BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhuanet) -- A small company on the West Coast of the United States has produced a three-wheel, two-passenger prototype vehicle that travels 230 miles on a gallon of fuel. That's 195 more miles per gallon than suggested for automakers by 2020 in an energy bill signed Dec. 19, 2007 by George W. Bush.

    And Accelerated Composite's goal is a vehicle that averages 330 miles per gallon.

    Founded in 2006 by Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, independent entrepreneurs with experience in aerodynamics, biotechnology, composites and finance, the San Diego, California-based company's 15 employees have created a vehicle that looks half dolphin and half helicopter.

    The Aptera is technically classified as a motorcycle and will initially only be offered to residents of California. If sales of the visionary vehicle soar, AC hopes to make the Aptera available to national and international markets.

    The Aptera meets all U.S. emissions standards as well as those of the European Union. AC's designers and developers still have time to work out any kinks and improve Aptera's fuel efficiency to meet a launch date in late 2008.

    (Agencies)