New Small High Mileage Car

http://www.eliomotors.com/

SPECS: http://www.eliomotors.com/my-strengths/

While I just learned about this, so far I am optimistic.

Here's a funny quote from the site.

It only costs $6,800. That’s about what you would pay for an outboard motor to power a rowboat.

I've never paid that much for an outboard. This sort of information doesn't help their cause.

It is a neat looking vehicle but will it tow a 1 ton utility trailer?

let me know when they have one that can make swales...

$7K for a trike is a bit much.

Comments so far seem harsh and unrealistic. For example, Dale, the outboard motor comment is on point, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around your comment about towing a 1 ton trailer with this vehicle. How often does one have to tow a one ton trailer? Millions of individuals use motorcycles for transport - are these used to tow one ton trailers? Use a truck to tow trailers. Abe, to me the price of $7000 seems excellent assuming the quality is good and safety is within reason, but also considering it has many features that are standard with conventional automobiles. Consider that it has the advantages of a motorcycle, but without many of the disadvantages. Compared to a motorcycle, this vehicle has a similar price, higher fuel economy, much longer range, protection from the elements (including a/c and heat), a lot more comfort, can be operated just as a conventional automobile, and I argue that it will be much more safe to drive. There may be millions of individuals in the U.S. alone who have considered the purchase of a motorcycle (or who have owned one) for its benefits of lower cost and superior fuel economy, but who have declined due to the disadvantages. This is a primary market for this vehicle. However, this vehicle also has advantages to existing electric and hybrid cars, but at a small fraction of the cost. This is also a primary market for this vehicle.

My prediction is as follows: IF this vehicle makes it to market at around this price (let's say under $8000), and assuming the quality and safety is not marginal, then it will be a huge success.

Marcos Buenijo wrote:Abe, to me the price of $7000 seems excellent assuming the quality is good and safety is within reason, but also considering it has many features that are standard with conventional automobiles. Consider that it has the advantages of a motorcycle, but without many of the disadvantages. Compared to a motorcycle, this vehicle has higher fuel economy, much longer range, protection from the elements (including a/c and heat), a lot more comfort, can be operated just as a conventional automobile, and I argue that it will be much more safe to drive.

yeah, but it's a single person vehicle, can't carry cargo, no room for even a date (motorcycles can do that)

I don't think $7K is a great price for a trike, but then again, I'm not in the market for a trike. I need a vehicle that can haul manure and kids.

Abe Connally wrote:
yeah, but it's a single person vehicle, can't carry cargo, no room for even a date (motorcycles can do that)

I don't think $7K is a great price for a trike, but then again, I'm not in the market for a trike. I need a vehicle that can haul manure and kids.

Two person vehicle, and it carries more cargo than a motorcycle... for the same price, but without the disadvantages.

Note that most people do not have to haul manure and kids. Clearly, in your case, you need a truck.

Our local ABC News affiliate did some coverage on the Elio when it was here in Seattle.
The vehicle does have a back seat.

See video of the Elio here: http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/Three-wheel-car-boasts-up-to-84mpg-for-6800-222620511.html?tab=video&c=y

Marcos Buenijo wrote:Two person vehicle, and it carries more cargo than a motorcycle

I see a single seat and a mini back seat/area.

Abe Connally wrote:

Marcos Buenijo wrote:Two person vehicle, and it carries more cargo than a motorcycle

I see a single seat and a mini back seat/area.

Interior measurements are as follows:

Headroom: Driver 39.8 Passenger 36.4 in
Seat width: Driver 20.6 Passenger 25.3 in

Interior Shoulder Width: 26.8 in

Front seat Legroom: 42.7 in
Rear seat Legroom: 33.1 in

If you reference available videos, then it can be seen that the rear of the vehicle seats adults.

I'm going to revise my prediction. I say this vehicle will do well as long as the price is below 10K. Again, this assumes good quality and good safety, and similar features as existing autos. However, they need to beef up the warranty.

How about a motorcycle with a pickup bed?

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/45-motorcycle-pick-ups-or-pick-up-motorcycles.htm

There are still a lot of hoops for these guys to jump through before they get a car into production, especially at this pricepoint. It's a neat idea, and probably a good rig for people that do a lot of driving by themselves, but I'm not holding my breath for something like this yet.

Cris Bessette wrote:How about a motorcycle with a pickup bed?

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/45-motorcycle-pick-ups-or-pick-up-motorcycles.htm

this one looked pretty cool, and I bet it costs less than $7K:

Abe, now you're just being silly, .

Trikes have some regulatory quirkiness. In some states they are a motorcycle and you need a MC license and helmet. In others they will be a car and probably need airbags, etc.

I would buy it as a commuter. If it dealt with crosswind. I don't think I would want to ride/drive it with a good Kansas 40 mph crosswind and semi wash.

Marcos Buenijo wrote:Abe, now you're just being silly, .

I am, but I do like the look of those motorcycles with truck beds. They look like they would be very useful for light loads.

I look at it this way:
If you do a lot of in town driving, that thing would quickly pay for itself - lower fuel, insurance, registration fees, etc.
Here in WA, since it's classified as a motorcycle, you could drive in the HOV lane without a passenger.

A lot of people are paying ~ $14,000 for a Smart Car and get snickered at every time they drive.
For half the price, you'd have people saying "Hey, that looks cool."

If the motorcycle crowd will accept this car, then I'm all for it. I've seen people spend 5 times that much on a touring bike. I know a guy who has a Gold Wing which gets worse mileage than a Toyota Echo. The car carries twice as many people and more luggage. In any sort of fender bender, the bike loses. The stats for death and injury on bikes are appalling. I remember reading once that about 2% of miles driven in Canada were on bikes but almost half of road related spinal injuries where motorcyclists. They are a drain on our medical resources. My best friend may amputate his lower leg which has given him pain for 25 years after a car crushed it in a low speed collision.

One of the worst wastes of fuel seen on the roads every summer, are large packs of single occupant touring bikes that go on cross country trips. I know a married couple who go on these trips together but each with their own bike. The fuel consumption per person is quite a bit more than if they piled into the worst SUVs.

I would never use a motorcycle, and I don't understand those who take this risk. People often don't see motorcyclists until it's too late, and the motorcycle always loses in a collision. Dale is absolutely right about the stats - they are horrific. There are many other disadvantages like exposure to the elements, noise, high maintenance, discomfort, and fuel economy lower than most people realize. Yet, people continue to operate them to my amazement. That said, I do have concerns about the safety of super subcompact "cars" like this one. The very low weight alone is a little disconcerting.

I just recently called a good friend whose primary means of transportation is a motorcycle. He told me that his single biggest problem with motorcycles is exposure to the elements (pretty obvious). He expressed very high interest in this automobile. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say he was excited about the prospect. He didn't seem so concerned about safety as I, but showed most concern about reliability and performance. The price point had him sold, and he offered independently the statement that anything under 10K would be acceptable assuming good quality.

I think the better solution is to get overweight US fit.

Maybe this is the answer

http://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-10-25/electric-velomobiles-as-fast-and-comfortable-as-automobiles-but-80-times-more-efficient

At least you would not have to pay gym fees

I ride bikes, until very recently year round in NH. Seems to be an interesting vehicle. But for my money I'd rather have a motorbike with a sidecar. Not sure where the notion of 'high maintenance' comes from? On my current bike the only thing I've done is change the oil. On previous bikes I've had that have covered over 100,000 miles the most I've done is air/oil filters, tires and brakes.

Having said all of that - I can see this being a good city car - which is really where the SMART is also aimed.

There's lots around at that price, have you thought about going for the Toyota Aygo?