Big Dave -
I wish the Aptera was an ICE too. They did look at a diesel, but they stated that they couldn't meet CA emissions standards.
I speculate that their motivation was to go for the Automotive X-Prize. I think they wanted a slam-dunk home-run in terms of MPG, so they went for an electric or hybrid. This detail in their brochure supports my claim :
http://www.aptera.com/brochure/APTER...E_BROCHURE.pdf (page 4)
Code:
Performance
Fuel tank (gal.) = N/A
Fuel Economy - MPG equivalent = City / Highway: 200+
(EPA Drive Cycle/Progressive Auto X-Prize Conversion)
Range = Up to 100 miles per charge
From an incremental-step POV, I'll bet they could have used a Kei-car 660cc drivetrain as a base for a Gen-1 version. Or, how about a Smart drivetrain? Then, use the success from that to move to the hybrid and electric drivetrains.
I wonder what a small ICE from a pre-existing car would have done for their UMC (unit manufacturing cost)?
CarloSW2