I think this is probably going to be my next car: Aptera Hybrid under US$30K. Chrome molly fuselage, no less. Registers as a motorcycle so... no stickers necessary (e.g., unconditionally qualifies for solo driver HOV lane access). Nice compliment to the Prius. Regards, - Samuel, '04 Prius
Did I see this at Disney world? It's a nice concept as a commuter car, but the fact of the matter is that a Prius makes a fine family car (we took a week long trip for 4 with all the luggage and gear without any problem) and this thing looks like putting a gallon of milk in the trunk mya be an issue, unless it was a gallon in the shape of a surf board! Yeah, it's got a long trunk, but how high? I'd like to see some suitcases in there.
I think this is designed as a commuter car. Most of the miles that I drive I could do in this car. Isnt it supposed to come out this year, I haven't heard much about that though. edit: I guess they are starting projection this year. So probably wont be released for a while.
I do think the Aptera is intended as a commuter car, not a replacement for the family sedan. Most American families have more than one car nowadays, but have no need for more than one road-trip car. With its three seats, the Aptera works for taking a couple of kids to school or activities, and it has plenty of cargo space for serious grocery shopping. But nobody who actually needs a Prius would be looking at an Aptera instead. I'd have bought an Aptera instead of my Xebra, but of course the Aptera is not yet available, and I've been driving my Xebra for a year and a half. No EV will replace my Prius until there's fast roadside charging. But the Xebra replaces the Prius 27 days out of 30, and a freeway-capable EV would relegate the Prius to road trips.
It sounds like it would be much more safe than a 2 wheel motorcycle. However it isn't available in my area, yet. ZAP (the Xebra folks) are suppose to have a 3 wheel car coming out also in that price range. Interesting.
You mean the Alias. Good for a sports car style. My preference is the Triac at $23K (supposedly, I don't think they're shipping yet) from Green Vehicles. Again, a bit unique style, but not (quite) as unique as the Aptera. But in reality, my commute isn't long enough to even justify an electric vehicle, I'm still looking for a good enclosed bicycle (velomobile, like the flevobike), but they don't generally handle a passenger and quickly get expensive as well.
If you like the Aptera, take a look at the forum for some good discussions... ApteraForum.com - Aptera Car Forum -
