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Aptera (Greek for “Wingless
Flight”) unveiled two vehicles that could
change the future of automotive design. Aptera’s Typ-1 is
a radically different vehicle designed to
marry advanced aerodynamics with
light-weight composite technology creating
an incredibly powerful, yet extremely safe
vehicle that is a joy to drive - even for
the most performance-minded individuals. The
Aptera Typ-1 will be available in
all-electric and hybrid models for less than
$30,000 (£15,000). 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.
The car has
“two plus one”
seating offering ample room for driver and
passenger while an infant seat can be located in the middle
behind them. Storage room is also generous
with enough space to fit 15 bags of
groceries, two full-size golf club bags or
even a couple of seven foot surf boards with
the infant seat removed.
The Aptera
Typ-1 is loaded with safety features. They
include a front crumple zone, a front end
that re-directs crash energy in a frontal
impact, steel and composite side and
rollover protection as well as driver and
passenger side airbags.
The Aptera
Typ-1 also offers features that typically
are not found on any vehicle, much less a
hybrid or all-electric model. Solar cells
embedded under the roof operate an always-on
climate control system, ensuring the
interior never gets too hot or too cold. The
dashboard display and infotainment system is
controlled by an in-vehicle computer, which
also controls the “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.
“Initial
response has been tremendous; validating our
belief that future-minded consumers want a
vehicle that is sleek, safe, eco-conscious
and affordable. Through word-of-mouth alone,
we’ve already
received more than 400 pre-sale deposits,”
added Fambro.
Aptera is
currently raising additional capital to
begin manufacturing.
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