Obama loves the Aptera: an update

Alleged Aptera final design pics, Autoblog Green (click to expand)

A few weeks ago, TPG posted about how the Aptera e2 is our favorite electric car. We feel that the Aptera's electric drive, funky look, high mileage (250 mpg-equivalent), and low cost make it a car that will pick up eco-minded chicks. However, we mentioned that because the Aptera has 3 wheels, not 4, it was ineligible for grants from the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program at DOE.

Well, no longer. Last week President Obama signed into law a bill expanding the ATVM program to cover "any manufacturer of enclosed two- or three-wheeled vehicles that carry at least two people and get 75 miles per gallon ". The bill was originally sponsored by Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who hail from Aptera's neck of the woods. A little lobbying goes a long way!

Although the loans won't help Aptera meet their goal of selling cars this year (the loan probably won't be approved for 6 months), it will help them quickly ramp up production and get Apteras to all TPG readers!