Futuristic electric car takes 4,000 orders
A futuristic-looking electric car that went on sale in America at the beginning of 2009 has already taken 4,000 orders.
The Aptera Typ-1 is a sleek, three-wheeled vehicle, which is able to travel 100 miles on a single charge.
The 4,000 cars already ordered are expected to be delivered in the following eighteen months, the first of which by November 2009. Following that, around 10,000 of the cars will be produced each year – increasing to 100,000 if demand continues.
The Aptera ranges in price from £18,000-£28,000 depending on whether an electric, hybrid or petrol engine is specified.
Aptera is a contender for the $10 million X-Prize race to build the world’s first mass production-ready vehicle that exceeds 100 mpg.
Electric cars must compete on looks, too
Increases in environmental awareness and the cost of fuel have not altered the fact that the appearance of a car is still a huge influence on its popularity – a fact that has not helped electric cars, which are about function first and foremost.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Aptera have taken a radical approach to the design of their first car and it seems to be paying off – the company have been overwhelmed by the number of orders they have taken in their first two months of buisness.”
Electric cars: What’s good, what’s not so good
| Electric cars: What’s good | what’s not so good |
|---|---|
 In environmental terms, probably the best car option around especially if the electricity it uses comes from renewable sources |
 Generally low top speed (although electric cars can have surprisingly quick acceleration, so they can keep up with city traffic without any difficulty) |
| Zero emissions from the car itself makes it a saint in the city |
Limited range (until now) and lengthy recharging times means they are not suitable for long journeys |
| Extremely quiet |
The batteries cause pollution problems when the time comes to dispose of them |
|
Exempt from the London Congestion Charge, no road tax and only pennies per mile to run |
Expensive to buy |
Related electric car articles:
Aptera website
Electric car with five seats launched
Free parking for electric cars withdrawn
Electric cars – tell me more
London taxis may go electric
Dyson to build electric car