Aptera design intent production vehicle shown

[xcel]

Will it finally make it to production is the big question mark.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 4, 2010

Aptera took another big step towards production with the April introduction of the design-intent 2e and its successful campaign at the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Shakedown event.

"Aptera has navigated some financial challenges during the past year, but we've recently turned a very important corner and we're on the road to financial stability," said President and CEO Paul Wilbur. "We are behind our projected launch timing for the 2e - and the ultimate responsibility is mine. Our team is deeply committed to putting the world's most efficient vehicle on the road, and despite the tough economy, we've recently secured new private funding from a combination of new and existing investors."

“Aptera is currently awaiting news on a Department of Energy application for a five-year, $184 million loan through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program,” said Paul. If they receive the funding, it will take approximately 11 months to start a full-volume launch of the 2e next year with the 2h hybrid following afterwards.

Aptera's design-intent 2e model was shown to the public for the first time last month with an additional positive. Namely that nearly 90 percent of the material cost of the 2e will be sourced from American-based suppliers and the vehicle will be assembled in the USA.

If it becomes a viable vehicle, the Aptera will employ upwards of 2,500 people between its north San Diego County headquarters and other company facilities around the country. Another 10,000 indirect jobs are expected to emerge at component suppliers, vehicle retailers, transportation and other third-party service providers.

The design-intent 2e is currently competing in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. For the next several months, the 2e will share the field with other innovative vehicles from around the world.

The shape of things to come… But will it be your next vehicle?

[Bruce]

The shape of things to come… But will it be your next vehicle?

Not unless there's one on http://www.carsforagrand.com/ when my current vehicle dies.

As much as I admire their attempt, agree with their objectives and hope that they can make it big, I'm pretty certain these will be priced to remain playthings of the relatively well-off for quite some time.

[JusBringIt]

...what happened to the aptera? Looks like they realized it is being made in the USA to be driven by US citizens and bulked it up accordingly...That thing looks hideous

[PaleMelanesian]

2007 prototype for comparison. I agree - not happy with the new look.

[bnther]

I completely agree...they took a beautiful car and made it hideous

I don't know how many times I've seen jaw-dropping incredible concept vehicles only to have an 'uglified' production version. Stop showing me what you could build and start showing me what I can buy. The sad part is, Aptera will likely be surprised when the orders don't turn out like they were hoping for. But what do you expect when you take an beautiful car and turn it ugly? That company was doing a lot better before they put that guy from Ford in charge.

If they offer the original streamlined vehicle, complete with the original interior and rear-view cameras, then I'd buy it; even without roll-down windows. It would fit my commuting needs perfectly.

I'm sure the car will perform admirably, but I wasn't planning on buying one just for the performance. I really liked the styling.

[RichXKU]

It looks to me like they made it slightly more practical. But I just can't see this car making the slightest dent in any aspect of motoring. It's just too ridiculous. And with electric cars about to start pouring out of the factories of long-standing well funded auto makers, too risky as well.

Not to mention most people don't know where their car begins and ends as it is. Those outboard wheels will be getting sheared off nonstop. Not only by the drivers, but by those (think SUVs) maneuvering around them too.

I hate to be negative, because I am all about seeing more competition. But this car is only going to be considered by a few eccentric oddballs. I also feel it is a step backwards in trying to get your typical American to take alt-fuel vehicles seriously.

[PaleMelanesian]

You're right. There's a Leaf for all that.

[JusBringIt]

Practical is a very strange term. Practical tends to mean more useful. Now...the whole point of the aptera is to be efficient, I will not be using it in a drive thru, so therefore, put the wheels back the way they were and get rid of those damn "roll down windows" They could've been designed a lot better. I'll take the smooth curves over those ugly lines drawn in to roll down a window. Ok so tolls might be a bit more difficult, get some scissor doors with nice rotation and I suppose this could work for drive thru.

Making this car to be more like every other car out there takes away the dream factor. It no longer has that impact, that standout that says this is not your typical commuter. The sale factor has been significantly reduced. I'd rather go out and buy an old geo metro and install a roll cage and electric conversion before I go out and buy that car honestly. It'll cost a lot less and look will not be a factor. That mobile went from Jessica Alba to roseanne.

The appeal is just....gone

[paratwa]

This was going to be my first "new" car purchase. I've always bought used. I'm pretty disappointed with this "production" version. This is making me rethink purchasing new again.

[Parasite]

Call me an Eccentric Oddball. If it is for sale in Texas in 2012, and not at an outrages price, count me in to buy one. Oh, tall people must fit too. Still not sure about that part either.