futura
03-14-2008, 10:46 PM
Ok. I know the folks here have their druthers.
But, I was following Phoenix Motorcars http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.php closely about a year back
and really interested. Now I'm worried it may be a dud. It's likely that Phoenix will release their SUT about the same time Apteras start plying SoCal streets so comparisons are inevitable.
My take:
(1) Too expensive ($47K). On their website is a cost "savings" calculator. Some guy with a Ford Ranger has to wait 8-9 years for payback!
(2) Too heavy; 4800 lbs! which leads to
(3) Needs 35kWh battery; which takes us back to (1)
(4) Plugs into 220; kind of a pain; No 220 in my garage or work.
(5) 10 min recharge, nice!...oh but wait, needs a 250 kW charger. That's essentially my whole house service panel
(6) AltairNano batteries; This is one flaky company, based in Reno, unfocused, not much cash left, I hope the latest management shake-up does it for them.
(6) Boring looking. Gawd, compare the exterior/interior of that to the Aptera
(7) Bad name, Google Aptera and you get cars and the island of Crete
(8) 4 wheels! Well, ok. And seats 5 (very squished).
In comparison, the number of things Aptera seems to have gotten "right" this first time around is really amazing. I'll add to Apteras plus column the fact that the provide low drag with a reasonably high seat. This appeals to lots of folks and is unique for a high-efficiency 2.5 seater.
I hope they both do well, really but I wonder if Phoenix has a fighting chance.
Cheers.
But, I was following Phoenix Motorcars http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.php closely about a year back
and really interested. Now I'm worried it may be a dud. It's likely that Phoenix will release their SUT about the same time Apteras start plying SoCal streets so comparisons are inevitable.
My take:
(1) Too expensive ($47K). On their website is a cost "savings" calculator. Some guy with a Ford Ranger has to wait 8-9 years for payback!
(2) Too heavy; 4800 lbs! which leads to
(3) Needs 35kWh battery; which takes us back to (1)
(4) Plugs into 220; kind of a pain; No 220 in my garage or work.
(5) 10 min recharge, nice!...oh but wait, needs a 250 kW charger. That's essentially my whole house service panel
(6) AltairNano batteries; This is one flaky company, based in Reno, unfocused, not much cash left, I hope the latest management shake-up does it for them.
(6) Boring looking. Gawd, compare the exterior/interior of that to the Aptera
(7) Bad name, Google Aptera and you get cars and the island of Crete
(8) 4 wheels! Well, ok. And seats 5 (very squished).
In comparison, the number of things Aptera seems to have gotten "right" this first time around is really amazing. I'll add to Apteras plus column the fact that the provide low drag with a reasonably high seat. This appeals to lots of folks and is unique for a high-efficiency 2.5 seater.
I hope they both do well, really but I wonder if Phoenix has a fighting chance.
Cheers.