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For full features; Go to The All New Aptera...Opinions?
Check out this car, soon to be released with 400 people already coughing up
the deposit.
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=444375&topart=pas
senger
After reading the article, what are the opinions? In my opinion that is a
step towards the future of 100% clean technology but I doubt the world is
ready for it. Firstly, the electric-only version is useless as 120 miles is
not enough to drive on. The hybrid version, making 'up to' 300mpg would
have to suffice. Secondly, it is way too small and way too slow to be liked
by many. Finally, its unique technology and design makes me think that it's
not very safe, although the designer begs to differ.
Agree, disagree?
Nissan_Altima
It looks like shit, and is made of shit. Its perfect for the
enviro-obesessed idiots that have signed up to buy it
newyorker
What are 2.5 seats? Is that like one regular guy and a fat guy? lol.
120 miles would be enough for most people on most days, but there's always
that one day every month, where you'd wish you got the hybrid.
Personally, I wouldn't buy one of those, and it doesn't look like it will
catch on--although it looks pretty cool. However, if enough people want to
buy it, then that company is onto something, and more companies will do the
same. That's the free-market. That energy bill that was passed a few weeks
back basically forces all companies to do this, regardless of whether
anyone actually wants it.
chris_knows
Dude so far today, I drove 200 miles (ive been up since 2:30am), then I
have to interview for some work, add 60 there and back, then friends house
and wherever we go, usually 50 miles around...thats 310 miles at least just
today lol that thing wouldnt to me any good....i personally think its
retarded
newyorker
You're either lying or really, really wanted to drive. To prevent flame
wars, I'll take the latter of the two. Most people do not drive 200+ miles
a day regularly and, truck, taxi, etc drivers aside, there is no necessity
for anyone to do so.
Nissan_Altima
I had to drive a friend to the airport...no I dont do it regularly, its a
one shot deal, but it would suck for the people that got this car because
they wouldnt be able to take a longish trip without having a secondary car
for it...its kinda like cars that run on natural gas, yea its nice and good
if you have a fill station at home, but that stuff isnt readily available
everywhere, so you really cant take a trip somewhere in the car because it
will run out of fuel...
newyorker
Hey, lets all criticize before we actually read carefully.
The car runs 120 miles on just a battery. In highbrid mode it goes 600
miles on a tank, getting 300mpg.
If everything holds true I doubt they'll have trouble selling them.
Personally I think it looks too futuristic, making people balk at it. Give
it a fourth wheel, and 500lbs. It'll probably still get 150+mpg and people
won't feel as awkward driving it. That being said, I doubt that the
statistics/price will indeed hold true. Pretty intersting read though.
giant016
I drive over 200 miles a day at least once a week. Your presumption is
flawed. I'm none of those things you listed.
3xBeam
He said MOST. Virtually everyone drives over 120 miles once in a while
though. Also, I wonder if those stats are during a nice sunny day, or
during the winter, when there is snow, you need the heater, defrosters,
possibly windshield wipers, radio, etc.
I remember reading that the EV-1 cars that people were mad about because
they were taken off the market (Who Killed the Electric Car) would only get
8 or 12 miles on a typical Michigan winter day. I think they were rated for
like 40 miles on a good day though.
chris_knows
Still. I drive at least 120 every week day. And if I have two jobs that
day, it can easily be 200+. An electric car that doesn't do 250 miles
charged in nothing more than a novelty. It's not really practical imo.
3xBeam
That as well as the 8 hour charge time.
chris_knows
:thumbs:
Although I am not certain everything you have mentioned will actually have
an affect, I would presume that there is the same flaw here as there is
with "modern, average cars". Usually the estimated mileage is in such
perfect conditions that it can't be reached. I would say 300mpg is being
optimistic.
If you don't mind me asking, what do you do? Judging from this post, it
seems that you either deliver something or drive out to places. This would
cause a lot of mileage; however a majority of the people still drive from
home to work and back throughout the weekdays. Even including driving and
shopping around, it should be considerably less than 120 miles. I know 120
miles a day is enough for both of my parents and would be enough for me, if
I didn't enjoy driving on the weekends so much.
Nonetheless, it can be practice by buying the hybrid version. Providing it
does get 300mpg, that's sufficient for most people.
Nissan_Altima
This car reminds me of the Smart cars in a way...yea its innovative and all
but it doesnt seem practical, and it wont be as good as they say. Smart
told us about the smart car being very safe due to the tridion safety cell,
that its ridgid and wont cave in on you...yea thats all nice and true, but
if you get hit, the car has tiny crumple zones and the whiplash alone would
break your neck...
im curious to see where it goes though, I dont think it will take off and
change the automotive industry, nor will it sell very well...seems more of
a novelty item than anything, im sure Jay Leno and Hassanal Bolkiah are on
the list to buy it, just for the hell of it
newyorker
