# Does Anybody Know Anything About Elio Motors New 3 Wheeled Car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 18, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223 "2015-08-18T22:47:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2015, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/21 "2015-08-20T13:50:10Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > They seem to have attended the Elon Musk school of “keep promising your product is coming out _really soon now_” 😛 You misspelled Paul Moller 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GrizzRich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ba0ec/32.png) [@GrizzRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrizzRich)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/22 "2015-08-21T16:15:01Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Oh, dear. > How much was the “deposit”? One hundred dollars… and I get a shirt.🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/23 "2015-08-21T16:23:49Z")
> [@GrizzRich](#): > > One hundred dollars… and I get a shirt.🆒 Hope you get the shirt. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/24 "2015-08-21T16:25:44Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Hope you get the shirt. There’s probably a picture of it on the website. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/25 "2015-08-21T16:38:01Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > There’s probably a picture of it on the website. Perhaps a mock-up 0f the shirt…and exciting news about plans afoot to produce the shirt as soon as contracts are signed with a garment manufacturer in Minnesota. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/26 "2015-08-21T17:00:31Z")
All snarkiness aside, I’d buy one. Right now I’m about 48.5% ready to do a deposit to get my place in line. Only thing holding me back really is a factoid I saw in one of the online articles that pointed out that Elio would need (by their own projections) to sell at least 150,000 vehicles annually to stay afloat. Mazda doesn’t even sell that many, and they have multiple products to appeal to various needs. Actually I 'm not super concerned about them staying in business for years and years, I’m concerned they won’t reach the critical point of making and delivering MINE. I’ve had vehicles before where there was no longer a dealership to stand behind the product, and usually the aftermarket can supply just about anything. If I jump in line now, I’d consider going with one of the “all-in” levels. Assuming the 45,000 deposits they have to date, I’m guessing at least 50% are in the lower level of commitment. Doing the nonrefundable “all-in”, at least theoretically, would get me into the top 25%. So, lets say I would be number 10,000 in line. So do I have confidence that they will get production going, and deliver 10,001 vehicles? That’s my conundrum. [ul] [li]I already have an M endorsement on my license, so no barrier there[/li][li]Going to work and back is just me and my laptop bag, so the storage space is no issue[/li][li]I already ride a motorcycle to the office some days, so the “risk” of a smaller vehicle is no issue.[/li][/ul] Ride the motorcycle on nice days, drive the enclosed motorcycle on the other days. Perfect for me. If I had a 75% confidence level that I would eventually get a vehicle, I’d drop the $1000 All-In deposit in a second. ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/27 "2015-08-21T17:04:54Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > OTOH, I see one of several local Teslas nearly every day. It’s a real product around Chicago. Oh, I know they’re real, but Tesla has pushed back the Model X a couple of times now (and it’s possible they may do so again), and the “affordable” car (I think it’s the Model 3) is perennially coming out “next year.” From what I’ve seen and heard in the auto industry, a more realistic assesment is that the Model 3 is at least a couple of years away at best. Basically, Elon Musk has a habit of overpromising. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/28 "2015-08-21T17:06:05Z")
> [@leftfield6](#): > > Ride the motorcycle on nice days, drive the enclosed motorcycle on the other days. Perfect for me. [Here’s the enclosed motorcycle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlLV1ZPdB9A)I want, but it will probably also never make it to production, at least not at a price point I could afford. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/29 "2015-08-21T17:24:07Z")
Being a motorcycle, has it heating and A/C? ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/30 "2015-08-21T17:27:52Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Being a motorcycle, has it heating and A/C? Supposedly will have all creature comforts, heating, A/C, seat belts, airbags, etc. It’s not really a motorcycle, but most states will apparently license it like one. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/31 "2015-08-21T17:33:03Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Being a motorcycle, has it heating and A/C? Under the “Support” section of their website, they say > [@](#): > > The entire program will roll out this year and will detail all available options. Keep in mind; your Elio will already be nicely equipped with premium features that are standard. These include A/C, Heat, Power Windows, Power Door Lock, AM/FM Stereo, and more. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/32 "2015-08-21T17:41:02Z")
