Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Aptera fresh out of greenbacks, closes up shop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/aptera-fresh-out-of-greenbacks-closes-up-shop/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/aptera-fresh-out-of-greenbacks-closes-up-shop/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/aptera-fresh-out-of-greenbacks-closes-up-shop/#comments Bummer for fans of teardrop shaped three-wheelers, as your favorite chariot, Aptera's 2e, will never see the light of day. Despite getting the ball rolling on a $150 million loan from the DOE, subsequent funding and time just weren't on the startup's side. An unfortunate prognosis, as CEO Paul Wilbur revealed the company had been working on a $30,000 mid-sized sedan that would have touted 190 miles of electrical range. He's still adamant the company had "never been closer" to realizing its vision, but hopes someone else can carry on Aptera's torch. Those nuggets and more await in what is possibly the company's final tell-all after the break.

Continue reading Aptera fresh out of greenbacks, closes up shop

Aptera fresh out of greenbacks, closes up shop originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ealternative energyAlternativeEnergyapteraaptera 2eAptera2edepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergydoeelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleEVstartupUS startupUsStartupFri, 02 Dec 2011 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera: no production vehicles until we get funding, from the government or elsewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/aptera-no-production-vehicles-until-we-get-funding-from-the-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/aptera-no-production-vehicles-until-we-get-funding-from-the-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/aptera-no-production-vehicles-until-we-get-funding-from-the-go/#commentsAh, funding. So necessary, yet so tedious to get. Aptera -- an automotive startup that has warmed our hearts with its eco-friendly, three-wheeled prototypes -- has been seeking government funding to take things "next level" ever since 2008. After being laughed out of the building at first, the company reapplied and managed to get its 2e certified as a "car" by the US Department of Energy. Unfortunately, miles (and miles) or red tape have held Aptera back ever since, and even today, they're still waiting to see if Uncle Sam will be shelling out to further their initiatives. Rather than putting its head down and realizing it's no GM, the company has pushed out a newsletter explaining the current situation. Essentially, it's dead-set on holding out for more funding -- be it from the DoE's coffers or elsewhere -- in order to maintain quality and keep the per-unit costs down to a reasonable level. According to Aptera: "We would obviously love to accelerate the process, but the government has to make sure they complete their comprehensive evaluation and we have to let the process run its course." Bummer.

Aptera: no production vehicles until we get funding, from the government or elsewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2eapteraaptera 2eAptera2edepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergydoeelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehiclefundinggovernmentinvestmentstartupususaMon, 07 Feb 2011 04:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera co-founder expands Epic Boats beyond boats, spurs hiring spree]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/aptera-co-founder-expands-epic-boats-beyond-boats-spurs-hiring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/aptera-co-founder-expands-epic-boats-beyond-boats-spurs-hiring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/aptera-co-founder-expands-epic-boats-beyond-boats-spurs-hiring/#comments
It certainly looks like Aptera co-founder is Chris Anthony is intent on making a name for himself with his own company, Epic Boats, which has recently be renamed Epic Electric Vehicles to better suit its more ambitious goals. That now includes the announcement of two new land vehicles: the fairly standard looking Epic Amp all terrain vehicle, and the three-wheeled Epic Torque (pictured above), which will reportedly cost around $22,000 and $35,000, respectively, and are both set to go into production this fall at Louisiana-based Caddo Manufacturing. That expansion has also now prompted quite a hiring spree -- the company says it's bringing on 200 new employees immediately and will eventually hire nearly 500 altogether, and adds that the manufacturing should also create about 1,500 indirect job in the area.

Aptera co-founder expands Epic Boats beyond boats, spurs hiring spree originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all terrain vehicleAllTerrainVehicleamqapteracaddoCaddo ManufacturingCaddoManufacturingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleepicepic boatsepic electric vechiclesEpicBoatsEpicElectricVechiclesevoff road vehicleOffRoadVehicletorquevideoMon, 19 Jul 2010 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera 2e three-wheeler deemed a car by the DoE, eligible for funding]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/aptera-2e-three-wheeler-deemed-a-car-by-the-doe-eligible-for-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/aptera-2e-three-wheeler-deemed-a-car-by-the-doe-eligible-for-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/aptera-2e-three-wheeler-deemed-a-car-by-the-doe-eligible-for-fu/#comments
For a time, it looked Aptera might be missing out on the US Department of Energy's funding bonanza for energy-efficient vehicles due to its car's three-wheeled nature, but it looks like President Obama has now had the final say on the matter, and signed legislation that makes both two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles eligible for the same funding as their four-wheeled counterparts. Of course, that doesn't yet mean that Aptera will actually receive any funding, and the legislation doesn't have anything to do with safety regulations, where the 2e is still classified as a motorcycle by the Department of Transportation. For its part, however, Aptera says that it'll be filing another application to meet the updated requirements, and it still insists that it'll hit "volume production" of the car sometime in 2010, and get it on the road for between $25,000 and $40,000.

