Vehicle break: an affordable, futuristic, green "car" slated for late 2008

Popular Mechanics gets the scoop, including a video of their test drive of the Aptera Typ-1 e (electric) which features a 120-mile-range -- and only 3 wheels. Approximate price: $26,900.

Per Aptera's FAQ, the "car" is actually classified as a motorcycle but:

Anything in the state of CA with three wheels does not require a motorcycle license and enclosed vehicles with three wheels do not require the use of a helmet. All this and you also get to drive in the HOV lanes!

Also noteworthy: a solar panel integrated into the roof. And perhaps even room for 3 (sort of):

Typ-1 will also have a provision for a child’s seat mounted in the center of the vehicle behind the two front seats.

On the other hand, singles take note:

Aptera’s three-wheeler attracted more attention than anything we’ve ever driven—anything. People will roll down their windows at every stoplight and want to know what this weirdly futuristic thing is. If you’re parked, they swarm the car. It’s really a lot of fun.

Joel Johnson of Boing Boing's bbgadgets grabs an informative quote:

Think the Typ-1 looks funny? Well its shape is designed for maximum aero efficiency—the coefficient of drag is an astounding 0.11. Aptera founder and CEO Steve Fambro says sticking your hand out the window of an average car driving 55 mph creates more drag than the Aptera’s entire body.

If you live in CA and have $500 for a deposit, you can reserve yours now.