* Is this really a trip "across America"? You're not going coast-to-coast.

        True; however, we are going a long enough distance to have gone coast-to-coast twice over. We're covering more "America" than we would if we just went coast to coast. Details on why can be found here.


*          is really hot! /          is really cold! /          is really windy! /          is really steep! /          is really remote! /          is really rugged! : Are you really sure you want to go there?

         That's the whole point!


* Are you bringing a generator?

        No. This is a trip based on our existing electric infrastructure. Now, while only a tiny portion of our nation's power comes from oil (almost all of that being diesel), there is always the possibility that I may charge in such an area, and thus end up indirectly consuming some oil. However, even in such a situation, it would only make up a trivial percentage of our consumption.


* What about for emergencies? What if your run out of power?

        That's why we're planning everything so carefully – so that such a situation never happens. However, we're taking no chances; we will be bringing along a personal locator beacon, backpacking gear, cell phone, fix-a-flat, cans of air, tire patch kits, and so forth. Additionally, while with a gasoline vehicle you may have dozens of miles to get to the nearest gas station, with an electric vehicle, you only need to get to the nearest farmhouse. The Aptera is only 1,700 pounds, with low rolling resistance tires. Pushing becomes a lot more realistic of an option.


* Couldn't you just put some more batteries in the trunk to go further?

        Weight and volume-wise, batteries are more like an internal combustion engine than a gas tank (on the other hand, electric motors are small, and more like a gas tank than an internal combustion engine). Just like you wouldn't consider it realistic to add or subtract another internal combustion engine, the same goes with batteries.


* Electric cars are not a viable transportation solution because of         !

        Your issue is probably already addressed here; you'll likely be surprised! Most people are unaware of how much electric vehicle technology, from charge times to energy density, has advanced in the past decade, and how quickly it continues to advance. If it isn't answered there, by all means, contact us!


* Won't the bird make a mess all over the car?

        Mal is partly potty trained. He does not know how to ask to go to the restroom, but he does know how to go on command, and usually tries to hold it when he's not in a proper location. So, while there can still be the occasional accident, it's not as bad as you might expect!


* Won't he fly off?

        There are several reasons why that won't happen. For one, he often gets lonely or scared and calls out for us or tries to get to us when we're merely in another room. Secondly, we will have him on a "Feather Tether" parrot harness (like a leash, but it goes around the wings and chest, too). Lastly, his wings are clipped for safety reasons (ceiling fans, hot burners, etc)