20 Year Lithium-ion battery invented - Mr. Oil says, "Say it ain't so" with his money February 05, 2010

Get an electric car
 

Talking with Marques McCammon
- Chief Marketing Officer for Aptera Motors -
February 03, 2010 - byplug.com - by B. Neal Henderson

RE: Aptera Motors is a bit of a mystery so let's ask some questions.

image(s) credit: Aptera Motors

Time to get up, get breakfast started, check the stock markets for any weird fluctuations, read the news via Google headlines and somewhere in there, check to see if there is any new Aptera Motors information. After all, I have a deposit on an Aptera 2e.

Usually most electric car news is the same news, in a new wrapper, put out by another media outlet that has changed a few words and regurgitated the story to make it appear like the latest scoop.

With Aptera Motors, there is a lot of speculation and minimal information out there and that leads to plenty of questions. So, what do you do if you have Aptera questions?
Go and ask someone who has some Aptera answers.

I listened to Marques McCammon speak at the 'LIFE Senior Learning Group' at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California back in January. After the presentation, I introduced myself, talked for a few minutes and suggested we get together sometime in the future so that I would be able to ask some additional questions and just get to know Marques.

Yesterday, Marques and I met for a very informational lunch meeting.

Marques and I talked about everything from rear suspension, employees, parts, bill of materials, time frames, final pricing and more. He suggested that some aspects of the company could not be detailed because of negotiations and during the conversation he even gave up some information that he suggested should remain confidential for now (and it will).

Per our last byplug piece about the 'LIFE Senior Learning Group' at MiraCosta College in Oceanside on January 22, Marques wrote: "Thanks for sending the link. The piece came off nicely. I will offer one comment though. My words on timing were directional. I cannot offer detail on timing until we close our fundraise. And our costs to launch the company will be less than the quarter billion dollar mark that I suggested. Just want to make sure that I don't mislead anyone."

Yesterday, after the lunch, Marques sent a new picture (top of article) of the Aptera chassis development mule. He wrote: "This picture is of our chassis development mule. Internally this vehicle is regarded as pp8. Don’t get nervous, the scoop on the roof is not intended for production, and yes this vehicle is a pure EV. This vehicle demonstrates the chassis system that was described in the last newsletter."

As a deposit holder for a 2e, I am currently a member of apteraforum.com and have been quietly selecting and collecting questions from some of the posts via a cut and paste to my notes. I must say that during the conversation, I asked questions based on my experience with composite construction. We discussed shipping finished bodies, startups, management, safety, lawsuits, building cars, concerns about delays, bumpers front and rear, investors and the long term impacts of delays now for a better product and safety issues. 

So, the bottom line. The conversation with Marques answered many of the questions that I have at this time as a deposit holder for an Aptera 2e.

Here is a question:
How did I feel after the conversation with Marques regarding the Aptera 2e?

My electric car deposit is still with Aptera.
 

Aptera newsletter:
January 2010 - Vol. 2 : Issue 1 - In This Issue
- Fambro leads from boardroom
- Manufacturing VP steps down
- Tech Talk: Chassis
- Xprize Update    

image credit: Aptera Motors

Department of Energy Announces Closing of $1.4 billion loan agreement to Bring Production of Nissan LEAF, Battery to North America
Loan used to modify Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant for production in 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-
Today, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy has closed a $1.4 billion loan agreement with Nissan North America, Inc. The loan will support the modification of Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant to produce the Nissan LEAF, a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle, and the lithium-ion battery packs to power them.  more  ..

 

"The Rise of the Electrics"- 'Perfect Storm'
 

 Explore the mystery of freeway speed - plug-in electric cars, oil and finances.

Toyota's Official View:
"WE HAVE ABOUT TEN TO TWELVE YEARS LEFT!"
Peak Oil By 2017 - 2020:
(byplug comment: oil will continue to get very expensive)
 

(byplug comment:  Jim Lentz is president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.  WOW!  ...peak oil between 2017 - 2025. Jim's peak prediction window starts just 7 years from now! ...from an auto executive!  (some say we have already hit peak oil.)  plan ...get an electric car.)

What do you think? Here are two videos:
Does anything they say make sense?

