Click above for more images of the Aptera Typ1 e

Aptera has been making some key hires these last few months in an effort to bring together the best team possible, to make its three-wheeled electric vehicle as good as they can be and to bring them to market as quickly as is feasible. The latest hire from the California-based company is Paul Wilber, who will now serve as the expectant-automaker's new president and CEO. Wilbur had been serving as president and CEO of Detroit-based American Specialty Cars and Saleen.

Just a little while ago, Aptera brought on Neil Hannemann to serve as its VP of program management and manufacturing. Hannemann had previously been on both the Dodge Viper and Ford GT programs. Just a wee bit later, the eco-friendly company hired Tony Kirton to serve as its Chief Marketing Officer. Kirton had been working in similar roles for Audi of America and BMW's South African subsidiary.

In other interesting news, Aptera says in its latest press release, pasted after the break, that it is scouring the Southern U.S. for manufacturing plants. Nothing yet has been finalized, but we do know that California is keenly interested in keeping electric car companies in state, so this is a situation that bears watching.


[Source: Aptera]

Click above for more images of the Aptera Typ1 e

Gasoline prices in the United States are helping push along the development of many new vehicles such as the Volt from General Motors. Such game-changing vehicles as the Volt and the original Toyota Prius demand a huge amount of research and, even more importantly, money before they are able to get out of the most basic of planning stages. What's more, these hybrid or electric vehicles are often sold at a substantial loss for a number of years before they ever are able to turn any sort of profit. It's not surprising, then, that smaller manufacturers such as Aptera and Can-Am are beginning to appear on the scene which look to offer an alternative to run-of-the-mill hybrids by introducing three-wheeled vehicles.

We'll delve a bit into the three-wheelers which are already available and look into what makes them legal - or not - after the break. We'll also discuss what could take place in the near future as Washington takes notice of the three-wheeled trends.

Click above for more images of the Aptera Typ1 e

Way back in September of 2006, Google.org, the philanthropic part of the Internet giant, announced that it would be investing in PHEVs. The following year, Google followed that bit of news up by launching its RechargeIT initiative which would begin investing in some for-profit manufacturers in an effort to see these fuel-saving products make it to market as quickly as possible. The first two investments from RechargeIT have now officially been announced, and at least one of the companies benefiting from the $2.75 million investment should be well known to our readers: Aptera.

We've been covering the futuristic new vehicle since it was first introduced, and its exciting to see the project mature to the point where people, in California at least, are anxiously awaiting the first electric Apteras to be delivered. This financing should only help matters as the company works to get its electric and hybrid vehicles to customers as quickly as possible.

The other company receiving some funding is known as ActaCell and is based in Austin, Texas. Based at the University of Texas, Actacel is hard at work refining its lithium ion battery technology with the goal of producing low cost, high output cells while retaining a high degree of safety. A tall order for sure, though one that could be made easier with its newfound cash outlay. We've pasted ActaCell's press release after the break. Thanks for the tip, Karen!


[Source: Google.org via Cleantech]

Aptera has just announced another impressive hire as it fills the Chief Marketing Officer position at their fledgling innovative car company. Tony Kirton, with 35 years in the automotive industry doing similar work for companies like Audi of America and BMW's South African subsidiary, seems well equipped to help the company expand "Aptera's brand and global presence" shortly before the release into the wild this fall of the company's first production Typ-1 cars. No stranger to the Aptera concept, Tony has been close-by since nearly the very beginning doing occasional consulting and was quoted in a 2006 interview as saying, "It's a madcap idea, but they seem really grounded and really smart."

That early confidence in the company and concept makes joining the Aptera team now, well, let's hear how Mr. Kirton describes it in his own words. "For me, it's a remarkable opportunity to join Aptera at such a pivotal time in the company's history. When I first met Steve Fambro over three years ago, Aptera was more dream than reality. Now we are just months away from introducing the first Aptera design to the California market. Little did we know that an exponential rise in gas prices would make this radical new form of energy efficient personal transportation more relevant and more urgently needed than ever. I feel that we are following in the great tradition of California garage start-ups that rock the ways things are done. Aptera is a game changer in an automotive world desperately in need of one. I can't imagine any place I'd rather be." Press release after the break.

[Source: Aptera via ApteraForum.com]

The price of gas and the fuel efficiency claims of the Aptera have been attracting some cable news station attention. Both CNN and MSNBC have released new clips of the flightless wonder doing its lightweight and aerodynamic energy-efficient thing.

The MSNBC report starts out with a focus on the Progressive X-Prize and gives a few free glimpses of Tesla Roadsters and other contest entrants. The spotlight is then placed squarely on the oval shoulders of the Aptera Typ-1 with great footage of it speeding along the highway. There's even some in-car coverage. The reporter makes the claim to standers-by that the car can achieve 300 miles per gallon and states one could travel from L.A. to New York on a 10 gallon tank. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof, so we are hoping Aptera decides to give that particular feat a whirl. I offer my professional driving services at this time.

