Google.org Invests $2.75M In Aptera Motors

Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, has just invested the first funds from its RechargeIT program: $5.5 million for plug-in electric vehicles. Half of the money goes to Aptera, whose 230-mpg, 3-wheeled electric we have discussed before. The other half bolsters the efforts of ActaCell, a Texas company working on li-ion battery technology developed at UT Austin.

Comments

Re:I said it once and I'll say it again

[RingDev]

I'm part of the 'OMGFOURFIFTYAFUCKINGGALLON' group, and I'm okay with its appearance. Paint it black, throw a skull and flame job on it, and I'll drive it.

-Rick

Re:I said it once and I'll say it again

[Otter]

Yes and no -- part of the success of the Prius relative to other hybrids is that it's distinctive looking. For a lot of the 'OMGTHEENVIROMENT' people, being seen to be doing something supposedly useful is at least as important as whether it is actually useful (which in the case of current hybrids is questionable).

Re:I said it once and I'll say it again

[mrchaotica]

I don't doubt they're being stupid (especially the "slam-on-the-brakes" part), but sometimes it's actually a good idea to floor the accelerator in a hybrid because it makes sure the electric assist is fully engaged. I think it might apply more to manual-transmission Insights rather than Priuses, though: they say the way to drive an Insight is to floor it in 1st and 2nd, then shift straight to 5th once you're up to speed.

Re:I said it once and I'll say it again

[DaveV1.0]

Yeah. I prefer the look of the Lean Machine.