"Aptera Charges Up"
January 22, 2010 - Marques McCammon, CMO for Aptera Motors - Lectures - MiraCosta College, Oceanside, CA  - byplug.com - by B. Neal Henderson

Preface:  Aptera Motors has had a rough time in the media lately regarding delays, funding, design and other issues. Plug-in electric car early adopter customers are waiting for their dream Aptera vehicles and growing impatient. That said, as an early reservation holder for an Aptera 2e and a member of www.apterforum.com, I was particularly interested in not just the current talking points but, specifically questions regarding issues like finished Aptera 2e weight, the new body design progress and most importantly, delivery of finished customer cars.

Because I have 'skin in the game', I went to this lecture/presentation seeking answers and to be convinced progress continues at Aptera Motors. After listening to Aptera's Chief Marketing Officer, Marques McCammon, explain the "vision" and address some of the issues regarding real world automotive production, including competitor plans and histories, I am convinced that Aptera is indeed working toward a more refined, long-term product, and unfortunately, that takes time. My personal experience with composite car construction made me realize that until you actually take the project design from plans and a computer and get your hands dirty with construction and road testing, you really need to consider features like bumpers, driver and passenger head room, detail features/costs and realities. Sure, some customers will say, "just give us the product now in the current form" and I understand the frustration but, the company must consider the long-term ramifications of quality, including perception, reputation, safety and production. While sacrificing now, Aptera will produce a better vehicle for the long run.

This single, less than an hour, communication answered many of my questions and renewed my convictions that this project is the most innovative design in progress today and is moving forward. Now, while the presentation did not specifically address the details like: Aptera's current website seems out-of-date and the Aptera newsletters are few and far between, the presentation was very informational.

Picture below: During the presentation, I noticed that in one of the pictures, the latest Aptera body was being constructed. So far, most of us have only seen pieces of the new designs. That picture really answered my question about the new overall shape of the body, the incorporated feature designs, and the progress and probability of it testing soon. After the presentation, I introduced myself and asked Marques if he "would let me post the picture". He explained that it was going to come out in an Aptera Newsletter in about a week or so but said that he would send it to me via email and I could "scoop" him. The picture was in my email when I arrived home.

image credits: Aptera Motors

  Marques McCammon, Chief Marketing Officer for Aptera Motors was the guest speaker for the 'LIFE Senior Learning Group' at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California today. Energy resources, aerodynamics incorporated into vehicle design for low drag and high mileage were among the topics of today's 'Aptera Charges Up' presentation. The intimate class lecture style presentation lasted about 50 minutes covering the consumption of world oil resources and building into the concept, designs and history of the Aptera company and vision. McCammon credited the early founders of Aptera, Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony with their unique vision and spoke highly of their innovative ideas. The early designs of the Aptera Mark 0 have constantly improved and evolved into the Aptera 2e with the final production version sporting a  more spacious body design that incorporates real automotive world problem solutions. The process of these re-designs and refinements have delayed the Aptera launch but have taken Aptera closer to a place it needs to be to compete for the long term and lead in today's ever more competitive plug-in electric and hybrid automotive marketplace. 

McCammon went on to explain that when he worked at Chrysler, he worked on the launch of the Dodge Neon. He said that Chrysler had invested almost a billion dollars to just get the Neon program rolling. In contrast, Aptera will require about $250 million to have the entire company in their optimal market space. The price for the Aptera would still range from $25K for a 'basic model' and depending on configuration and options, one could spend $40K to $45K for a loaded example.

Q and A session: During McCammon's remarks, he said that Aptera Motors currently employs about 30 people and is moving to a location in North San Diego County, still a neighbor to Vista but could not be more specific about the details at this time.

During the question and answer session, McCammon predicted the finished vehicle weight to be around 1800 pounds.

Concerning cost savings, "Why reinvent the wheel?" explained McCammon as he addressed engineering costs and designs. On more traditional automotive part applications, to keep design and engineering costs lower, the plan is that Aptera will purchase existing automotive parts directly from manufacturers that have already done the engineering and currently produce the part. As an example, McCammon listed the steering wheel for the Aptera which is the same as a Chevrolet Malibu and would be purchased from an OEM directly to Aptera. (Great idea in my book, costs are lower, speeds production and time to market.)