CNN spends a few moments talking with Aptera company principals Steve Fambro and Christopher Anthony, accompanied by various shots of the car whizzing by. They also spend some time showing off the Aptera's use of cameras to replace external side and rear view mirrors. While the CNN clip also makes the L.A. to New York claim, the mileage figure given is 230 mpg instead of 300. Google maps says that it is 2,778 miles between the two coastal cities putting the ability to accomplish the trek on 10 gallons in doubt. Do you think it could make it? Check out the clips after the jump and let us know what you think.

If you're a wiz with image altering software and crazy about cars then chances are you know all about the world of photochopping. Maybe you even have a folder stored on your computer filled with your attempts to improve on the exterior designs of top auto designers. If you think you got skillz and can improve on the design of the Aptera Typ-1 (pictured above) then you should click your bad self on over to Carchops.com and pit your revisionary talent against some of the best car photochoppers teh internets has to offer. That's right, the Aptera has been selected as the subject matter for the Carchops Official Chop Off for May 2008. One entry per customer and you have to post on their forum before the 25th to let them know you're going to unleash.

If you're teh suxors with software and need pointers from your nephew on how to chop Jay Leno's head into a Tesla don't be sad. You can join me in checking out the entries when they appear in the forum on May 31, between 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM. If you want to give some suggestions (please don't add mirrors, for example), join the forum for free and let them know how you would do it if you weren't so lame busy. Top prize is respect.

[Source: Carchops]

Aptera chief Steve Fambro, in his company's latest newsletter, tells us they are building "lots of cars". Hooray! And then crushing them. Oh noes! We know this has been done to electric cars by the likes of GM and Toyota before and now Aptera admits it has joined the pulverizing parade. Have they gone to the dark side? Well, no. It's all being done in the name of increasing safety. You see, despite not having to crash test their three-wheeled Typ-1 (because it is defined as a motorcycle by the only state - California - they have immediate plans to sell them in), they are attempting to make the doors and roof of their vehicle much stronger than what is required of a typical car. As Fambro states, "We want the Typ-I to be renowned not only for its remarkable performance and efficiency, but its safety too."

Besides addressing their safety ethos, the newsletter also contains a mini-bio of three of their employees as well as word of their most recent hire, Neil Hanneman. Links to press articles and their latest video are there, as are plans for future hires. If you're looking for a cool job or want to know all the Aptera development details click on the "read" link below.

[Source: Aptera]

In something of a paradigm shift equal to that of their source of propulsion, it seems the companies developing electric drive cars are being a lot more open with the general public and allowing folks to follow their progress closely. Tesla, through their website, seemed to have started the trend and GM is getting in on the action, hosting an afternoon with a bunch of Voltheads under the banner of VoltNation and allowing packs of journalists to tour their facilities.

Aptera has also developed under the watchful eye of the public. Road testing of their first prototype was recorded on videos and put up on YouTube. Now, continuing the tradition, they take you on a tour of their current facilities and show you some of their secrets. In the videos, you'll see that original prototype and how they build these composite vehicles. You'll watch the Aptera team all working together in quarters that are getting more cramped as the company begins to rapidly grow. You even get to see the nursery that the company thoughtfully provides for its employees.

Take a good look but don't get too attached. Aptera will be moving into more spacious quarters sometime soon. They are going to need lots more space as they begin turning out their birds this fall and start building prototypes of their upcoming 4-wheeled vehicle, code-named "Palomar." Hit the jump for all the Aptera factory touring action.

People make career changes all the time, but Neil Hannemann is definitely making an extreme one. Hannemann is joining electric vehicle builder Aptera as the new VP of program management and manufacturing. The Aptera is, of course, a lightweight, super aerodynamic, electric three wheeler. Hannemann is a veteran of the Detroit auto industry and was one of the leaders of the team that brought the original Dodge Viper from concept to production in the early nineties. After he left Chrysler, Hannemann moved on to Ford where he led the development team that created the GT, the fastest production model Dearborn ever built. After the GT program concluded, Hannemann decided he wanted to help change the face of transportation. At Aptera he will use his expertise in producing low volume extreme vehicles to help bring the Typ-1 to market.

[Soure: Popular Mechanics, thanks to Matt for the tip]

We've been following the progress of the Aptera Typ-1 since the beginning and it has been great to watch the car move from an early drawing to rough prototype to pre-production thing of beauty. We've watched it being test driven by Popular Mechanics (we're still jealous) and the L.A.Times (our turn, hello!!!) and reported its appearances in a Touchstone Energy TV commercial as well as the Star Trek film set. Best of all, it's about to go into production, meaning it's place on this particular list may be rather short. We hope so.


What's next? The Top 5.