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Aptera 2e three-wheeler deemed a car by the DoE, eligible for funding originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2eapteraaptera 2eAptera2edepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergydoeelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleFri, 30 Oct 2009 22:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera co-founder debuts EPIC 23e hybrid electric wake boat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-debuts-epic-23e-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-debuts-epic-23e-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/aptera-co-founder-debuts-epic-23e-hybrid-electric-wake-boat/#comments
It doesn't exactly have the same space age looks of the Aptera 2e he helped design, but this new EPIC 23e wake boat from Chris Anthony's Epic Boats shouldn't have any trouble attracting attention nonetheless, and not just because of its paint job. The key bit here is the boat's Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive System, which allows for all-electric operation most of the time, with the gas engine only kicking in to power the generator that recharges the lithium ion batteries. According to the company, that should translate to about four hours of operating time and as much as a 50 percent reduction in fuel, not to mention a 90 percent drop in carbon monoxide emissions. Of course, with some Aptera brains behind it, you'll also get plenty of on-board gadgets, including a touchscreen interface, GPS Speed Control, and a full-fledged on-board entertainment system for passengers. No firm word on a price, but it apparently could cost "as much as $150,000" when it launches in July, though the company eventually hopes to get that down to around $70,000. Must-see video after the break.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Aptera co-founder debuts EPIC 23e hybrid electric wake boat

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Aptera co-founder debuts EPIC 23e hybrid electric wake boat originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apterachris anthonyChrisAnthonyepic 23eepic boatsepic boats 23eEpic23eEpicBoatsEpicBoats23eMon, 16 Mar 2009 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera 2e gets taken for a test drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/aptera-2e-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/aptera-2e-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/aptera-2e-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive/#comments
Aptera only just unveiled the complete specs for its Aptera 2e all-electric vehicle a little over a week ago, but the folks at Road & Track Magazine have already managed to talk their way into a test drive, and they've naturally shared their impressions for those of us still stuck in our non-space age vehicles. While there's obviously still a bit of refining to do before the final production model, the magazine nonetheless seems to be pretty impressed with the head-turner, saying that it seems far quicker than it actually is due to its go-kart-like handing and aircraft-style windshield, which gives the driver an up close view of the pavement ahead. They do say that the not-quite-gullwing doors will take some getting used to, however, but once inside there's apparently plenty of room, even for someone with a 6-foot-3-inch frame. Be sure to hit up the read link below for a video and plenty more pics, including a glimpse at the development process.

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Aptera 2e gets taken for a test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-electricapteraaptera 2eAptera2eelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleFri, 13 Feb 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera unveils full specs for its flagship 2e]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/aptera-unveils-full-specs-for-its-flagship-2e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/aptera-unveils-full-specs-for-its-flagship-2e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/aptera-unveils-full-specs-for-its-flagship-2e/#comments Heads up, the fine folks at Autoblog Green have gotten their oil-encrusted hands on a full list of specs for Aptera's 2e electric car, now on display at this year's Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) conference. The 1,500-pound aerodynamic vessel has just a 0.15 coefficient of drag and features a smart key, emergency tire inflation, and energy-reflective solar glass. Inside, we've got LED dome lights mounted overhead, a DVD-based navigation system, optional rear backup camera, and interior fabrics / plastics made from recycled materials. The company's still touting 100 miles on a single charge of the 10 to 13 kWh lithium ion phosphate battery pack. No new details on price, which we last heard would be between $25,000 and $45,000 -- zipping down the road in a space-age cruiser doesn't come cheap, you know.