McCammon also explained that the finished model plan is to have a single speed gearbox with 3 drive states, selectable by the driver for overall performance. Depending on your selection, McCammon explained that the vehicle exhibits tremendous torque that is available right from the get go. Recorded times of less than 10 seconds going from 0 to 60 miles an hour and even less than 8 seconds if you are in a performance mode.

For those concerned with the stability of a three-wheel-vehicle, McCammon explained that the Aptera design now incorporates a newer, single rear-wheel suspension and geometry that handles roll and yaw characteristics.

As a reservation holder, I am interested in delivery of an Aptera specific to a reservation number. I asked McCammon about delivery. He explained that Aptera Motors would like to have six retail locations in place the first day that Aptera launches the first vehicles in California. Delivery of the first Aptera is currently planned around the end of this year, 2010 and a modified more aggressive production volume 'ramp up' plan in 2011 would make up for delays suffered earlier.  bnh - byplug.com

Oh Yes... and .....GET AN ELECTRIC CAR.

The rendering picture below reflects some changes from the original Aptera design but, remains absolutely beautiful.. ..now build it!
Aptera 2e reservations available - link: www.aptera.com

 

Back to electric cars in a second...
What do you think? This has to be said again:
Subject: Fwd: Time Has Come - 28th

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that Congress members could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered...in all of its' forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law (hmmmm?). I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. This is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that  applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States".

When you think about an electric car... Do you think about this next topic?  Yes? No? Maybe? ... What do you think?
(byplug comment: U.S. National Debt, DEBT OIL (FOREIGN OIL) dependence, weaker dollar and 'Trouble' in foreign lands. That 'trouble' may also be listed under a completely different headline such as the U.S. needs to go 'in' because .. 'Terrorism strikes' or 'Terrorism might strike' or 'Terrorism potentially could be striking... or could become a Terror Hub' or 'Rebels causing problems to other governments' ...and of course the U.S. needs to help because of Democracy and the goodness of our hearts".. you may or may not agree, just asking you to think. so... read the headlines...What do you think?  .. see picture below:)

(byplug comment: What is true? Can we handle the truth?
We, YOU, need to plan. Plan and purchase a freeway speed, commuter electric car.)

Slow electric cars? Freeway Speed plug-in electrics go both ways (slow and fast) and don't clog the issue, or the road. 

 IEA sees world oil use in 2010 highest since 2007
Published: 17 Jan 2010
LONDON, Jan 15 - Global oil demand this year will reach the highest level since 2007, with rising consumption led by faster growth in emerging economies in Asia, the International Energy Agency said on Friday.  more  ...

You have mail - January 14, 2010

New Report Published - Saudi Arabia Oil And Gas Report Q1 2010 - Published on January 13, 2010 by Press Office - LONDON, ENGLAND

...For 2009 as a whole, we have assumed an average OPEC basket price of US$59.00 per barrel (bbl), a 37.3% decline year-on-year (y-o-y). This represents an upgrade from the US$55.00/bbl forecast we were using in the previous quarter.

For 2010, we expect to see a significant oil price recovery to US$83.00/bbl for the OPEC basket price, gaining further ground to US$85.00 in 2011 and to US$90.00/bbl in 2012 and beyond. more ..

(byplug comment: Why couldn't the paragraph above really read like this: For 2010, we expect to see a significant United States national debt increase, when our exported debt oil increases to US$83.00/bbl for the OPEC basket price, and United States national debt continuing to increase even beyond that as our debt oil continues gaining further ground to US$85.00 in 2011 and to US$90.00/bbl in 2012 and beyond.)

Energy Resources:
China replaces Saudi Arabia in Caribbean oil storage deal
China has taken over from Saudi Arabia the lease of a giant crude oil storage facility in the Caribbean that gives Beijing unprecedented access to fuel and oil markets in the Americas, including the United States and Canada, officials said.   ...China has set eyes on other refining acquisitions, including some in the United States.  more  ..

Chevy Volt test drive video

Ok, so you read or hear about international trouble.
U.S. National Debt, DEBT OIL (FOREIGN OIL) dependence, weaker dollar and 'Trouble' in foreign lands. Venezuela, Yemen, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia just to name a few - on the net, in papers and on TV. It is interesting how that 'trouble' is in the same geographic locations or bordering locations as DEBT OIL imports and DEBT OIL interests.

