Here is a short list of reasons why I think that the Aptera will be a low volume toy for the rich or idealistic, and not a mass market transportation appliance.
- It's a tricycle--less stable handling than a car of similar wheelbase. A blown tire at speed could be very tricky to handle, especially if it is the pusher wheel that blows. (Update: a reader states that the Aptera is now FWD, however the previous design was definitely a pusher not a puller. The sketch shown in the new brochure clearly shows a rear-mounted powertrain.)
- Very little clearance between wheel fairings and pavement. How will it handle potholes? Dirt roads?
- No spare tire. You get a inflation kit instead.
- No front or rear bumpers, minor scrapes may do severe damage.
- Sectioned windows may not let a Biggie soda and fries into the cabin
- You can have any color as long as it is white.
- May not meet tough side and front impact standards, probably won't interface well with conventional cars. High rear end may result in rear impacts flipping the Aptera forward.
- In a crash, deceleration will be vicious becuase the Aptera is so light. Multiple airbags will have to cushion the occupants, similar to how Smart does it.
