Power Savers

The most futuristic-looking car yet comes to California this winter, and it’s not even a car. The Aptera Typ-1 gets classified as a motorcycle because of its three-wheel setup, but the vehicle brings more savings at the pump than any gas-powered car out there. In fact, it doesn’t need a pump; electricity powers the Typ-1.

The electric two-seater gets 120 miles per charge, or nearly three times as much as a Toyota Prius, its nearest competitor in the fuel efficiency race. (If that’s not enough energy savings for you, just wait: Aptera eventually plans to release an electric/gasoline hybrid that will reportedly get up to 300 miles per gallon.) The Typ-1’s battery charges in four to six hours, and for less than $2. What gives the Typ-1 an edge over the electric-car competition is its weird look. Designers modeled the car with a space-age shape in order to maximize its aerodynamics. The rounded edges and airplane-like body reduce the wind drag. Less resistance from the wind not only increases fuel efficiency, but also keeps the tiny car from flying off the road when an 18-wheeler thunders by. That helps explain why the car has only three tires (less ground contact means less friction) and no outside mirrors (the dashboard contains monitors that provide the same view the mirrors would).

Despite its odd aesthetics and hefty price tag, the Typ-1 might be worth it in a time of pricey gas. Throw in green elements like floor mats made from recycled bottles and a solar panel that keeps the car at 75 degrees even when it’s turned off, and this vehicle looks like a car worth turning heads for. Even if it is a motorcycle. Starting at $27,000

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Watch the Typ-1 hit the streets of Carlsbad, California, in this video. Then learn more about the Aptera’s features here.

Want to see how your Impala stacks up against the Aptera? Click here to find out just how many miles per gallon different makes and models get. You can even calculate how much money you’ll spend filling your car’s tank this year.

If that number freaked you out, head on over to this site, where you’ll find tips on saving gas, like removing excess weight from your car and observing the speed limit.

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