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The Super-Efficient 3-Wheel Aptera Isn't a Car, Except When it Is
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 10.19.09
Sweet DOE Money Raining Down On Me
Aptera decided to make a 3-wheel vehicle because it wasn't considered a car (reduced weight and friction are other benefits), which meant that they could make something less expensively by sidestepping many of the regulations that apply to cars. But when the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it was handing out lots of low-interest loans to help the development of greener cars (Fisker got almost half a billion), it was obvious to Aptera that it was to its advantage to be considered a "car maker", if only for that. Well, after months and months of debate, it seems like it got its wish. How much money will it get?
That's not known yet. The bill still has to be signed by president Obama, but that shouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't be surprised if Aptera and the DOE were already working together to decide if a loan can be arranged.
In a statement, representative Brian Bilbray (R), one f the co-sponsors of the bill, said: "This is a huge win for scientific innovation and the environment. We need more innovation and less regulation when it comes to promoting new ways to save energy while saving money at the pump."
We wish Aptera the best! Glad that they survived the big credit freeze over the past year (unlike Vectrix, for example).