Elio Motors Says the Future is Now

Jan. 15, 2016

Super-compact cars and electric vehicles are the stuff of the future, as everything from trade magazines to sci-fi movies would attest. They’ve had a slow start in the U.S., although they’re already commonplace in much of Western Europe. However, a new, innovative American car company has their GPS pointed in the direction of change.

THINK SMALL

Paul Elio is the founder, engineer and company CEO of Elio Motors, and he believes he’s got a handle on why America has yet to embrace these progressive forms of transportation.

“I think the reason is that we all simply have needs for larger vehicles,” he explained, “but it’s really only 5 or 10 percent of the time that you’re hauling lumber, picking up groceries, or dropping people off somewhere. The rest of the time, you’re traveling by yourself.”

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures on work transportation, 76 percent of all commuters still drive solo to work every day.

MICHIGAN DESIGN

Elio’s solution? The Elio: a three-wheeled autonomous and eponymous gas-powered vehicle that’s poised to start an auto revolution. At a starting price of just $6,800 (excluding tax, title and customizations), the Elio can be purchased either as a remarkably inexpensive means of sole transportation or, if you’re convinced that you do still need that SUV, the Elio is an affordable addition to your garage.

You’ll be helping the environment as well as your wallet, since the Elio will reportedly get up to 84 miles per gallon. The cars were designed in Detroit at Elio’s headquarters in Troy and will be manufactured at a refurbished GM plant in Shreveport, La., to Elio’s exacting specifications.

The company is taking reservations to purchase the vehicles, which are expected to be delivered in the final quarter of 2016. You can reserve one for as little as $100.

SUPER SPACE

While the Elio may be compact in size, environmentally-focused and technically classified as a motorcycle (it’s a two-seater with the passenger riding behind the driver and only three wheels), it’s more comfortable than one and it’s enclosed, so you’re not exposed to the elements. This writer sat in a prototype model and it was impressive to see how many modern conveniences they’ve managed to squeeze into such a small space. The Elio is definitely a compressed version of what you’re probably used to in a car, but they’ve made the interior fun, so you almost feel like you’re in a videogame.

Safety is also on Elio’s must-do list; the cars will include a roll cage frame, three airbags, anti-lock brakes and 50 percent larger crush zones than similar size vehicles.

CONNECTED AMENITIES

The Elio’s amenities start with a shiny, candy-colored exterior finish in your choice of seven different shades. The cars also offer a surprisingly spacious trunk, plus sleek seating and controls on the interior that include AM/FM radio, heat and AC, power windows and locks. SkyzMatic internet connectivity is integrated, so you’ll be able to add the option to hook up an iPad, Android phone or Windows device to access GPS, music, VoIP calling, remote vehicle monitoring, Wi-Fi and more while in transit. Elio has partnered with a range of additional suppliers so you can add even more, like leather seats or a moonroof.

“This way, you can upgrade your Elio over time,” Elio said, “and things like your GPS won’t suddenly become obsolete because you can be constantly updating it.”

DRIVE SMART

Once the cars go into production later this year, Elio’s aim is to sell a projected 250,000 vehicles per year for five years, which he claimed will reduce the total gas consumption in the U.S. by .5 percent. That would be a pretty major accomplishment for a single car company, especially one that’s brand new.

“It doesn’t matter what ‘side’ you’re on [politically], whether you’re red or blue or purple,” Elio said. “The objective is to use less oil.”

It’s no wonder the Elio made a splash at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Seventy-one percent of CNET readers named the Elio the “Product They’d Most Like to Take Home” from last year’s CES.

“That kind of thing has been happening wherever we go,” Elio said. “It shows me that people want this car.”

For more information or to pre-order your own Elio, visit eliomotors.com. The car will also be on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit from Jan. 16–24, 2016.