If you have been to the Aptera website in the past and signed up for their newsletter you will have probably received a nice e-mail message from them yesterday addressed to "Aptera Family" that had some great news and even featured a few videos. If you didn't, don't worry. I'll not only give you the skinny on what you missed, but after the jump you can watch the brand new video (we've already shown you the others) which is a guided tour of the Aptera Typ-1. But wait there's more, because I'm a nice guy, (if you don't believe me, ask my Mom): I'll even give you the special secret link to the newsletter hidden on their website.

We've been following the progress of the Typ-1 since the beginning and it has been great to watch the car move from an early drawing to rough prototype to pre-production thing of beauty. We've watched it being test driven by Popular Mechanics (we're still jealous) and the L.A.Times (our turn, hello!!!) and reported its appearances in a Touchstone Energy T.V. commercial as well as the Star Trek film set. Unlike the vapor that seems to fill the news wires, this thing is real and is on the way.

Hit the jump for news and video. And the secret link.

Out of the 60+ teams signed up to potentially participate in the Progressive Automotive X Prize, there were four teams that brought cars to the big announcement at the New York Auto Show last week. One team we would have liked to see was Aptera with their Type I three-wheeler. But the vehicle was a no-show. But, and here's the crazy rumor part, a little bird told me that the reason for the absence was that the car was involved in some way with the new Star Trek movie. The look certainly fits and Boing Boing has a photo of the car on the set.

I've contacted Aptera to see if they had any official statement on this rumor, but the response has been silence. Perhaps our readers have a bit more information. Anyone?

If the unique style of the Apter Type 1 (above) isn't your thing, there still might be a high-mpg Apters for you. Aptera CEO Steve Fambro told Alternative Energy dot com that his company has other projects in the works (see three minutes into the video below the fold). Fambro said, "we have other designs on the drawing board. Other projects that are certainly more mainstream. We aren't really talking about those yet" (um, you just did). Fambro also said the company is finishing the last bit of engineering, putting their manufacturing in place in the next few weeks, and will launch by the end of the year. He said the company has plenty of business in California to keep them busy.

Fambro talked about the two types of cars they plan on making, the fully electric "Aptera Local" (120 mile range) and the series hybrid "Aptera Everywhere" (600-800 mile range) which will be available late next year. Fambro says even though the car has three wheels and is not required to comply with safety standards, lots of things on the Aptera are one and half or two times stronger than the FMVSS standard and the Type 1 has seat belts and air bags like you'd find in small aircraft.

Alternative Energy dot com also talked with the designer of the Type 1, Jason Hill, (see second video below the fold) of Eleven, LLC. He said the car was designed in a virtual wind tunnel and is the "best shape physics will allow." Very soon, owners of the Aptera Type 1 will enjoy things like $3 instead of $30 weekly costs for fuel, lower insurance and driving in the car pool lane when only one person is in the car (thanks, motorbike classification!).

[Source: AlternativeEnergy.com]

It was a Sunday like any other Sunday. I was on YouTube, browsing through the many Japanese game show selections, when I noticed a clip in English entitled "Aptera rolls into town". Although aptera means "without wings" in Greek, none of the flightless birds I've ever heard of roll, so much as they walk. I quickly realized they were talking about that other Aptera, the ultra-aerodynamic car that is my heart's desire.

Apparently, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, self-described as "a national alliance made up of more than 640 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 46 states," wanted something in their advertisement that showed they were future-oriented as well as environmentally aware. Works for me. I was poking around the Touchstone website in no time and, thanks to a post by c0mp13x over at ApteraForum.com, I just discovered a pair of recent video interviews done by AlternativeEnergy.com. One is with Aptera founder and CEO, Steve Fambro, looking spiffy and discussing his creation as well as some interesting upcoming plans. The other is with Aptera designer, Jason Hill. Both are well worth your time.

Check out the commercial and interviews after the jump.

[Source: YouTube / AlternativeEnergy.com]

The LA Times recently got a test ride of the Aptera electric car recently. The Times also test drove several other three-wheelers including the Vectrix V3, TriRod F3 Adrenaline, Piaggio MP3 500, and Can-Am Spyder. The Times reporter only drove along in the passenger seat of the Aptera but she said the futuristic ride felt stable at 45 MPH. The Aptera Type 1 comes out this year, will cost less than $30,000, has a top speed of 80 MPH and can go 70 miles on a single charge at a constant speed of 80 MPH. It is sure to be one of the more unique electric cars released in 2008.

Related:

• Wired Magazine January 2008 cover: the race to make 100 MPG car
• Videos: NY Mayor Bloomberg test drives Javlon, Popular Mechanic test drives Aptera
• Aptera series hybrid will have 1,000-mile range
• Videos: Aptera launch, Nissan concepts, Smart hybrid

[Source: YouTube, LA Times]