1.)  National Security threat. That 'trouble' could be listed as "The United States is now 60% - 70% dependent on DEBT OIL and  presents a major U.S. economic problem if the DEBT OIL flow is disrupted in any small way". 

2.)  That 'trouble' may also be listed under a completely different headline such as the U.S. needs to go 'in' because .. 'Terrorism strikes' or 'Terrorism might strike' or 'Terrorism potentially could be striking or building' or 'Rebels causing problems to other governments' ...and of course the U.S. needs to help because of Democracy and the goodness of our hearts"..

3.)  hey, American voters and tax payers...  1+1 = 2         ...not 5.

JUST THE FACTS:
Ask yourself this question: if the U.S. was not in debt, NOT DEPENDENT on DEBT OIL or DEBT energy solutions and the U.S. had more manufacturing here in the United States creating more of our own jobs/products, would the U.S. be as INTERESTED in these foreign geographic locations? Would the U.S. be able to make better national decisions without such large compromises because of DEBT OIL and debt consumer products  with other governments?  What happens when the U.S. is not the 'sanctioning' body but, instead, the U.S. is the one being 'sanctioned'?

HERE IS A TOOL FOR YOU:  ...simply click on the LINK or world picture below for an Interactive DEBT OIL import tool that shows foreign imported energy over the years - it has an automatic mode and a slider that allows you to 'see' the growing U.S. dependence on DEBT OIL.

PLEASE NOTE: ..the thickness of the line indicates the dependence increase or decrease from location.... YOU CAN ALSO PICTURE THAT THESE SAME LINES THAT CONNECT THE COUNTRIES TO SHOW 'DEBT OIL' IMPORTS...ARE SHOWING UNITED STATES DOLLARS and JOBS LEAVING THE COUNTRY TO THOSE FOREIGN LOCATIONS.

**You might also remember interesting news stories of the past and events that correspond with the past 'locations' or 'bordering locations' that DEBT OIL used to flow from. Also, use the tool for today's political headlines and make some comparisons. Do you think Saudi Arabia gets preferential political treatment?  

..check it out:  LINK  - be a true patriot - lower U.S. debt - Electric cars 'burn' United States electricity' -  American dollars/jobs stay here - plan and purchase a freeway speed, commuter electric car. 


source: pickensplan.com  

GM to make Cadillac Converj electric car

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News - Detroit -- It's official: the Cadillac Converj will be the second extended-range electric vehicle that General Motors Co. will sell after the Chevrolet Volt. more  ...

Remember - VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET

January 07, 2010 regular unleaded gasoline - Escondido, CA
	Ford Mustang gets bigger engine!  "Hang on to your seats, the acceleration is going to be fantastic!" ...of the car? ...or the price of oil this summer? ...or the gas money leaving your wallet?   - buying foreign oil = U.S. national debt.
BUYING GASOLINE AND FOREIGN OIL = INCREASED U.S. DEBT    U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK BELOW:  (wow, that is a bill and it will come due one way or another. Be a true patriot  and plan for your electric car. Electric cars use American dollars  for energy -  not foreign oil and gasoline. Every electric car will help.)     The Outstanding Public Debt as of 07 Jan 2010 at 12:25:05 AM GMT is ABOVE: The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $3.97 billion per day since September 28, 2007! Concerned? Then tell Congress and the White House! source is: www.brillig.com

Morning coffee with Patrick (and his Tesla)
January 06, 2010 - B. Neal Henderson - hour ago

At the local Fourbucks coffee shop, while enjoying a morning coffee, Patrick Duffy and his faithful passenger (his dog), quietly hushed up alongside my car this morning in his Tesla Roadster. I could not help but admire his Tesla and we talked for a while.

Patrick's Tesla has a display feature that allows the driver to program the replaced vehicle mileage with the gasoline saved by driving a Tesla Roadster. Patrick replaced a vehicle that averaged 13 MPG with his Tesla.

 Here is an image of the current vehicle stats since replacement:

0-60 MPH in about 3.8 seconds! Yes, the Tesla is expensive and you could buy lots of gasoline for the difference in vehicle costs but, Patrick is an early EV adopter and he is now using American energy dollars to power his transportation. When these vehicles and this technology become more efficient and less expensive, this single example speaks for itself.

