Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Futuristic Car Lands in NYC
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 25, 2009
Modified Mar 25, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 25, 2009
Modified Mar 25, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
While aliens are being spotted in New Jersey, there have been some out-of-this-world car sightings right in downtown New York recently. The NY Post reports on the mysterious Jeston-like car that many pedestrians have been intrigued by, but it turns out it's only making a rare East Coast appearance. The Aptera 2e, a 1700-lb, 3-wheeled electric car set to hit the market later this year (here's a video showing it in action), will only be sold in California at first. It's classified as a motorcycle, but if you have the $25-40K to hand over for one, you won't need the proper license because it operates like an automobile (even containing a trunk and airbags). The car can drive on both city streets and highways, and one Wired writer just sat shotgun for a ride, saying of his driver, "he suddenly gunned it at a green light, turned right on a dime, faded three lanes to his left while outrunning a cab turning left from the opposing lane and came to a comfortable stop perhaps 50 yards later." The car 200 miles per gallon, meaning you could drive 100 miles for less than it would cost to take one trip on the subway.
Tagged
aptera 2e
car
electric car
motorcycle
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
'You Can See Everything' … as long as you go to Staten Island
Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes documentary has been selling out across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Tickets to see the film, however, are very much available in other boroughs.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 27, 2026
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Arts & Entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .