The Gadgets Page

March 19, 2007

Aptera Motors

Filed under: Cars & Transportation — Laura Moncur @ 5:00 am

Aptera Motors: 230 mpg

What if I told you that this car can get 230 mpg, drive at freeway speeds AND only costs about $20K? I can’t believe it myself, actually, but those are the exact claims about this car from Aptera Motors:

* Aptera Motors

Everyone loves the story of the guy who tinkers in his garage and creates a prototype that will change the world. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak did it with their Apple Computers. What about Steve Fambro? Can his car that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie change the way we think about cars? I hope so because he is promising me a lot:

* 0 to 60 in under 10 seconds
* Choice of hybrid or all electric (150 miles on a single charge)
* 230 mpg at the speed of 55 mph

It’s a two-seater, with not much room for anything but two people. The car itself only weighs 850 pounds, which helps improve the gas mileage substantially. By using a carbon composite frame, he reduced the weight of the car without compromising the safety. He based his models of design and safety on airplanes. Are you willing to sacrifice a backseat for that kind of fuel efficiency? I sure am. Where do I sign up?

For more information:

* Car creator has grand designs | The San Diego Union-Tribune

* Business Week

* The Race to 100 MPG – Popular Science

Via: Prototype Aptera Becomes Working Model | Gear Live

6 Comments

  1. [...] Laura Moncur gives us a glimpse of the current iteration of the Aptera. The designers have entered Challenge X. [...]

    Pingback by Aptera in Challenge X at After Gutenberg — August 4, 2007 @ 1:13 pm

  2. this car is amazing! i have relatives living in Texas, where I can pick the car, now I live in Mexico, do I need an APtera car dealer in case fixing is necessary?

    Comment by Ramon Macias — September 30, 2007 @ 5:10 pm

  3. I live in Canada – this sounds awesome – any plans to certify in Canada as a vehicle or any dealers ?

    Comment by James — October 9, 2007 @ 6:08 pm

  4. The latest I’ve seen/heard is that it isn’t actually in production yet…however, at Aptera’s website you CAN sign up on the “I’m ready to spend money”-list. I wish I HAD $20k to spend right now.

    Comment by RandyScott — October 26, 2007 @ 6:27 am

  5. Aptera has released an update on it’s upcoming 300 Mpg car. This car really approaches transportation from a very different vantage than does the rest of the auto industry. This car is slated to sell for $30,000 USD, and offers room for two. Here is a brief overview on the update … Talkback: http://dataland.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/apteras-sub-30k-300-mpg-car-will-be-here-in-2009/

    Comment by Dataland — December 17, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

  6. I like the concept and the money you would save as well as how much good it will do for the environment but I would feel unsafe in such a light frame. I guess it would probably be a little safer then a motorcycle and you would probably be able to stop it easier. If the company makes an electric car with some type of safety put into the frame, body, and interior I might be a taker.

    Comment by Champion Electric Company — January 7, 2008 @ 2:59 pm

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