.

The problem arises because three wheelers are considered motorcycles and are exempt from U.S. safety regulations that govern cars and trucks. The concern is that many consumers may not be aware that just because a vehicle has a fully enclosed body, it doesn't necessarily meet the safety standards that other modern vehicles do. Aptera spoke with Green Fuels Forecast about the safety elements built into its design and emphasizes that even though it is not legally required to do so (because it only has three wheels), the 2e is being crash tested and built to automotive safety standards. We'll let the Feds and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety decide whether Aptera has succeeded in its safety quest.

As for the loan program, perhaps the it should be adjusted to allow vehicles that meet safety requirements to be eligible regardless of the number of wheels. Or perhaps it's time to revisit the safety rules and have them apply to vehicles capable of higher speeds even if they have three wheels.

Gallery: Aptera 2e at TED


[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Aptera rebuts safety concerns of its three-wheeled 2e originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsaptera safetyaptera-motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsApteraSafetythree wheeler safetyThreeWheelerSafetyTue, 17 Mar 2009 12:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera co-founder launches hybrid electric wake boat]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-launches-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-launches-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-launches-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the EPIC 23e

Aptera co-founder Chris Anthony is a pretty busy guy. Not only is he Chief of Composite Operations at the innovative vehicle maker but he is also the CEO of Epic Boats. That company, which makes the awesomest wake boats to be had in all the land, has just announced their first electric hybrid craft, the EPIC 23e. The boat is a plug-in hybrid whose Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive System allows for all-electric operation on lithium ion batteries for some time before using a gas engine to power the generator that recharges the batteries. Epic Boats estimates that over a 4 hour operating time, this system can allow for a 50 percent reduction in fuel and resulting CO2 as well as a 90 per cent drop in carbon monoxide (CO) for the person wakeboarding at rope's end.

The 22-foot craft is expected to bring its hybrid equivalent of 375 horses to the water sometime in July. The price tag could be as much as $150,000 dollars for this specialized boat though the company foresees being able to produce a $70,000 version by 2012. We can only wonder if some of the plug-in hybrid technology used here will also find its way into into the Aptera 2h. Hit the jump for a promotional video of the EPIC 23e as well as the press release.

Gallery: Epic Boats 23e


Source: Epic Boats / Wired]

Continue reading Aptera co-founder launches hybrid electric wake boat

Aptera co-founder launches hybrid electric wake boat originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris AnthonyChrisAnthonyEPIC 23eEpic BoatsEpic23eEpicBoatsFlux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive SystemFluxPropulsionEvo8.1MarineDriveSystemMon, 16 Mar 2009 11:52:00 EST