(Patrick, for your friend with the Prius and 70 MPH all electric driving and battery conversion, here is information about the Prius conversion company run by Kim Adelman called pluginconversions.com. link

Also, Patrick, additional Prius plug-in conversion information and videos located here about half way down the page. http://www.byplug.com/news_3.html)

Very nice to meet you, see you again for coffee.

Aptera test mules spotted in Vista, CA..
January 05, 2010 - B. Neal Henderson - hours ago
An Aptera 'tester' was spotted in Vista today. We saw 2 Apteras, one without the front wheel pants that appeared to have a narrow width and one with wheel pants that appeared to have a wider stance. Both Apteras were driving without the rear wheel cover as well. The rear wheel cover would not fit on this model because of the hose like apparatus located on the drivers side of the rear wheel.

image credit - bnh - byplug.com

Note the drop down belly pan running along the bottom of the same vehicle. image credit - bnh - byplug.com

image credit - bnh - byplug.com

image credit - bnh - byplug.com

image credit - bnh - byplug.com

As scrappy as this Aptera tester might look to some, I think it is absolutely beautiful. Can I buy one just like this right now?

Oil is up, again..
Wake up America..

Get an electric car

We need to create new jobs.
December 30, 2009 - NOW!, we need to see 2.75% to 3% - 30 year - no fee - fixed mortgages throughout the United States. We need US manufactured electric vehicles and new (inside this nation) technologies and manufacturing to DRAG us out of the news below...
Looky here..
December 30, 2009 - I don't know about the rest of you but according to zillow.com, my own home is currently dropping at a rate of $7000.00 dollars per month..   I just found out that my auto insurance just went up about 45-50% (no tickets, no changes) this year here in California (to help offset.... hmmm...OTHER drivers?) .. As I drove by my local gasoline station today, unleaded fuel was up 6 cents a gallon overnight from $2.83 to $2.89 and I noticed that it did not drop below $2.80 per gallon this Christmas..
The United States is going further and further into debt..  ...and stepping up debt sales.  We need some positives..

Get an electric car.

 

Chevy Volt - Jay Leno's garage.
Jay always does a nice job with an interview. Enjoy.

The movies...
..it's all about telling a story...   Avatar is here..
Lot's of metaphors to choose from, love the messages...this picture raises the bar.

How dependent are we, the United States, on foreign oil?
History says: Japan's War Fate Depends on Oil
Pay-Per-View - Chicago Tribune - ProQuest Archiver - Mar 31, 1935
In other words, the operation of the Japanese navy! especially in war time, on foreign oil supply. If the United States, Great Britain, and Russia, ...

History says: US DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL
Pay-Per-View - Los Angeles Times - ProQuest Archiver - Aug 3, 1976
Project Independence has bogged down; the United States is more heavily dependent on foreign oil than at the time of the Arab embargo three years ago...

Today
The United States imported about 57% of the petroleum, which includes crude oil and refined petroleum products, that we consumed during 2008. Nearly half of these imports came from the Western Hemisphere. Our dependence on foreign petroleum is expected to decline in the next two decades. source: Energy Information Administration.

(byplug comment: With all due respect.....  we've been told "..our dependence on foreign petroleum is expected to decline"........for YEARS! There are figures 'out there' that suggest our imported oil is more like 70%. Oh look here's one...)

source: pickensplan.com

(byplug comment: Let's consider the sources for the above information - The Energy Information Administration and Pickensplan.com. Follow the money, what are they selling? Oil is buying political will. Either way, it is time to get an electric car.)

Aptera mule sighting in Vista, CA., today...
byplug.com - December, 09, 2009

copyright © image credit b.n.h. & byplug.com

First of all, let's just get this out there... The Aptera 2e concept is just about the coolest electric vehicle on the planet and really defines ideas about transportation that I have been trying to describe (in the form of owning and driving an electric car) for some time.

  That being said, it was another sunny day here on Wednesday in California after some really hard rains on Monday. I had to make a few cell phone calls so I decided to stop in Vista. I thought that I would sit in my car on Scott Street in front of the Aptera corporate office and use the time to talk while visually answering some of the Aptera questions in my mind. With all of the speculation and regurgitation in the media headlines, I too, seemed to be slowly losing my 'try to keep it positive' attitude about Aptera.

