The Aptera is the car of the future that I have been watching with interest for quite some time. At under $30,000 it seemed too good to be true, and many thought that to be the case. Thankfully, as you'll see in this video from Popular Mechanics, it seems like the future may be coming sooner than we think.
Ok, so this may not be every one's idea of the perfect car. It's a side by side 2 seater, it only has three wheels, and it has limited trunk space (although in classic California style, it'll fit a surfboard just fine). That said, it's a huge step in the right direction and, as would be expected in the climate we are in, comes from an entrepreneur rather than a Detroit bigwig.
Aptera plans to release two models as early as the end of this year, a gas electric hybrid that can achieve 300 mpg and an all electric version with a 120 mile range and a 4-6 hour recharge time. One of the ways they achieve this is by basically eliminating anything that can cause drag which translates to lower gas mileage/range. Instead of side mirrors, there are streamlined video cameras. When not in use, the windshield wipers are hidden in a specially designed enclosed compartment. Solar panels on the roof help expel hot air while the car is parked, increasing efficiency and comfort while driving. These are just a few of the improvements they've made and if they sound insignificant, consider this - the drag created by the windshield wipers on a normal car is greater than the drag created by the entire Aptera vehicle.
The car is highway safe, has a top speed of 90 mph and will meet all federal safety regulations. Presently there are only plans to sell them in California (where the company is) as this is the best way that they can assure adequate maintenance, but eventually they'll be branching out. They already have over 400 deposits in hand and expect that number to rise.
Pretty cool. And if this isn't the car for you, fear not, we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
Live Sustainably
Dave
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The 300 MPG Aptera (and it's EV cousin) May Finally Be On The Way
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Excuse the absence
Due to traveling, visits from the inlaws, and now the flu (which i am just barely recovering from) I apologize for being so absent as of late. Hopefully in a few days I'll be back up to speed.
Thanks
Live Sustainably
Dave
California Clean Car Discount Bill
For those of you who live in California, check this posting out from the Union of Concerned Scientists about AB 493. It's a fairly simple concept that i think really may have some legs. The bill would create rebates up to $2500 for cars that emit less global warming gasses and the money would come from a surcharge on new vehicles that emit excess global warming gasses. Studies show that such a bill could reduce global warming pollution from new cars and trucks by up to a third due to customer choices.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Think your power is clean? Think again.
Holy connect the dots batman. I just came across this great site where you can type in your zip code and it will give you detailed info about where your local power is coming from and if it is involved in mountaintop stripping, a massively destructive coal extracting method that turns mountains into mole hills. We pay extra for green power so I need to run this by my power company to see what's what.
That said, apparently DWP buys power from Intermountian Power in Utah, who get their coal from Cumberland River Coal in Virginia and Black Thunder in Wyoming. So every time a regular DWP customer turns on the TV, it starts a chain where these companies destroy mountains in other states, ship coal across the country, turn it into electricity in Utah, and shoot it over the grid to their house so they can enjoy Sweatin' With The Oldies.
Makes sense huh?
If only there were some magical roof covering that could us a local power source, ya know, like the sun for instance, and turn it into electricity that would only have to be passed on down to the living room. If only......
Check it out, sign their petition, contact your local electric company, and pass it on.
Live Sustainably
Dave
