As rad as cars are, there’s something conservative about their styling. Decades ago, designers were able to draft what they want free of concerns like aerodynamics and safety (hello Caddy-fins.) Now, however, concepts like liability concerns and practicality set constraints before the designer can draw their first line.
Take the 86/BRZ, for example. A from-scratch, front-engine, rear-drive sports coupe is as desirable a layout as anyone could hope for (provided your need for a backseat exempts a mid-engine platform.) Why, then, do the Toyabaru twins look like something you could buy from Toyota? Where’s the excitement?
Tesla’s made some noise about the flexibility of electric vehicles allowing them to break free from convention and do something radical. Why you could even replace a no-longer-needed front grill with… some blunt plastic. Neat! Sure, the Cybertruck looks unlike anything on the market, but it, if anything, is an argument against unique design (no awards for trying, here.)
Aptera, a San Diego startup, is looking to provide some change. Though they’ve been around since 2005 (and went bankrupt in 2011) they’re back. And with them comes the Paradigm and Paradigm+ EV. Forgoing the unoriginal and uninspired four-wheel layout that all other manufacturers cling to like a crutch, they’re going bold with a three-wheel setup. Seating is for two plus a pet(!), with front-drive and all-wheel-drive being available. The front-drive model will have a 100kw battery and can hit 60mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds. The Paradigm+ will feature a 150kw battery and be able of going from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.
With the Paradigm, Aptera Proves What We All Know:
Four Wheels Are for Cowards
Even more interesting is that, thanks to an array of solar panels, the car will be self-charging. Though numerous variables will determine how much charge one can expect, it’s a unique selling point that will certainly catch people’s attention. Buyers will have the option of choosing how much solar panel coverage they want (just the roof or hood and trunk as well.) A plug will be included for those who either need a quick charge or lack the ideal conditions to make the most of solar charging.
One deal-breaker for some people will be the limited amount of range available. The company’s promising only 45 miles a day. While that should be more than adequate for many suburban and city dwellers, it’ll make it a difficult choice as an ‘only car.’ However, selling out its preorder in 24 hours indicates a healthy degree of curiosity.
The price will range from $25,900 to $46,000, with the lower-end being a low-risk entry into an EV for many people. Whether Aptera will succeed where they’ve failed before remains to be seen. At least it’s not another crossover.
