I just might have to consider one of these the next time I'm in the market for a new vehicle. Looks like these are becoming a reality with mass production by 2009. And who wouldn't love 120-300mpg for under $30,000?

Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles
by Collin Dunn, Seattle on 11.19.07

Ever since we first saw the Aptera, we've been waiting for this: today, the company officially pulled the curtain back the Typ-1, the funky three-wheeler with jaw-dropping efficiency stats. After some speculation about diesel engines and parallel hybrid modes, about how the prototype would hold up in a crash, here's the real deal.

Aptera will be available in two models: all-electric and series hybrid. The electric version is slated for delivery in 2008 with the hybrid model to follow (for more on the difference between series and parallel hybrids, check out our Green Basics discussion of the topic). The all-electric model has a range of 120 miles. The plug-in series hybrid has achieved more than 300 miles per gallon with a range of more than 600 miles. Both will be available for "less than $30,000," though exact pricing hasn't been announced. So, what'll that sizable chunk of change get you?

You'll get some pretty slick features, including solar cells embedded under the roof operate an always-on climate control system, ensuring the interior never gets too hot or too cold, and a computer-controlled “Eyes Forward” vision system. By replacing the side mirrors with embedded cameras that display a 180-degree rear view in the front of the instrument panel, Eyes Forward "gives the driver complete situational awareness without taking their eyes off of the road."

Fully refundable reservation deposits of $500 are now being accepted from California residents on the Aptera website. The company will initially deliver vehicles in southern California, then in northern California and to other regions nationwide; cross your fingers that we'll actually see these on the road before buying a 2009 calendar. ::Aptera via ::Business Wire (sub req'd)

http://www.treehugger.com/aptera-unveiled-front-view.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/aptera-unveiled-sideview.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/aptera-unveiled-cockpit.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/aptera-unveiled-window-view.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/aptera-unveiled-rear-view.jpg
Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles (TreeHugger) (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/unveiled_aptera.php)

What are the crash ratings on something like that? I'd hate to get creamed by a Suburban in one.

But that's pretty cool anyway. Space shippy.

Where do you put the child safety seats?

Where do you put the child safety seats?

Meh...Babies are made of cartilage, they'll be okay just bouncin' around in the back.

From reading their website, they've apparently not crashed a real one yet. Just computer simulated crashes.

one can tell that this vehicle doesn't satisfy american automobile safety standards just by looking at the pictures. after a little digging, i found out that since it has three wheels it's actually classified as a motorcycle and therefore falls under those guidelines.

-M

lol...I can just see all the nice people trying to be as green as they can be...Showing up for the motorcycle safety tests with all the Harley guys, rocket riders, and 3 other types of aggressive personalities. That's a recipe for pure comedy right there.