Aptera hits a speed bump

While the streamlined, electric two-seat Aptera 2e may be one of the most efficient cars ever designed, the process of getting it to market is becoming a little less efficient.

Original plans had the 2e going on sale this year, but the company said on Wednesday that the car will be available to consumers starting in 2010. No specific date was set.

Officially, the delay is caused by money problems--Aptera doesn't have enough of the stuff. Or, as president and CEO Paul Wilbur cleverly put it, "The vehicle development progress has been outpacing the rate of fundraising."

Rumors are that Wilbur wanted to make the car more user-friendly, with roll-down windows, for example, a change that necessitated further engineering.

Aptera is awaiting a loan from the Department of Energy, which moved closer to reality when President Barack Obama approved the three-wheeled 2e's classification as a car instead of a motorcycle.

Published reports say 10 of the company's 40 employees in North San Diego County were laid off, while Aptera cofounders Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro will be "stepping aside from day-to-day activities" and "taking a short leave of absence," the company said in its release. Fambro will "re-engage with the company in the new year."

Speculation has it that Anthony and Fambro wanted the car to go to market quickly with its original fixed windows, while Wilbur wanted a more traditional car. Officially, everybody's still getting along and there is peace in the Aptera family.

"Paul's leadership and [chief engineer] Tom Reichenbach's talent have led to changes in the vehicle that are spot-on," Fambro is quoted as saying in the release. "They've made the vehicle safer, it's better-handling and more comfortable. Once we get through this stage, we'll begin mass producing the 2e--the most aerodynamic and efficient vehicle in the world."

The nearly 4,000 deposits on 2es remain in an escrow account and are fully refundable, the company said.

By Mark Vaughn