If you're looking to turn some heads, it's hard to beat a 3-wheeled electric car that looks like some kind of alien spacecraft. Likewise, you're not going to match the Aptera's projected 330mpg with any other hybrid. So, are you ready to slap down your $500 to pre-order one of these babies yet?

According to Aptera's CEO, Steve Fambro, the vehicle will not only be classified as a motorcycle in many states -- putting it on the fast track through regulatory red tape -- but it will also meet requirements to drive solo through carpool lanes. As for safety, the design includes a nose down frame, which will divert the frame away from passengers in the case of a wreck. The Aptera is set to undergo crash safety testing later this year to meet Insurance Institute for Highway Safety standards. I'm just guessing here, but I think that means it's probably safer than a motorcycle.

While I'm pretty sure that any mildly eccentric car enthusiast would buy one of these in a heartbeat, can we expect the average eco-conscious driver to commute to work in one of these things? Seems a little far out to me -- not that I don't want to see awesome-looking cars like this all over town. With big league players like GM expected to come into the market by 2010, the Aptera's got a decent head start, but will it be enough?

[via Autobloggreen]