Elio Motors - The Elio - Car that gets 84 MPG with a $6800 price (1 Viewer)

[Drifter]

I think it's pretty cool and would strongly consider it in a city like Seattle.

That said, the reservation system is completely convoluted and silly. It doesn't bode well that a mind that came up with that system may be involved in designing a vehicle, IMO.

To point - from the FAQ:

1) All-in $1000; 2) All-In $500; 3) All-in $250; 4) All-in $100; 5) I Want In $1000; 6) I Want in $500; 7) I Want In $250; 8) I Want In $100

Why is a $100 reservation worth more in priority than a $100 one from another category? Why as a consumer would I do that? It makes no sense.

As for motorcycle laws - A motorcycle license would be required in states that have that mandate. A helmet law is typically not required if the motorcycle is enclosed, has a steering wheel and seat belts.

ETA Ah - the lesser option is refundable.

 

[Raider Nation]

I'll consider this, but first I need to hear more about Paul and Brendan.

 

[Major]

Sounds like the Howard.

 

[Drifter]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

 

[Raider Nation]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to every give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Gonna need Paul to weigh in on this.

 

[Brony]

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to every give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Gonna need Paul to weigh in on this.

I think is more up Brendan's alley.

 

[Finless]

I could probably get Brendan to post here today. I've known him probably 9-10 years. He's the right hand man.

 

[Raider Nation]

I could probably get Brendan to post here today. I've known him probably 9-10 years. He's the right hand man.

It's all just a pipe dream until he gets here.

 

[Jayrod]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

 

[Drifter]

Here are my thoughts on the fairly limited information out there:

1. I like the concept as a 3rd car/commuter car in a city like Seattle where the weather makes motorcycles less than desirable and where the city is waging an all out war on commuters who use cars

2. The deposits don't provide enough value. The refundable deposit is good for price protection so you can withdraw if the car comes out at #13.900 instead of $6800 but does not provide any protection if the thing goes belly up. The non-refundable deposit would have much more value if it allowed some sort of price protection or return of deposit money if the price exceeded "X". Due to these factors, as an interested consumer, the only options for my risk comfort are the $100 and $250 non-refundable options. At that price level, I can feel that I'm contributing to a development direction I believe in with a chance of getting something I'm interested in purchasing. Anything else is too risky with not enough real value coming back.

 

[Drifter]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

You don't have to. Check your state motorcycle laws. In an enclosed vehicle with a seatbelt and steering wheel, it is likely exempt even though it is classified as a motorcycle.

 

[Jayrod]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

You don't have to. Check your state motorcycle laws. In an enclosed vehicle with a seatbelt and steering wheel, it is likely exempt even though it is classified as a motorcycle.

Really? That is the first I've heard of this. What about Missouri? Do I need a helmet in Missouri?

 

[Drifter]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

You don't have to. Check your state motorcycle laws. In an enclosed vehicle with a seatbelt and steering wheel, it is likely exempt even though it is classified as a motorcycle.

Really? That is the first I've heard of this. What about Missouri? Do I need a helmet in Missouri?

Unfortunately it doesn't look like MO has the carve out. WA does.

 

[B-Deep]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

You don't have to. Check your state motorcycle laws. In an enclosed vehicle with a seatbelt and steering wheel, it is likely exempt even though it is classified as a motorcycle.

Really? That is the first I've heard of this. What about Missouri? Do I need a helmet in Missouri?

headgerar law

2. Every person operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle, as defined in section 301.010, upon any highway of this state shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet reasonable standards and specifications established by the director.

motortrike definition

(37) "Motortricycle", a motor vehicle operated on three wheels, including a motorcycle while operated with any conveyance, temporary or otherwise, requiring the use of a third wheel. A motortricycle shall not be included in the definition of all-terrain vehicle;

 

[B-Deep]

I'd be in, but I just don't want to wear a helmet.

You don't have to. Check your state motorcycle laws. In an enclosed vehicle with a seatbelt and steering wheel, it is likely exempt even though it is classified as a motorcycle.

