300 Mile to the Gallon
22.01.2008
California car maker named Aptera Motors has officially introduced took two new car models which offer extreme fuel economy. The first model the Typ-1 will arrive in Q4 2008 as an all-electric vehicle with a maximum range of 120 miles is currently listed at $26,900. A true fuel-electric hybrid model the Typ-H will follow in 2009 will be priced at $ 29,900. Early tests indicate the hybrid model achieves 300 miles per gallon, making it by far the most fuel efficient vehicle available and more importantly it is well within budget for many American families.
Designed to be as aerodynamic as possible for two-person occupancy, the radical new shell design looks more like something right out of a George Lucas film rather than the small family car that it is. The Typ-1 uses light-weight composite material for its construction, while maintaining the "two plus one" seating configuration, allowing for a child up to age 3 to be placed in the middle behind the two primary occupants. Additional cargo storage area allows for up to 15 bags of groceries, two bags of golf clubs, or even two seven foot surfboards (if the child's seat is removed).
The Typ-1 comes standard with both driver and passenger airbags, an energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger safety cell with front crumple zones, an advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, large rear view camera and a complete vehicle diagnostic system, LED interior and exterior lighting for low-power operations, RFID keyless entry, even a USB port for charging a notebook, MP3 player or other devices. It comes with a CD/MP3/DVD player, as well as XM satellite radio.
Electric Recharge
Both Typ-1 models use a standard 110-volt A/C outlet to recharge their batteries in a few hours.
Operations
In strict battery mode, the Typ-1 all-electric vehicle can get up to 120 miles per charge. For the daily commuter with a 30-minute or less one-way commute, this is more than likely completely sufficient. The power plant would still be generating whatever greenhouse gases it does, of course.
Buying one
Aptera Motors is already taking deposits for early pre-orders. $500 fully refundable deposits are accepted at the Aptera website (http://www.aptera.com) for California residents. Aptera plans to initially introduce them to Southern California, and then northern California, and finally nationwide. Aptera has already received more than 400 pre-sale deposits
With a continual growth in demand for low/no-emission vehicles at competitive price point, the Typ-1 will likely be a catalyst for other models from Aptera Motors, as well as new models from other car makers as well. Hopefully this huge leap forward fuel economy will silence the sceptics and allow the hesitant auto industry make the advancements which they are all capable of. It seems that we are not as far off from the age of affordable all-electric, hybrid vehicles as we once thought.
More information @ www.aptera.com