> [@leftfield6](#): > > Supposedly will have all creature comforts, heating, A/C, seat belts, airbags, etc. It’s not really a motorcycle, but most states will apparently license it like one. That would mean that in Nebraska, at least, I’d have to wear a helmet while driving it. That would suck. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/33 "2015-08-21T17:54:20Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > That would mean that in Nebraska, at least, I’d have to wear a helmet while driving it. That would suck. They don’t have money to buy senators. ---
**Author:** ![Yodalicious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yodalicious/32/8195_2.png) [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/34 "2015-08-21T19:05:43Z")
I’ve seen several of [these](http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot) in the Atlanta metro area. Technically, it’s a motorcycle since it doesn’t have many of the required automotive safety features. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/35 "2015-08-21T20:01:42Z")
> [@Daddypants](#): > > I’ve seen several of [these](http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot) in the Atlanta metro area. Technically, it’s a motorcycle since it doesn’t have many of the required automotive safety features. Sorry, but no. Not the same as the Elio at all. Those things give you all the disadvantages of a motorcycle but none of the advantages of a car. Worst of all possible options. If it’s a nice enough day to ride exposed to the elements, I have a motorcycle for that. Which is actually fun. The appeal of the Elio is the car-like experience of the enclosure. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/36 "2015-08-21T20:04:59Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > That would mean that in Nebraska, at least, I’d have to wear a helmet while driving it. That would suck. Yeah, to add to the sucktitude of Nebraska, it’s one of 5 states that show a helmet would be required. [http://www.eliomotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/helmetlaws.pdf](http://www.eliomotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/helmetlaws.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/37 "2015-08-21T20:07:49Z")
> [@leftfield6](#): > > Those things give you all the disadvantages of a motorcycle but none of the advantages of a car. Worst of all possible options. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2016, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/38 "2016-03-14T14:45:42Z")
[News bump.](http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/03/elio-motors-says-will-will-sell-100-pre-production-prototypes-fleets-delays-consumer-production-till-2017/) Still no cars for all you investors, and the “plan” is now to make 100 pre-production prototypes sometime in the fall of this year to go to fleets, with cars for all the true believers that actually paid good money to be made sometime _next_ year…if funding can be found and current contract and financing complications can be worked out. Anyone here still holding their breath? ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2016, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/39 "2016-03-14T15:26:06Z")
Huh I didn’t notice they’d pulled in some Reg A+ money. I don’t know that $17MM goes very far. I haven’t heard anything recently re: their DOE loan office application, and the article you link echoes that. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2016, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223/40 "2016-03-14T15:49:50Z")
The article mentions how the financial hole keeps getting deeper and deeper: > [@](#): > > The continued production delays may cost Elio Motors a lot more money than they’d generate with the sale of those 100 prototypes. Elio is getting the use of the Shreveport factory, which had recently been updated by GM, by subleasing the real estate from its primary backer, real estate investor Stuart Lichter. Lichter’s firm leased the facility from Racer Trust, the corporate entity that held assets that GM had shed in its bankruptcy and bailout. > > Part of the agreement with Racer Trust was Elio Motors’ pledge to create 1,500 new permanent full-time jobs in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The agreement stipulated that if Elio had not created those jobs by February 28, 2016, the company would have to pay Racer Trust $5,000 for each job below 1,500 not staffed. Since a total of zero jobs have so far been created in Caddo Parish by Elio, that means, theoretically, that they owe Racer Trust $7.5 million. Elio Motors had been trying to renegotiate those terms but, as yet, there’s been no report from either Elio or Racer Trust about missing the deadline. edited to add: I wonder if they’ll even have a Shreveport factory to make cars in by the end of the year? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-anything-about-elio-motors-new-3-wheeled-car/728223.md?page=3)