Aptera TYP-1
Three wheeled vehicles have always been the red headed stepchild that the rest of the automotive family ignores as much as possible. They have always been reserved as more more niche markets or being showcased at car shows. However, it looks like they are looking to take a step forward.
Congress is apparently considering a new bill that would make three-wheeled vehicles eligible for loans from the Energy Department. The big companies like General Motors, Ford, Tesla, and Fiskar have already secured loans in count of millions of dollars from the Department of Energy, but those loans have been out of the question for three wheeled vehicle makers like Elio Motors and Aptera Motors. Per current Department of Energy regulations, only four wheeled vehicles would be eligible for government funding. That could all change soon.
But some of the top automakers, including the before mentioned, oppose the change as it could limit the amount of money available. GM is particular is completely opposed to the new bill, which is already seeking $10 billion for the Department of Energy.
The new bill will go before the Senate next week, and if passed could be signed and into law by the end of the month.
October 2, 2009
Car News