The three-wheel, all-electric Aptera 2e only looks futuristic. You can buy and drive it starting in October. The price tag between $25,000 and $40,000.

Charge it overnight from your 110-volt home outlet, and it’s claimed to have a range of 100 miles.

The business model looks sound; nearly 4000 deposits have been placed (Robin Williams among the clientele), enthusiastic investors are locked in, and co-founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony have assembled a team that balances Detroit low-volume niche-production experience with California “anything is possible” attitude. Chief engineer Tom Reichenbach was formerly vehicle engineering manager for both Ford GT and Shelby GT500 programs; and CEO Paul Wilbur has a storied history at Ford, Chrysler and ASC.

Its performance is pretty impressive for an electric car. 0–60 mph in under 10 seconds with a 90-mph top speed with its pack of lithium-phosphate-ion-“pixie dust” cells — that last part suggesting that their exact composition is a secret.

Steering and brakes are unassisted, but efforts are reasonable as the curb weight is only 1700 lb., about half the weight of a base Honda Accord.

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