Road, OK, parking lot test video of an orange Elio.
It's still a viable proof of concept. Interesting.
I like the three-spoke steering wheel, and the interior doesn't look too bad.
I think they could easily hit the 84 MPG target with that engine - after all, my dads old Geo Metro would easily do 55-60 MPG if you didn't keep your foot into it.
I'd love to see it with one of VW's three cylinder 1.2 TDI engines. Those would do 78 MPG in a Lupo way back in 2003.
I support it, but it's not something that I would buy. I don't like the styling. There are plenty of other 3-wheeled vehicles that look much cooler.
What I am interested in figuring out, is how the Elio manages to get around all of the heavy US regulation? Does it have an airbag, and all the other stuff that's typically required when they examine 4 wheeled vehicles? I'm not suggesting that the Elio should have to have all that stuff, but I like the idea of someone buying a car KNOWING the risks, so... therefore getting something cheaper because it doesn't HAVE all the federally mandated stuff (not talking about emissions stuff here). That said... it's easy to build the chassis so it's as safe anyway... but the government doesn't consider that stuff and still says... "you MUST have side impact beams"
I bet the Elio is classified as a motorcycle because it is three wheeled and can be registered as one. Because of this it bypasses many of the car regulations.
I support it, but it's not something that I would buy. I don't like the styling. There are plenty of other 3-wheeled vehicles that look much cooler.
What I am interested in figuring out, is how the Elio manages to get around all of the heavy US regulation? Does it have an airbag, and all the other stuff that's typically required when they examine 4 wheeled vehicles? I'm not suggesting that the Elio should have to have all that stuff, but I like the idea of someone buying a car KNOWING the risks, so... therefore getting something cheaper because it doesn't HAVE all the federally mandated stuff (not talking about emissions stuff here). That said... it's easy to build the chassis so it's as safe anyway... but the government doesn't consider that stuff and still says... "you MUST have side impact beams"
Elio wants to be a car and are pushing to be crash test rated, they have also been pushing States with helmet laws to allow enclosed vehicles to be exempt. https://youtu.be/qbsUQR6AkYk
IIRC, Elio is trying to "eat his cake and have it too" by having the vehicle classified as a motorcycle but allowing it to be used like a car (i.e. no helmet, no motorcycle license). I think that's part of the reason why the car still isn't in production. It'll take a lot of legal wrangling to make that happen.
IIRC, Elio is trying to "eat his cake and have it too" by having the vehicle classified as a motorcycle but allowing it to be used like a car (i.e. no helmet, no motorcycle license). I think that's part of the reason why the car still isn't in production. It'll take a lot of legal wrangling to make that happen.
I think the reason it's not in production is funding. No paypal money to push it into production like Elon had.
I support it, but it's not something that I would buy. I don't like the styling.
The front on the original prototype reminds me of the Lotus Seven. I did like the old fenders better than the new ones, but the change may have something to do with NHTSA regs. No matter, this car will probably never be produced anyway.... Buy a prototype if you get a chance, it could be a good investment.
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I own and drive American cars.
[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 10-28-2015).]
Yep, they need at least $240 million more to actually go into production.
quote
2015 was supposed to be the year that Elio Motors delivered its long-anticipated 84 MPG trike, but alas, it’s not to be. KSLA reports that Paul Elio, CEO of Elio Motors, says production of his 84 MPG trike has been push back from mid-2015 to “early 2016” citing a lack of about $240 million. And until Elio gets that money, even the 2016 production date is tentative at best.
It’s a dreary admission from the often-bullish Elio, who has proposed selling his 84 MPG, two-seater trike for as little as $6,800. 2015 looked to be off to a good start for Elio with the release of their engine design, but with production pushed back at least a year, the difficulties of building a brand new vehicle are starting to become apparent. Despite owning a surplus of equipment and a former GM factory, Elio has yet to secure either a major investor or a line of government credit.
Elio had planned to raise the cash itself, through the sale of old equipment, but it’s been slow going. The startup is also pursuing $185 million from the just-revived Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program, and has cleared the first round of questioning. There’s a lot of competition for that government green though, and while indications seem positive, there’s no way of knowing when they’ll get the money.
Thankfully, Elio has received a six-month extension on a requirement to employ 1,500 people by the end of this year. But while Paul Elio remains sure that his three-wheeler will be built, I can’t help but wonder how many of the 13,000 38,000 reservation holders share his confidence after this latest delay.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 10-28-2015).]
sounds like another scam to get investors to part with cash.. just like tesla.. that milked investors and the taxpayers out of billions
I think the Teslas I see all over the place daily and the new cheaper models to be introduced speak for themselves.
Auto manufactures said "it's not sustainable", Elon said "watch this".
Texas messed up when they didn't work with Tesla to bring battery manufacturing here. One of the Issues is that Texas won't let car manufactures sell directly to the end customers, it's designed to protect the middleman. Tesla has "galleries" set up where you can look at the cars, maybe even test drive them but you can't buy them, you have to purchase them online. Despite this, Dallas people are are buying up the model s.
Solar city probably has the most life changing potential for all of us. They are financing solar systems and charging less for the electricity they produce than what's available from traditional electric companies. When your contract is up(5 years), you will have the option to get rid of the solar panels, buy the system or enter a new contract. It's win win, they are bringing down the price of solar panels, stimulating the economy and reducing people's power bills until solar is affordable for everyone.
Originally posted by jmbishop: Solar city probably has the most life changing potential for all of us..
