Monday, September 19, 2016

Elio Motors

I'm attracted to new ideas, so I gravitated toward this one -- an American-made car that gets 84 mpg and costs only $7,300. It's on its way from Elio Motors.

The car will be manufactured in Louisiana. It runs on standard gasoline; no electricity involved. The car has three wheels and a traditional auto steering-wheel; it's not a motorcycle (although the passenger sits behind the driver).

What's the catch? Well... there is one. Power. While the car weighs half as much as a conventional automobile (1,200 lbs. v. 2,400 lbs.), it weights twice as much as a motorcycle -- and its engine puts out only 55 hp. That power-level is anemic even for a motorcycle which weighs half as much. 55 hp pushing 1,200 lbs. is gonna be sluggish and slow. And obviously there's no real storage either.

The company believes the car will find a market among people who can't afford a more expensive vehicle and will simply settle for the low-powered engine. Perhaps they're right. No other car-maker is offering anything under $10,000 now so this may create a niche. What do you think?










11 comments:

  1. I need to get places fast so if my vehicle is going to hinder that then like Suzanne ... I'll pass.

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  2. Hmm I love the idea of 84 mpg, and it's an interesting design...but the idea of having a sluggish car seems like it might be a hard sell.

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  3. Very interesting... I'm curious to see where this goes!

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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  4. I think it's interesting - and affordable !
    I am not sure it would survive our pothole filled avenues...

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  5. I kind of like it, but I'd be terribly afraid of taking this thing on a thruway/highway -- it's probably all in my head but I'd be afraid other drivers wouldn't see me on the road!

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  6. I think for the most part the price is right, kind of like a professional racing car.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  7. It's a very cool concept for sure and that design is quite cutting edge. As someone who loves (and often needs) a lot of trunk/cargo space though, I'd personally see this more as a second vehicle to accompany one that had such and imagine it would be very handy for bopping to and from work, running errands, etc in a town/city setting.

    ♥ Jessica

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  8. Great for retired folks who live in gated communities on golf courses.
    It's an odd looking little duck!

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  9. I love the look and how , if implemented, would be so beneficial to our emissions issues. I am fine with the speed, too many car accidents linked to high speed. Also electric cars still pollute..
    Love this, and I think it is soooo cute! I would love to see it in Manhattan, what a difference it would make!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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