This an a very early entry into the "Think Green" Program. This particular picture was brought to our attention by "John Da Plumma" in his research of vintage aged automobiles. However, this particular car was designed, developed, and marketed a half century prior to any emphasis on "Green". This is a Messeerchmidt Kabinroller and was developed in the early 1950's in Germany. It may have had a "four on the floor" but it only had three wheels on the ground. Has the design of this vehicle been compromised and once again appears in this era of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. I will let you be the judge.
COMPARISON
This is a Aptera 2e. As quoted, "a soon to be produced electric vehicle whose shape is slipperier than a Teflon coated salmon on glare ice". You will not have to wait long to purchase this car, but I would suggest that you get on the waiting list as it is filling up rapidly. Reportedly Robin Williams is already on that waiting list. Four thousand (4,000) deposits have been received by the company. These cars are scheduled to roll off the assembly line in Vista, California this October for a yet determined price between $25,000 and $40,000. You can fuel this car up from an extension cord plugged into a 110 volt outlet overnight. It is claimed to have a range of 100 miles. With the rotary shifter clicked to D3, the most aggressive setting, you can expect 0 - 60 mph in under 10 seconds and 90 mph top speed.Now, lets get serious. If I were a true believer in "Green" and purchased one of these cars. My normal four hour commute to Los Anchorage from Anchor Point, would take slightly over two days. In the vicinity of Cooper Landing, if I am lucky and have not been wasting my batteries by speeding, I am going to have spend a night in a Kenai Princess Lodge to charge my batteries.
Now, I have no concept an aerodynamics and quite honestly I still do not understand how an airplane flies. However, I can relate to sleek figures and curvy lines. This little death trap is designed to become airborne without wings. I can just picture running across the Kenai Burn, trying to make up some loss time on the straight away. With just a little headwind, you are going to catch air under your bow, where you land or how hard is not within your control. Never, never, ever stick your arm out the window. One wing does not work well when it comes to flying.
While driving this marvel that is going to save our planet, you must also be watching out for F.O.D. (foreign objects on deck) as you have probably noted the clearance does not permit you to crawl under the vehicle. At the same time, you may want to watch out for a wandering moose, for that matter a average size snow shoe hare, if you should encounter one while three wheeling down the Sterling Highway at 55.5 mph. However, do not be to concerned, it does have an airbag! How stable will it be when driving on snow or ice. Well, that could be a problem, that single rear wheel may try to pass you but not to worry. If you land in the ditch, it only weighs 1,700 pounds so I am sure someone can push you out, as long as your battery is charged.
O.K., so this car is not ideally suited for Alaska, I think we can all agree on that. It is designed and manufactured in California. Without stereotyping anyone, we know that is one of our "greener" states. Have you ever driven the freeways in California or even Interstate 5 in Seattle? Now picture yourself heading down the interstate or freeway in this stylish little "green car" at 70 mph. You glance into your rear view mirror, all you can see is the bumper of this big Peterbilt truck and trailer.
With trembling hands you grasp the "rotary shifter" and twist it up to D3 wanting to put some distance between your little rear end and that big chrome plated, fully illuminated front bumper of the truck. Reaching warp speed of 85.6 mph you can now see the smile on the face of "Bubba Billy Bob" the trucker in your rear view mirror just as he flicks on his turn signal and moves into the next lane to pass you. It is not going to be pretty. You have a long haul driver that has been popping pills to stay awake, passing you at 91.3 MPH in a rig that is at least seventy feet long with the tractor and trailer. Again, the theory of aerodynamics play a role in your demise. You are now into a wind tunnel with tornado force winds of which is going to propel you in any number of directions and altitudes.
But not to worry, most truckers are friendly and very courteous. I am sure "Bubba" will be on his CB radio, "Hey good buddy in that mobile gasoline station coming on at entrance number 24, you may want to be on the look out for flying debris in the shape of an aeroplane without wings, Bubba out" Shortly the reply is heard, "that is a big 10-4 Bubba, just saw it pass overhead south bound in the north bound lane, I've got your backdoor, let her roll, I will see you at Mabel's Diner for joe and pie".
I will let you be the judge. I only provide the "thoughts to ponder".
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