Aptera Hybrid: Three Wheels and 300 MPG

When we think about the “cars of the future” most of us picture something that looks like it could be straight out of the imagination of the Jetsons’ creators. When we look more realistically at what the future of cars is going to be our primary concern is probably that they are eco-friendly in design. The new hybrid to be released by Aptera in 2008 combines both of these qualities to truly create the car of the future.

Like Something From Outer Space

The most immediately outstanding feature of the Aptera Hybrid is its exterior design. Balancing its earth-friendly design on just three wheels, this car looks more like a spaceship or plane than it does like a car. Its front tires sit in space-like wheel wells off to the side of the vehicle. Its rear end comes to a dangerous point. And it uses a unique camera system that replaces the rearview and sideview mirrors with cameras that provide information to the driver via a dashboard video display.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Car to Date

You’ll be drawn to the new Aptera hybrid initially because of its unique design. However, what will really interest you over the long haul is that this car has outstanding fuel efficiency. There are two versions of the car – an all-electric version and a plug-in version – but neither relies on fuel as its primary source of energy. The actual fuel efficiency of the vehicle varies based on the type of car that you’re using, the speed that you’re going and the distance that you are traveling. However, the company claims that the car can get the equivalent of 300 mpg going 55 miles per hour.

Battery-Operated Cars

You will, of course, have to get yourself familiar with the idea of using an electric car in order to enjoy the Aptera Hybrid. Whether you use a plug-in version or an all-electric version, you’ll need to get in the habit of recharging your car’s batteries. The benefit to you is that you’ll be saving on high gas costs (which are only likely to get higher with time). The benefit overall is that you’re going to be acting kinder to the earth and promoting environmentally-friendly actions by driving an electric vehicle.

It’s a Car, It’s a Motorcycle, it’s a Hybrid

The unique shape of the Aptera three-wheel car puts it in an interesting category. Although it’s basically a car, it is being classified as a motorcycle because it only has three wheels. This means that it won’t be required to pass the same emissions and safety tests as other cars in certain states. However, the makers of the new car aim to make the vehicle as safe as possible and have incorporated numerous safety features that would be found in a car but not a bike.

How Safe is This Crazy Car?

The Aptera hybrid has undergone a number of safety tests. It incorporates numerous safety features including airbags in the seat belts, an extended crumple zone, and certain body design features. It is believed to be a safe vehicle. However the regulations for this vehicle may vary from state to state.

Only in California

At the current time this car is only being accepted for pre-order by California residents. That’s because Aptera is a San Diego-based business which is starting off small. Repairs for this vehicle are only available in California at the current time so it makes sense to keep their business there for now. However, the company is ultimately looking at expanding. They are also hoping to create a new mainstream version of the car which has four wheels and will be less confusing to introduce from state to state.

Be on the Cutting Edge

The Aptera hybrid isn’t going to be right for everyone. Most people aren’t interested in getting an all-electric vehicle that’s not quite a car but more than a motorcycle. However, it does make sense for a niche group of people. These are forward-thinking people who are earth-conscious and interested in taking society to a new level when it comes to automobiles. If you’ve ever wanted to live that Jetsons kind of life, this is one of those things that can help take you there while incorporating the concerns of your real world into the experience.