Really? That is the first I've heard of this. What about Missouri? Do I need a helmet in Missouri?

Unfortunately it doesn't look like MO has the carve out. WA does.

that's part of the issue,. state by state it'll vary

if they get this thing across the board ruled as a car it will help a lot

 

[NCCommish]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

 

[Drifter]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

Is Carmax a non-refundable deposit?

 

[NCCommish]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

Is Carmax a non-refundable deposit?

There are transfers you can do that include non refundable fees.

 

[proninja]

My wife and I have shared a car for the last couple years. I would absolutely consider something like this as a commuter, especially if it could pass safety standards, but only if it stayed around $6800. Once the price creeps too far north of there, I'm out and will keep riding my bike/taking the bus. I realize I'm not the normal target customer.

 

[Drifter]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

Is Carmax a non-refundable deposit?

There are transfers you can do that include non refundable fees.

A fee is different than a deposit...

The language in the agreement for the non-refundable deposit is such that everything is based on the good will and honesty of Elio. They don't have to provide a car and if they do they can make the price anything they want. To further decrease from the value, you aren't buying a slot. You don't give them $1000 and they tell you that you are #386. They can bump you down at will, not just for others who pay more, but for any reason they deem fit.

 

[NCCommish]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

Is Carmax a non-refundable deposit?

There are transfers you can do that include non refundable fees.

A fee is different than a deposit...

The language in the agreement for the non-refundable deposit is such that everything is based on the good will and honesty of Elio. They don't have to provide a car and if they do they can make the price anything they want. To further decrease from the value, you aren't buying a slot. You don't give them $1000 and they tell you that you are #386. They can bump you down at will, not just for others who pay more, but for any reason they deem fit.

All legal CYA. If I remember correctly for example Tesla uses the same language in their deposit contract.

 

[Drifter]

Regarding the non-refundable deposit -

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for the sale of a vehicle and does not lock in pricing, a production slot, or an estimated delivery date. You are under no obligation to purchase a vehicle from us, and we are under no obligation to supply you with a vehicle.

Oof. You give me $1000. This guarantees you a priority spot in line but we don't have to ever give you anything and if we do produce something, we can set the price to be whatever we want.

Actually this is standard boilerplate. They don't want to be forced to sell you a car because they made some implied promise in your mind. I was just working with Carmax and they had the same language in their agreement about holding or transferring a car.

Is Carmax a non-refundable deposit?

There are transfers you can do that include non refundable fees.

A fee is different than a deposit...

The language in the agreement for the non-refundable deposit is such that everything is based on the good will and honesty of Elio. They don't have to provide a car and if they do they can make the price anything they want. To further decrease from the value, you aren't buying a slot. You don't give them $1000 and they tell you that you are #386. They can bump you down at will, not just for others who pay more, but for any reason they deem fit.

All legal CYA. If I remember correctly for example Tesla uses the same language in their deposit contract.

The difference being that Tesla at this point is reasonably well established. Was that their model before they had delivered Tesla #1?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I think we need to be encouraging people to make as many kinds of vehicle concepts (and hopefully as many kinds of engine and fuel concepts) as possible.



Detroit at one time had over 300 car companies.

And then there is the case of the Tucker - a case story on how the auto industry can and does drive out innovation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Tucker_Sedan

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

I didn't like the smug fruity dude in the video. "When's the last time you drove over 100mph? Pfft thought so"

I did over 100 on my way to work this morning, you d**k. And you better not be in my way with that #### box you're trying to pawn off as transportation!!

 

[Christo]

For the size/weight, the 9.6 second 0-60 is disappointing. Yes, I understand there are sacrifices to get the 84 mph.

It's only 70 HP though.

Right. It's not that I don't understand it. It's just disappointing. If I'm getting into a sleek little three-wheeled two-seater, some more oomph would be nice.

One of the other sites I researched this at said this was just a base model and they expect there to be more options down the line. My guess is one of those will be a bigger motor. I agree this thing should be fun to drive and a bit more HP would be a helpful in that regard.

It seems that would defeat two of the most important factors--sticker price and mpg.