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Aptera unveils full specs for its flagship 2e originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2eapteraaptera 2eAptera2ecarcarselectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleevTue, 03 Feb 2009 18:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera designers unveil solar-powered pontoon, the Loon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/aptera-designs-solar-powered-pontoon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/aptera-designs-solar-powered-pontoon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/aptera-designs-solar-powered-pontoon/#comments Sure, it's just a concept for now, but the Aptera design team (Eleven) has unveiled this solar-powered boat, and it's looking pretty decent, so we thought we'd bring a few of the details over here for you. The Loon, as it's called, was designed for the Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company, and it's got a pontoon shape to it, and is relatively lightweight for its size, with a 1000W solar panel roofing which is collapsible for compact storing of the boat when not in the water. It's 22 feet long, and is made of recycled materials, bamboo and natural fibers, with an estimated top speed of 7 knots (it should be able to travel about 35 miles a day). We don't know when to expect these bad boys on the waterways, nor do we know how much they're going to cost, but we're hoping they're not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Via Autoblog Green]

Read - Eleven
Read - Motive Industries

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Aptera designers unveil solar-powered pontoon, the Loon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraconceptloonsolarsolar boatSolarBoatTamarack Lake Electric Boat CompanyTamarackLakeElectricBoatCompanyMon, 02 Feb 2009 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera rolls out first pre-production vehicle, promises shipments in October ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/23/aptera-rolls-out-first-pre-production-vehicle-promises-shipment/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/23/aptera-rolls-out-first-pre-production-vehicle-promises-shipment/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/23/aptera-rolls-out-first-pre-production-vehicle-promises-shipment/#comments
Although the swoopy Aptera electric went up for pre-orders back in October of 2007, we haven't really seen much of the futuristic car outside of the odd Star Trek cameo. Hopefully that's about to change, though -- the company just rolled out the first pre-production example its flagship model, the 2e. The three-wheeled car gets the equivalent of 200mpg, and the company claims the lithium-ion battery pack will last for 100 miles on a single charge. Aptera isn't giving out final pricing information apart from "between $25,000 and $45,000" but it says over 4,000 potential customers have already signed up for a planned California-only October release. We'll see how it goes -- and we'd bet the folks at the Automotive X-Prize are keeping a sharp eye as well.

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Aptera rolls out first pre-production vehicle, promises shipments in October originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2eapteraautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizecarcarselectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleevx prizeXPrizeFri, 23 Jan 2009 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Triac: the highway-capable, three-wheeled electric car available now?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/28/triac-the-highway-capable-three-wheeled-electric-car-available/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/28/triac-the-highway-capable-three-wheeled-electric-car-available/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/28/triac-the-highway-capable-three-wheeled-electric-car-available/#commentsGreen Vehicles Triac
Our siblings over at AutoblogGreen discovered a little video hinting that a new three-wheeled, 70MPH electric car called the Triac is available... now. While we wait for the Aptera to hit the road, it seems Green Vehicles went ahead and made the Triac, tested it, and got it all sorts of market-ready. For those who don't know, the Triac is highway capable and will go 120 miles before needing a recharge. Video after the break.

Continue reading Triac: the highway-capable, three-wheeled electric car available now?

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Triac: the highway-capable, three-wheeled electric car available now? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera motorsaptera-motorsApteraMotorselectric carelectric carselectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsfuel economyFuelEconomytriacMon, 28 Apr 2008 06:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera to make cameo in next Star Trek film?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/aptera-to-make-cameo-in-next-star-trek-film/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/aptera-to-make-cameo-in-next-star-trek-film/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/aptera-to-make-cameo-in-next-star-trek-film/#comments
For those unaware, "veiled in secrecy" is an extreme understatement when it comes to the next Star Trek flick -- if there actually is a next Star Trek flick, that is. Nevertheless, an undercover photographer managed to grab some recent shots of a film production operating under the title "Corporate Headquarters," and a few snaps caught a vehicle that looks awfully similar to the 300MPG Aptera. Coincidentally enough, said craft was also missing from last week's New York Auto Show. Look, we aren't piecing together clues in a valiant attempt to get you stoked about seeing a space aged automobile in a movie that may or may not even be real (okay, it's real), but then again, it's hard to shake the evidence.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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Aptera to make cameo in next Star Trek film? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apteraelectric carElectricCarstar trekStarTrekFri, 28 Mar 2008 00:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera's Typ-1 gets a video test drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/22/apteras-typ-1-gets-a-video-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/22/apteras-typ-1-gets-a-video-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/22/apteras-typ-1-gets-a-video-test-drive/#comments
After getting a good look at this thing, all we can say is that it better not take as long as the Tesla to get to market. Aptera's ultra-aerodynamic Typ-1 most certainly has some outrageous claims behind it -- most notably that 300 MPG rating -- and some people are doubting how real or drivable this thing could be. Popular Mechanics got a chance take the little Jestons-mobile for a spin, and discovered that it does indeed exist, and in fact happens to drive quite nicely. The interior is just as sexy as the exterior, so we'd recommend you peep the video now before you end up the last person on your block to pre-order one of these.