All you have to do is search the internet using your computer or phone under the 'News' section of your favorite search engine, keyword: Aptera..... hit enter..... and BAM!

ACLU, Sierra Club Donor to Cut Funding Wall Street Journal - Siobhan Hughes, Carol Remond - ‎2 hours ago‎
Among Mr. Gelbaum's holdings is Aptera Motors Inc., a closely held car company whose major investors include Quercus Trust, a Newport Beach, Calif., ...
Aptera's High-Flying Plans Are Temporarily Grounded  New York Times - Jerry Garrett - ‎Nov 18, 2009‎
The money is nearly gone, and the same can be said of the co-founders, at the fledgling electric-vehicle manufacturer Aptera. ...
Trouble at the top at Aptera? Los Angeles Times
Aptera Founders Ousted in Showdown With Auto Vets: Report Reuters
Aptera Founders Ousted in Boardroom Showdown Wired News
More, grim, revelations about the troubles at Aptera Motors Examiner.com - ‎Nov 24, 2009‎
The news last week about a management shakeup at Aptera was troubling indeed. When founders are ousted from the company they started it's usually a signal ...
Aptera Electric 2e on Hold Amidist Layoffs   Ethio Planet News
VW Takes a Stab at Lightweight, Aerodynamic Design With “Up! Lite”  Earth2Tech (blog) - Josie Garthwaite - ‎Dec 2, 2009‎
Lite bears very little resemblance to the three-wheeled Aptera 2e or 2h (which prioritize aerodynamics) or the utilitarian Bright IDEA (a fleet van ... Automoblog.net (blog)
Aptera 2e Pushed Back Until 2010  Automoblog.net (blog) - Tony Borroz - ‎Nov 20, 2009‎
Oops, looks like the December 2009 delivery date for the Aptera 3-wheeler just got pushed back into 2010. The Aptera has been a highly anticipated car from ...
Aptera 2e Release Date Pushed Back Until 2010 Motor Authority
Darryl Siry: How the Energy Department stifles innovation Autoblog (blog) - Sebastian Blanco - ‎Dec 7, 2009‎
Basically, why would anyone invest in Aptera, which has not gotten funding, when they could invest in Tesla instead (when Tesla goes public, anyway). ... Greentech Media
Aptera Pushes Out Three Wheeled Car Until 2010  Greentech Media - ‎Nov 18, 2009‎
Aptera, which has developed an electric three-wheeled car called the Aptera 2e, says it won't release cars this year as planned. ...
Tribulations of Three-Wheeled Car Companies All Cars Electric
Does Government Control the Market for Alternative-Energy Vehicles? FOXBusiness - John Stossel - ‎Dec 4, 2009‎
Aptera Motors has struggled this year to raise money to fund production of the Aptera 2e, its innovative aerodynamic electric 3-wheeler, recently laying off ... LON:ALR
The Aptera Saga Continues, Inside Source Reveals New Info All Cars Electric - Eric Loveday - ‎Nov 23, 2009‎
November 23rd, 2009 The Aptera saga continues with a new report coming from Gas 2.0 who cites countless sources within the company. ...
 Now that Obama has signed off and some 3 wheeled vehicles may be considered a car with potential for a DOE loan, the headlines are telling a story.

 The media examples above are how I have seen Aptera lately. My interest is peaked and so, I detour to Vista. I too wonder what the heck is going on there, after all, I am an early reservation holder with a cash deposit for a basic Aptera 2e (all electric) so I have skin in the game and I too have been reading this news. I should say that I am also an Apteraforum.com member and try to keep up with the speculation and scraps that the members pick up in the media and post. For the most part, the forum members try to stay as positive as they can be at this point but they are subjected to this same 'news' and 'I feel their (our) pain' as we look for more current information.

I was lucky enough to tour the Aptera facility in Vista as a guest of the Vista Chamber last year where I met Kathy of Aptera. I attended a San Diego Kick Off and have followed the Aptera story from early on through the many delays.  I know who the Aptera founders are, I sift through the Aptera Google Alerts in my box and have emailed contacts at Aptera and even corresponded with Paul Wilbur in an email about the 'now infamous' roll down windows.

So, while I was driving today, I detoured through Vista. Parked and while talking on my cell phone, what should appear, a cool white test sleigh (no reindeer). I sprang to my camera... and fumbled it for what seemed like forever and finally snapped a passenger side shot.