Out here In California Solar city is promoting the biggest lease scams ever. You foot the bill through their lease finance and they own the system. If you move the the new owner has to buy into it. Then after you have paid for it and then some you can buy it from them again.
Then the real kicker is they keep all the rebates and sell the systems at 200%.
Out here In California Solar city is promoting the biggest lease scams ever. You foot the bill through their lease finance and they own the system. If you move the the new owner has to buy into it. Then after you have paid for it and then some you can buy it from them again.
Then the real kicker is they keep all the rebates and sell the systems at 200%.
Thanks for the explanation Pokey--I can see how that scam of a scenario could be 'life changing' too.
Out here In California Solar city is promoting the biggest lease scams ever. You foot the bill through their lease finance and they own the system. If you move the the new owner has to buy into it. Then after you have paid for it and then some you can buy it from them again.
Then the real kicker is they keep all the rebates and sell the systems at 200%.
How is it a scam? You pay for the discounted electricity, not the system and you sign a 5 year contract. You shouldn't be signing the contract if you are planning on moving in those 5 years. It's a gamble for them because they aren't selling you the system in 5 years, the system they own could be worth less than what they expected, you are not obligated to buy. You get 5 years of cheaper electricity and if you really want solar panels after that you have whatever options you want to explore. Because they are buying solar panels the prices will come down, they are facilitating manufacturing and development.
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 10-28-2015).]
How is it a scam? You pay for the discounted electricity, not the system and you sign a 5 year contract. You shouldn't be signing the contract if you are planning on moving in those 5 years. It's a gamble for them because they aren't selling you the system in 5 years, the system they own could be worth less than what they expected, you are not obligated to buy. You get 5 years of cheaper electricity and if you really want solar panels after that you have whatever options you want to explore. Because they are buying solar panels the prices will come down, they are facilitating manufacturing and development.
Is it realy cheaper? Buying discounted assumes you save on the product you buy.
How is it a scam? You pay for the discounted electricity, not the system and you sign a 5 year contract. You shouldn't be signing the contract if you are planning on moving in those 5 years. It's a gamble for them because they aren't selling you the system in 5 years, the system they own could be worth less than what they expected, you are not obligated to buy. You get 5 years of cheaper electricity and if you really want solar panels after that you have whatever options you want to explore. Because they are buying solar panels the prices will come down, they are facilitating manufacturing and development.
I think the Teslas I see all over the place daily and the new cheaper models to be introduced speak for themselves.
Auto manufactures said "it's not sustainable", Elon said "watch this".
Texas messed up when they didn't work with Tesla to bring battery manufacturing here. One of the Issues is that Texas won't let car manufactures sell directly to the end customers, it's designed to protect the middleman. Tesla has "galleries" set up where you can look at the cars, maybe even test drive them but you can't buy them, you have to purchase them online. Despite this, Dallas people are are buying up the model s.
Solar city probably has the most life changing potential for all of us. They are financing solar systems and charging less for the electricity they produce than what's available from traditional electric companies. When your contract is up(5 years), you will have the option to get rid of the solar panels, buy the system or enter a new contract. It's win win, they are bringing down the price of solar panels, stimulating the economy and reducing people's power bills until solar is affordable for everyone.
ya ok, sure.. solar city.. that's rich.. it cost double for power through their scam.. the way they are doing it is no different than a mortgage that was a 1/5 arm with a balloon payment at end of lease..
tesla.. hasn't made a dime back for those that put in the risk or the tax payers.. but oh boy they have a fe cars..
[This message has been edited by E.Furgal (edited 10-29-2015).]
Originally posted by NEPTUNE: The front on the original prototype reminds me of the Lotus Seven. I did like the old fenders better than the new ones, but the change may have something to do with NHTSA regs....
I agree. I also liked the same color on the rear wheel cover as in this pic.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by NEPTUNE: The front on the original prototype reminds me of the Lotus Seven. I did like the old fenders better than the new ones, but the change may have something to do with NHTSA regs....
I agree. I also liked the same color on the rear wheel cover as in this pic.
[/QUOTE]
I liked the rounded rear treatment better than the squared off rear end they have now...
As far as the fenders, the enclosed are for better MPG according to there Facebook posts. You would certainly need fenders as you would destroy your paint from the front wheels kicking up rocks on the side panels.
I'm curious to see how the P5 prototype will turn out with the new motor. Here are the upgrades for the new P5 according to their website:
Body Modifications Boost Aerodynamics, MPG The front end of the P5 will be slightly longer and slightly more aerodynamic than the P4. This generates two important benefits:
Continued aerodynamic improvement; and, The longer front-end makes the Elio look more futuristic and stylish. The P5 also will feature side-exhaust that will replicate how the exhaust is likely to look in the final version.
Interior Upgrades
Body styling has always been important for catching the consumer’s eye. But, the reality is, people spend their time in the vehicle. Over the last decade, automakers have put more emphasis on interior styling, amenities and functionality. Elio Motors knows the interior will be important to our fans and customers. We’ve made some nice upgrades on the P5 that are likely to help differentiate the vehicle when we reach production.
Most of these changes are very subtle, but they’ll make a difference in comfort and convenience:
The arm rest on the door was raised; The rear seat was lowered to create more passenger headroom; Additional foam was added to the rear seat for a cushier feel. We also upgraded the instrument panel for better aesthetics:
A redesigned iPad holder; The A-pillar shape will be less intrusive; and Brushed metal was added to the dashboard to provide a more modern look.
There is some simulation stuff but they are at the point right now that they should be building a small fleet of them for testing. This is the most recent concept, the first with the Elio 3cyl
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 12-16-2015).]
