Aptera: 300mpg Super-Efficient 3-Wheeled Car

The Aptera is a new type of super-efficient vehicle from Aptera Motors of California.

The Aptera, which means “wingless” in Greek, is a super fuel-efficient vehicle, rated at a whopping 300mpg! It’s a hybrid diesel/electric vehicle, and is lightyears ahead of today’s hybrids, which in comparison, get a measly 35-45mpg. The Aptera is about 10 times as efficient!

How is this efficiency accomplished? Magic mostly, and a whole lot of engineering brilliance. Weight and wind resistance are huge factors that affect efficiency, and the Aptera has been carefully designed to optimize every aspect of the design to boost efficiency.

The Aptera weighs only 850 pounds (compared to the Toyota Prius at 2,890 pounds). This is achieved through what the company calls “Panelized Automated Composite Construction”, which basically means composite materials are use extensively instead of steel, cutting down on weight. Using only three wheels also cuts down on weight, and partially covering the wheels cuts down on wind resistance.

The Aptera can only hold two passengers, but with an insane 300mpg rating, you can always make extra trips.

In addition to the an amazing efficiency rating, the Aptera also features an innovative air conditioning system. It’s solar powered. This means that even on hot days when your car is off, the air conditioning can run and keep your car comfortable. Knowing first hand how brutal a car gets in the middle of July, this alone would be a great selling point!

In terms of safety, the composite material is super-strong, providing support in a collision. It also features a 360-degree viewing angle, accomplished through rear-mounted camera.

The Aptera has some impressive performance stats as well. 0-60 in about 11 seconds, and a top speed of 95mph. Costing only $30,000, it’s perfect for the average eco-conscious consumer.

The Aptera was created in response to the X-Prize Foundation’s Automotive eco-competition. Having moved on from space, the X-Prize put up $25 million for the first vehicle to reach 100mpg. At 300mpg the Aptera has a great shot at winning

Check out Aptera Motors, and the Aptera Myspace Page

via AutoblogGreen, San Diego Union Tribune, popsci , Wired, Automotive X Prize

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