This Aptera is an interesting test car because it has an exposed rear wheel, a modified front end with upper hood venting and different small round headlights in the front bumper area... it also features a McLaren styled roof scoop.. and is that a belly channel? for ? batteries? exhaust? hybrid?

My detour and total take away from this brief Aptera viewing experience during the course of some cell phone calls was very positive. Aptera seemed to be active, there were indeed cars in front of Aptera corporate, about sixteen or so and people appeared to be coming and going. I saw and captured a picture of a new test mule driving on the street that I have not seen in the media and .... Oh, ... did I mention that I know who the founders are and what they look like, well.... Steve F. has a Prius because I saw him get out of it at Aptera during a past visit. A same color/year Prius was parked in the Aptera parking lot today A.M. in front on the left side of the building and I saw him (Steve or his exact double) come out of the building and move the Prius through the Aptera security gate to the back of Aptera corporate out of sight! Is he back?

( byplug comment: I believe that any truthful and positive input to the media through marketing and constant communication is part of the program. It sets the mood. The internet news machine today - regurgitates - picks up this stuff and spins it new again. Negative becomes new again tomorrow but, so does positive, it just seems that positive news is harder to make into entertainment. Success is in the details. Today, I had to try to dig out some positive vibes myself with the Aptera detour. It worked for me! You go Aptera! )

Automakers Unveil Significant World and North American Debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
LOS ANGELES - Sept. 29, 2009 - A cautiously optimistic automotive industry will kick off the North American auto show season by launching all-new vehicles and featuring ground-breaking technology at the Los Angeles Auto Show's press days Dec. 2-3. The show will open to the public Dec. 4-13.  

>>  Filed under:  Trouble Ahead: .. or how to get an electric car...
byplug.com is NOT a fan of debt. GET OUT OF DEBT!  But if you have mortgage debt already, how about a program for YOU finally...how about a re-distribution of YOUR existing debt to get more benefits for our country and national security?
Tell your friends. As a taxpayer, we force Fannie and Freddie to offer a 3% refinance mortgage to qualified homeowners for the sake of the economy. Private mortgage lenders will have to follow to be competitive. More monthly money to the economy. Banks then finance the new electric cars for cash flow and to help offset the interest cut.
Seems these days, if someone else is working the system or won't or can't pay for education, medical, insurance, mortgages or just about any major expense, YOU will pay for them - in increased tuition, premiums, fees and more..! ...and it is getting worse!.. Today's news... I call it  'One in four' ...

Today, now, current... November,24, 2009

Here is my Solution: Finance brand new electric cars with the re-distributed existing mortgage debt. Get more for your debt. Here it is. How about a Mortgage Sale! Hey America, make available a 3% Home Mortgage for good credit qualified buyers. Now, electric car buyers use the monthly savings to finance their new electric cars through the same banks. Some of the benefits include: A lower monthly mortgage payment, a new electric car in the driveway, an avenue to finance new electric cars faster creating more American jobs, now Americans will use more American energy by using American electricity and burning less imported (energy) gasoline which will in turn lower our national debt, we will have more disposable monthly income for the general economy and will reduce our dependence on imported oil. ....and we will not be subjected to pay for the trouble ahead....and there is trouble.......

...oh, and by the way the clip directly above is today, now... 'One in four' ...
the clip below was only  - six months ago....
 in May, 2009....it was.....ready....wait for it......
..... 'One in five'.... that was 6 months ago! ....getting better?....NO......

Now are you a little disturbed? Now are you ready? Now do you care?
....because if THEY can't pay..........YOU will.....or will it take 'One in three' ....

....Oh, here is one more clip from way back in October, 2009,
....the September numbers for energy and the trade gap...

Exxon Chief: Weak Dollar Drives Oil Higher
 Tuesday, November 17, 2009
 By: Dan Weil
 Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson says the dollar’s weakness has added between $20 and $25 a barrel to oil prices. more ...

Nissan Announces Dates for Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour
FRANKLIN, Tenn.
Nissan North America announced that the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric car will be in Southern California - San Diego: Nov. 19-21   more .....

Aptera Founders Ousted in Boardroom Showdown
Wired News - USA
By Darryl Siry Aptera Motors has ousted founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, sources told Wired, painting a picture of a boardroom confrontation between ... more  ...

