Gas-Free Cars

Aptera is taking orders for the all-electric Aptera 2e with expected delivery in October 2009. The 2e will give over 100 miles per charge, which translates to about 300 mpg. The car can be charged on a standard 110v outlet in under 8 hours. The 2h is a range-extended hybrid that will be available in 2010. Like the 2e, it is a plug-in electric, but also uses gasoline.

While Detroit is struggling to stay alive, California-based Aptera is rolling out new models. They’re completely funded and don’t foresee financial difficulties in the offing. The first public test-drives will take place at the Technology Entertainment and Design Conference at Long Beach the first week in February.

This is one of what I predict will be a number of businesses to use a regional marketing strategy to both start and grow their companies. The Aptera is a perfect match for California’s generally sunny, moderate climate and large commuting population. The company takes advantage of the technological resources already in place and will start by filling a niche in the world’s eighth largest economy.

We all know that diversification is good in investment. It’s also good as an economic growth model. My personal hope is that the rest of us will recognize the wisdom of regional marketing and the folly of ginormous corporations as our primary business model.

The Aptera will be price competitive at between $20K and $40K depending upon features and options. It was excluded from a $7500 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle tax credit because it has only 3 wheels, but the company is working to change the rules that exclude them.  Reservations require a fully-refundable $500 deposit and are only available to California residents to begin with.

Trend Hunter first spotted the Aptera in early 2007. See the related trends for more information.