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Aptera's Typ-1 gets a video test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteracarelectric carElectricCartyp-1Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Additional Automotive X-Prize details revealed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/additional-automotive-x-prize-details-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/additional-automotive-x-prize-details-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/additional-automotive-x-prize-details-revealed/#comments
For a competition that still hasn't officially launched, the Automotive X-Prize has certainly been doing a pretty good job of making itself known, and we've now got yet more details on it courtesy of the folks at CNET. First up, it seems that the X-Prize Foundation will finally get official with the competition "sometime next year," although likely not before the New York Auto Show in the spring. Before that, however, the Foundation will be showing off some or all of the 43 contenders currently signed up at the Detroit Auto Show in January including, among others, Aptera's 300 mile-per-gallon car pictured above. What's more, given that the competition only seeks to find a car that gets 100 miles to the gallon, it would seem that Aptera would have a considerable advantage -- assuming it can actually back up its claims, that is. Hit up the read link below for a peek at some of the other competitors.

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Additional Automotive X-Prize details revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizex-prizeThu, 06 Dec 2007 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera's 300 MPG car available for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/10/apteras-300-mpg-car-available-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/10/apteras-300-mpg-car-available-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/10/apteras-300-mpg-car-available-for-pre-order/#comments
Aptera certainly managed to attract a fair bit of attention for itself earlier this year, when its concept car turned as many heads for its space age looks as it did for its promised 200 MPG range. Now the company looks to be taking the next step on the long road to availability, with it accepting pre-orders for the car, which apparently now boasts a range of 300 MPG in typical driving conditions. What's more, the company says its also readying an all-electric version of the vehicle in addition to the plug-in hybrid model, with promising to last for around 120 miles before needing a recharge. Both models will also apparently come packed with features, include driver and passenger side airbags, interior and exterior LED lighting, a "solar assisted" climate control system, and an "advanced drive computer" that includes GPS, a rear-view camera, and a complete vehicle diagnostic system. All that apparently comes at a bit of a premium over the initially-estimated $20,000 price, however, with the electric and plug-in hybrid models now set to run $26,900 and $29,900, respectively. If that's still in your ballpark, you can reserve yours now for a mere $500, with the first vehicles promised to be in drivers hands in 12 months or so.

[Via Digg]

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Aptera's 300 MPG car available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridWed, 10 Oct 2007 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera takes wraps off 200 MPG prototype car]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/aptera-takes-wraps-off-200-mpg-prototype-car/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/aptera-takes-wraps-off-200-mpg-prototype-car/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/aptera-takes-wraps-off-200-mpg-prototype-car/#commentsIt looks like last week's TED conference was the choice event for those jonesing for a more Jetson-like means of transportation, with Idealab company Aptera taking the opportunity to show off a prototype version of its sci-fi-inspired concept car. While it sadly remains grounded, the Aptera typ-1 does boast at least one significant innovation, promising to deliver a full 200 miles per gallon from its diesel-electric hybrid engine, keeping up a reasonable 55 mph pace all along the way. And while it's a one-off for now, Aptera apparently hopes that won't be the case for too long, with the company planning to sell these attention-grabbers for around $20,000 apiece. Exactly when, of course, they ain't sayin', but we wouldn't hold off any current car purchase plans in anticipation of driving off in one of these instead.

[Via DailyTech]

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Aptera takes wraps off 200 MPG prototype car originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera typ-1ApteraTyp-1concept carConceptCarhybridprototype carPrototypeCarWed, 14 Mar 2007 17:51:00 EST