[yesplease]

Pre-production 2E, now with real mirrors.

[Mesuge]

Thanks for the link, everything looking smooth and finished. Hopefully the production quality will be consistent and improving. In real mass production volume (after many years) this contraption should be cheap, <<<$20k..

Unfortunately, I'm still in doubt whether even this new reworked version isn't still a bit too wide for the euro road/city system.

[yesplease]

No Problem! I imagine that once they scale up in CA they'll test the waters w/ different models for different markets. The only reason they're going w/ three wheels (and the longer fwb) in the 2E is because of CA regulations.

[Mesuge]

The final specification (pre-production model) of Aptera suggests that it's wider than a Hummer, is at a bummer? For some yes..

Update: in the "final final production version" this concern will be addressed further, i.e. making it a bit more narrow.

Details (forum linked inside the article):
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/03 ... ed-at-ted/

[mos6507]

Looks like I was right after all. Aptera really is on its knees.

Welcoming the YesPlease spin doctoring...

[Daniel_Plainview]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mos6507', 'L')ooks like I was right after all. Aptera really is on its knees.

Welcoming the YesPlease spin doctoring...

[mos6507]

I guess in this day and age waiting on a government bailout despite repeatedly missing release dates is considered running a successful business.

[jedrider]

That car looks like a private airplane with it's wings sheared off. Who would want a vehicle like that except as a statement that you have the latest technology to save us from peak oil??

At least, the smart car design I can understand: You just have to see them parked with their back wheels against the side walk to see how practical they are.

[mos6507]

I think people can get beyond its looks. We're almost in 2010. When I was a kid I would have expected a vehicle like that on the road by then. And besides, it's been in and out of the news for how many years now? It's not like they haven't had time to get used to seeing it. The worst part of the Aptera is that it's a 2-seater. The same thing that hindered the EV-1 and the original Honda Insight.

That's in addition to originally being on track to release the vehicle with gas prices having tanked and subsequent excitement about EVs tanking with it.

But by delaying it, they pissed off their hardcore preorder guys--the ones who started wanting their deposits back. I'm not sure how many people are even on the list anymore.

At one time Aptera looked to be the first on the market with a relatively affordable production EV. But now you've got the Nissan EV coming out soon that is a much more traditional vehicle, and the Volt, and the Mitsubishi iMiev, and the cheaper Fisker and Tesla models, and the idea of pining away for an Aptera doesn't seem so smart. You snooze, you lose.

[Mesuge]

The latest pictures from manuf./production line facility still look like joke, no tooling etc. just haphazzardly placed Aptera prototypes inside large empty hangar. If that means another delay, kiss your 2010 delivery good bye..

Some of the advanced prototypes could be fine though, it reminds me of 2006-7 Tesla problems, which is now major success (technology & business wise), so lets not write them off completely yet, but some prospective customers will jump the ship in the meantime.

For instance, the next generation Myers (NMG2) makes a lot of sense, two seater, 60mi range (optional upto 100mi), price starts at ~22k
http://www.myersmotors.com/index.html

[JRP3]

I've never liked the Aptera and never thought it would succeed. There is a reason that in the entire history of wheeled vehicles 3 wheels have been the least successful. There is no reason a 4 wheeled version built to similar specs couldn't be almost as efficient, and almost is good enough, while providing more usable room and better stability. If they could have sold it for maybe $10K they might have moved some units, but when it costs more than a compact ICE and has less functionality it will never be more than a niche vehicle, if that.

[mos6507]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Mesuge', '
')For instance, the next generation Myers (NMG2) makes a lot of sense, two seater, 60mi range (optional upto 100mi), price starts at ~22k
http://www.myersmotors.com/index.html

[rangerone314]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('JRP3', 'I')'ve never liked the Aptera and never thought it would succeed. There is a reason that in the entire history of wheeled vehicles 3 wheels have been the least successful. There is no reason a 4 wheeled version built to similar specs couldn't be almost as efficient, and almost is good enough, while providing more usable room and better stability. If they could have sold it for maybe $10K they might have moved some units, but when it costs more than a compact ICE and has less functionality it will never be more than a niche vehicle, if that.

[mos6507]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('rangerone314', '
')3-wheeled monstrosity classified by many as a motorcycle.

[futurecar]

IMHO the Aptera was never meant to nor ever will compete with the likes of the Chevy Volt, Tesla or Fisker cars. The Aptera is more of a niche / novelty car like Zap used to have. I don't think a 3-wheeler with a futuristic design will appeal to the mainstream. Problaby the same people who buy an Aptera will also have an electric assisted velomobile in their garages.

[mos6507]

Whether it appeals to the mainstream or not, it has preorders who have been let down multiple times now on the production dates. At some point they have to start shipping cars and making money.

[timmac]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mos6507', 'I') guess in this day and age waiting on a government bailout despite repeatedly missing release dates is considered running a successful business.

[Mesuge]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mos6507', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Mesuge', '
')For instance, the next generation Myers (NMG2) makes a lot of sense, two seater, 60mi range (optional upto 100mi), price starts at ~22k
http://www.myersmotors.com/index.html

[JRP3]

The Nissan Leaf isn't supposed to be a lease only, you buy the car and lease the battery pack. This keeps upfront costs down and lets Nissan keep control of the battery pack. I don't love the idea but it might be a smart way to go with new and constantly improving batteries. After a few years when better and cheaper batteries are available the consumer won't be stuck with outmoded technology.

[mos6507]

More good news about Aptera.