Aptera’s Typ-1 may look like it it belongs in some futuristic movie but according to the company it will be available in at the end of 2008 for a price of less that $30,000 US (under 205K ZAR).

Aptera is claiming the all-electric model can achieve a range of 120 miles (193 kms) and the hybrid model can get 600 miles (965 kms) before running out of steam. The electric model can be recharged in a few hours when plugged into a 110-volt outlet and the hybrid is a combination of electric and gas-powered generator. The company has yet to release performance estimates so speed may be an issue.

The Typ-1 is novel in that it has 3 wheels and is therefore classified as a motorcycle instead of an automobile. Behind the two front seats is a child seat that, when removed, leaves enough space for 15 grocery bags or 2 golf bags.

The Aptera comes equipped with a front crumple zone, driver and passenger side airbags and steel and composite side and rollover protection. Inside boasts of a navigation system, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio and a UBS port.

I think the hardest driver adjustment will be to the “Eyes Forward” vision system. It eliminated the need for side mirrors and instead relies on embedded cameras that display a 180-degree rear view.

Aptera is still raising money to manufacture the Typ-1 but claims to have 400 deposits. Available only in California, for the moment, the most amusing feature of this car may just be the plus and minus signs on the gas and brake pedals. Just in case you become confused as to which does what and since you will no longer be wasting time looking in side and rearview mirrors, you can always duck under the dash and look.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Tags: Aptera, Concept car news, hybrid, Typ-1