Formerly Dead Electric Three-Wheeler Aptera Planning A Comeback You just can't keep a good electric car down. Two years after Aptera Motors fell into bankruptcy, it appears that their sleek, futuristic three-wheel 2e is reportedly being resurrected in the U.S Aptera claimed the 2e could get 120 miles on a single charge, but the company ran out of money in 2010 before they could enter production. Though a few prototypes and demo models were made, no cars were ever built and sold to the public. Employees were famously seen smashing the prototypes sometime before they went under. Now, according to Gizmag, Aptera might be back. Last year Chinese automaker Zap Jonway apparently bought the molds with the intention of building the car in their country for sales there and later, in the U.S. with the moniker "Zaptera."
Well, at least this Zap would have the three wheels in a better setup than their ZapCar. I'd still say that everyone should read the Wired article about Zap first. Hype Machine: Searching for ZAP's Fleet of No-Show Green Cars
Now, if only the same thing would happen with the Fisker Karma. Cadillac Karma anyone? 4-door big brother to the ELR? Or maybe the Buick Karma for the Chinese market? I'm sorry, this car is simply too beautiful not to produce.
The Aptera Motors basic design is fundamentally good but the cost of developing and making the hi strength body put them in a deep financial abyss. From what I previously read, the resurrected Aptera will outsource the manufacturing of the hi strength body to China which will lower the cost overhead. Some components for a ressurected Aptera 2e like the Lithium ion battery and hi power motors would probably have to be made in Japan or the USA. The Aptera 2e is extemely light and probably could be made and marketed as a kit car.
More surprised that American safety standards would allow for a car without bumpers on the road. Let alone someone would want to look like they are driving a giant sperm down the road.
