ELIO - has anybody driven one ? (84mpg)

[3930dave]

If I was still working in my old high mileage commuting mode, I'm pretty sure there'd be a deposit there already with my name on it.

Rgds, D.

 

[HHR]

Just found out the Elio has 5.75 inches of ground clearance. That isn't too bad considering most cars have around 6 inches. Front wheel drive should move it around nicely in the snow/ice.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Probably would get you at least one parking ticket though !

The format of the design is pretty old. What may be bringing it back to life is higher demand for low cost, ultra fuel efficient transport. Some young people who have chosen to stay out of owning a car, might think twice about this one.

Rgds, D.

Speaking of parking, I wonder if the size alone would warrant a cheaper parking rent in cities?

 

[3930dave]

Just found out the Elio has 5.75 inches of ground clearance. That isn't too bad considering most cars have around 6 inches. Front wheel drive should move it around nicely in the snow/ice.

It's light enough that 4 strong guys could probably just pick it up.... so it would be easy to push if it did get stuck.

It looks fairly well engineered. As much as I like to focus on the tech details, Financing (corporate level), startup business management, Political and other govt wrangling probably matter more (as a group of issues) in the near term, for this to have a sustained production run.

Fingers crossed.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Speaking of parking, I wonder if the size alone would warrant a cheaper parking rent in cities?

I was joking about 2in1 spot on a street.... but where that should work (and be legal) is cases where you Buy the parking spots, and own them - ex. high rise condos. Once you have title to the spot, it should be up to you what you park there. In places like downtown Toronto, these parking spots sell for major $$$$$.

Rgds, D.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Same in Chicago.. though there are rentals. Condo's have too many rules and prolly wouldnt allow 2 in one spot

 

[3930dave]

Same in Chicago.. though there are rentals. Condo's have too many rules and prolly wouldnt allow 2 in one spot

While I never intend to have to deal with living in a condo, I have to wonder if the "motorcycle" registration would help there. I can't see a household with 2 motorcycles paying for 2 parking spots - and in some complexes they are tight on spots.

Just thinking..... an Elio would also be a great tow-behind for an RV.

Rgds, D.

 

[HHR]

I just made a $100 reservation for one. If the thing comes to fruition, I plan on driving it to Alaska to break it in.
Here is a computer animation of the 55 hp 3-cylinder engine.

 

[Midniteoyl]

While I never intend to have to deal with living in a condo, I have to wonder if the "motorcycle" registration would help there. I can't see a household with 2 motorcycles paying for 2 parking spots - and in some complexes they are tight on spots.

Just thinking..... an Elio would also be a great tow-behind for an RV.

Rgds, D.

I agree - great toad, if you could pull it 3 down. We'll have to wait to see..

 

[3930dave]

I just made a $100 reservation for one. If the thing comes to fruition, I plan on driving it to Alaska to break it in.
Here is a computer animation of the 55 hp 3-cylinder engine.

Yeah, but aside from paying for the car, you'd also have to budget something like $250 for fuel !

Thanks for the animation, I hadn't found that one. Simple, clean design. Accessiblity/serviceability looks good, refreshingly so compared to many engines today.

If your trip in an Elio happens, you Have To start a thread on it ! We'd all love to see total avg. (and max, min) mpg, as told by a TBN'er.

Rgds, D.