 

[DrJ]

If they added pedals they could get infinity miles to the gallon. It could even help Otis lose weight.

 

[Henry Ford]

Delayed again - this time until September 2015.

 

[Yenrub]

It looks like the Can Am Spyder with a shell on it

 

[squidrope]

Cool concept. No way he keeps the price at $6,800-. The average new motorcycle sells for $14,487-. Then ad a shell, door, windshield, AC, radio, air bags, 2 seats, seat belts, carpet, third wheel/tire, etc.

I'd love to see these on the roads, but I don't see how he'll do it for $6,800-

 

[Patriotsfatboy1]

As a kid, I loved their pizza.

 

[Psychopav]

Didn't we ship this kid back to Cuba back in Clinton's second term?

 

[otello]

34,205 reservations so far.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

I'm on their "I'M ALL IN" reservation list.

 

[cstu]

This car could be a huge win for low income people who currently spend a large percentage of their income commuting to work.

$200 a month would cover the payments, insurance and gas.

 

[Henry Ford]

This car could be a huge win for low income people who currently spend a large percentage of their income commuting to work.

$200 a month would cover the payments, insurance and gas.

Not just work commutes, either - grocery runs instead of convenience stores, etc. I'd love to have one of these and ditch our second full sized car.

 

[cstu]

This car could be a huge win for low income people who currently spend a large percentage of their income commuting to work.

$200 a month would cover the payments, insurance and gas.

Not just work commutes, either - grocery runs instead of convenience stores, etc. I'd love to have one of these and ditch our second full sized car.

Same here. I live in the hills where it's a few miles to any store and it would be great to hop into one of these and cost almost nothing to drive (maybe 50 cents vs. the $3 it costs me now to go to a grocery store).

 

[3C's]

Dang, wish I lived in OK and only drove in the old people lanes. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/forget-the-tata-nano-oklahomans-can-get-a-new-electric-car-for/

 

[otello]

The basic model looks like it covers all of the bases. Other than leather seats or trick wheels, what options are being considered?

 

[Riversco]

The basic model looks like it covers all of the bases. Other than leather seats or trick wheels, what options are being considered?

Streamers, a basket on the handlebars, and some lights on the spokes.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Dang, wish I lived in OK and only drove in the old people lanes. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/forget-the-tata-nano-oklahomans-can-get-a-new-electric-car-for/

No, thanks. I prefer a cooler looking motorcycle with top speed of 100mph. The Kandi Coco is only 25mph - I might as well ride my bicycle.

 

[cstu]

Dang, wish I lived in OK and only drove in the old people lanes. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/forget-the-tata-nano-oklahomans-can-get-a-new-electric-car-for/

No, thanks. I prefer a cooler looking motorcycle with top speed of 100mph. The Kandi Coco is only 25mph - I might as well ride my bicycle.

Why would someone in Oklahoma NOT buy one of these for $800? Worth it for the sheer novelty.

 

[NutterButter]

Dang, wish I lived in OK and only drove in the old people lanes. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/forget-the-tata-nano-oklahomans-can-get-a-new-electric-car-for/

No, thanks. I prefer a cooler looking motorcycle with top speed of 100mph. The Kandi Coco is only 25mph - I might as well ride my bicycle.

Why would someone in Oklahoma NOT buy one of these for $800? Worth it for the sheer novelty.

Seriously? You're asking why if I was living in Oklahoma I wouldn't buy something I'd never use. It goes 25mph. I go faster than that in a school zone.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

Dang, wish I lived in OK and only drove in the old people lanes. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/forget-the-tata-nano-oklahomans-can-get-a-new-electric-car-for/

No, thanks. I prefer a cooler looking motorcycle with top speed of 100mph. The Kandi Coco is only 25mph - I might as well ride my bicycle.

Why would someone in Oklahoma NOT buy one of these for $800? Worth it for the sheer novelty.

Seriously? You're asking why if I was living in Oklahoma I wouldn't buy something I'd never use. It goes 25mph. I go faster than that in a school zone.

I live in Oklahoma. How do I get one?

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

I think it ended in 2009