Video: (definitely worth checking) test drive of Aptera @ Popular Mechanics - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Big Dave · 10-19-2008, 01:58 PM

$30 grand is not out of line. That's about what it has to cost and still make a buck. The low production level doesn't help.

NeilBlanchard · 10-19-2008, 02:41 PM

Hi Dave,

I agree -- I think the $27K asking price for the electric version, and the $30K price on the serial hybrid version are completely justified and reasonable.

They have released just one image of the (close to) production version. Here it is (above) compared to the Mk-1 prototype (below):

I traced the outline of the prototype and overlayed it on the newer version. They have lowered the whole chassis by ~4 1/2", moved the front wheel rearward by ~4-5", and the windshield is moved forward somewhat. They have an operable section on the lower rear part of the door window, and it has side mirrors (though hopefully the side cameras are an option?), and it has a black "fin" on top, that might be a GPS antennae, or a rear camera, or...? The newer version also has rear quarter windows, obviously.

MetroMPG · 10-19-2008, 03:42 PM

I agree with the idea that $30k is not outrageous for a custom built car like this.

I also don't think they're going to be selling these by the 1000's. Call me a pessimist, but it's just too far from the mainstream. (Though its mere existence may shift the mainstream by a very tiny amount.)

Hasbro · 10-19-2008, 06:38 PM

My best friend has a deposit on one and he is quite conservative. I was surprised that he wanted one.
I would love to have one, especially now that they dropped it down a bit.

MetroMPG · 10-19-2008, 09:05 PM

Hopefully I'm wrong.

Now that I think of it, I also know of someone who has put down a deposit (EV fanatic though).

Anyone else know any Aptera buyers?

Formula413 · 10-19-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

they're not planning to sell these things in the snow belt.

I know it just wouldn't work, but still...

tasdrouille · 10-20-2008, 10:29 AM

Well, they could still be used ~8 months a year in Canada. The only gripe I have with trikes is the motorcycle license one needs to drive them in Quebec. The mandatory driving training, the license itself and insurance is really expensive compared to cars.

Formula413 · 10-20-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

Well, they could still be used ~8 months a year in Canada. The only gripe I have with trikes is the motorcycle license one needs to drive them in Quebec. The mandatory driving training, the license itself and insurance is really expensive compared to cars.

Really? My bike is dirt cheap to insure compared to a car. I took a 2 day riding course, got my class M endorsement and was good to go. The cost of A. Motorcycle permit, B. Riding course, and C. motorcycle endorsement added to my license came to $300, most of which (~$260 or so) was the course.

tasdrouille · 10-20-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula413

Really? My bike is dirt cheap to insure compared to a car. I took a 2 day riding course, got my class M endorsement and was good to go. The cost of A. Motorcycle permit, B. Riding course, and C. motorcycle endorsement added to my license came to $300, most of which (~$260 or so) was the course.

It's roughly a grand to get your license first, then there's registration for 401 cc and over at $416 each year + $38 for the bike class on the license. That is if you never get a ticket.

bennelson · 10-20-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curly1

If I get one of these cars will I save $200 a month on my gasoline bill but ADD $150 to my home electric bill?

Nope, electric is cheap to run. My car costs about 30 cents to run 10 miles. That's $3 to go 100 miles, equal to 100 mpg at current gas cost.

It won't cost you $150 unless you are driving 5000 miles a month.

And the Aptera is WAY more efficient than my homebuilt car, so it would be even cheaper to run.