Up to 120 mile range - all electric CODA's new site live now.
CODA Automotive just launched its all new Website, www.codaautomotive.com. Consumers can learn not just about the CODA, but about the important issues surrounding the EV industry. Visitors can check out new images of the all electric sedan... more ...

Cadillac Reportedly to Build Electric Car
FOXNews ‎
According to a report in the Detroit News, the company has green lighted the battery-powered Converj coupe, first shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The edgy 2+2 concept features the same extended-range electric powertrain as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, though details on the supposed production version have not yet been revealed. It's likely, however ... more  ...
 

>>  Filed under:  Remember when? 
Aptera Electric Car Available in “Volume”
by October, 2009
Written by Karen Peas   Published on January 8th, 2009
Electric Cars (EVs), Fuel economy  more..    
(byplug comment: Aptera WAS going to deliver "Volume of the 2e in October of 2009. It is now November, 2009.) 

It's Official: Aptera 2e And Other Three-Wheelers Are Cars Now
By John Voelcker -  Editor-in-Chief - October 16th, 2009
Once President Barack Obama signs the measure, a vehicle with only three wheels can--for the purpose of allocating Department of Energy funds for its Advanced Technology Vehicle program--be considered an automobile....   more  ...
(byplug comment: FINALLY!  Since we already gave almost a half of a billion dollars to Fisker Automotive and a half of a billion dollars to Tesla Automotive, let's finish this measure (President Obama). Sign this measure quickly and then immediately allocate 100 or so million - hard earned American dollars through the DOE funds Vehicle program to a company with an affordable freeway speed - plug-in electric like Aptera. Let the mass production begin and let's get building thousands and hundreds of thousands of Aptera 2e's (CARS) here in America. Go Electric car movement, goodbye more foreign oil, and you GO! Aptera! This is BIG NEWS.) 

Slow electric cars? Freeway Speed plug-in electrics go both ways (slow and fast) and don't clog the issue, or the road. 

>> Filed under media 'Buzz': 'Electric cars of the future':
The Nissan LEAF - Planning, Marketing & media.
byplug.com is proud to present the 'Golden Glow of the Holidays', web momentum award.
  (byplug.com comment: Sure, electric cars are in the news but, the Nissan LEAF is everywhere these days. Even though the LEAF is not for sale yet, the LEAF is showing up in the media under electric car news, in infrastructure articles for electric cars and even in forums dedicated to other future electric car brands. Some of the other electric car forum members are saying things like, if I have to wait much longer on missed projections, I am going to sign up to buy a LEAF, instead. It is about information and communication. We're just sayin'....The early bird gets the (affordable) worm. SHIFT_the way you move - Go Nissan!)     

>> Filed under 'control the debt':
What is this "leasing" the electric vehicle or "leasing the battery itself" stuff that we are seeing in the media. Let's see, have we not heard about Leasing electric cars before - see: "Who Killed the Electric Car?".   "Yes I would like that truck over there but, what?, I have to lease the engine?" 
It is called .....'a manufacturer's Warranty'. 
Bottom line:  YOU control the debt. Pay off something else first and then finance the same or lower debt load. YOU own the vehicle at the end! We have already seen ' Who Killed the Electric Car? '!
Just say "NO" to electric car leasing or electric car battery? leasing! 

Green three-wheelers may get Energy Department funding
By Neil Roland, Automotive News   autoweek.com
..."Aptera plans to begin mass production of its 2e plug-in electric vehicle in the middle of next year."
(byplug comment: We love Aptera....but,.....wow...)

     For the long run, The People of the United States should demand with their wallets, plug-in all electric and hybrid cars for local commuter transportation, trucks, infrastructure, movements, links, sponsors and other plug-in electric devices to replace foreign oil and eventually harness domestic solar, wind and other alternative energy solutions. We promote the constructive and positive channeling of anger for 'U.S. no option' high gas prices. We promote the constructive and positive channeling of anger for poor and non existing leadership in current major financial and automotive markets.  We believe in personal accountability, leadership, less personal and national debt and more responsibility. We are a member of the growing Electric Car Markets, Electric Car infrastructure, Electric Car Products, Sponsors and other general Electric Cars information.