My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[JEBar]

the best thing Mark did was to include a rear door.

it is most certainly a major step forward .... we were able to sit in an Elio more than once .... the first time was a starry eyed event where our observations were out of emotion .... the second time our observations where from a critical standpoint that was based on conversations about the first .... from a comfort standpoint for us , an Elio was a one person vehicle .... the lack of a second door made sitting in the back seat created an uneasy feeling .... so much so that it would end up being a vehicle I would take places when she wasn't going along .... if something happened to me, no way she could get our .... in addition, the rear seat windows couldn't be opened .... for us, an Elio would have been a highly limited use vehicle .... with a BEX I can see us taking road trips

 

[84mpg]

it is most certainly a major step forward .... we were able to sit in an Elio more than once .... the first time was a starry eyed event where our observations were out of emotion .... the second time our observations where from a critical standpoint that was based on conversations about the first .... from a comfort standpoint for us , an Elio was a one person vehicle .... the lack of a second door made sitting in the back seat created an uneasy feeling .... so much so that it would end up being a vehicle I would take places when she wasn't going along .... if something happened to me, no way she could get our .... in addition, the rear seat windows couldn't be opened .... for us, an Elio would have been a highly limited use vehicle .... with a BEX I can see us taking road trips

Exactly!

 

[Mark BEX]

Follow-up#2: Exactly 2 days later, 125 voters. It is holding fairly steady at 85% 'Yes'. I would guess, the 125 represents serious followers of this forum and the facebook page. Both have an intentionally limited following. So, IMHO, the 85% would retain some notable measure, and the 125 survey population of course would increase greatly if pushed to the general public.
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I said quite clearly many times that I was not willing to proceed if unless I had min 100 orders, which it has now achieved, and I can see more than 200 with auto and more confidence, especially later when the body work is done.

Even taking a dropout rate of 50%, would still be over 100.

Yes, I can see long term growth and greater numbers, but I have to initially plan around what is available now, stay living in the real world, and simply plan for expansion if it indeed happened.

Elio could have delivered a few thousand by now and be expanding following a more simple path like that.

 

[AriLea]

Another interesting stat that maybe applies here....
I was researching the HMV Freeway today to compare it to the 'Bex-Built' and the Elio.

Google: Value of $3,400 from 1982 to 2022
$3,400 in 1982 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $10,129.67 today

The Freeway sold about 700 from 1979 into 1983. Apparently, each cost around $3400.
(compare that to a 1970 Ford Cortina at $2400, $17k in today's money)

The Freeway was almost undriveable on a 55mph freeway(88kph), by the way. And was a solo seater. So it is a class or two lower, but at the same cost level as our Bex.

So the Cobin Sparrow version 1, could do the freeway gig, but still solo....
Cost at $14,900 from 2001, in 2022 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $24,188.65, and was electric but very limited range at 25-50miles.
They sold only 300 in 4 years.

Given the lower specs of these ?cars? I say this is a ground-floor starting point, almost anything doing better than these.

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Edited: I just had to add this; The Sparrow and HMV Freeway are both rear-wheel-drive on a 2Front1Rear tadpole configuration, and both under powered for freeway operation. These result in handling and performance issues that appear in typical daily operation. I am not surpised that sales did not explode after the first vehicles hit the roads.

Also, ICY HILLS:
The Elio and this Bex-Built will both be very respectible in handling and performace, even on freeways and in all weather conditions. For example, the Bex will be able to climb an uphill, icy roadway better than almost anything that has wheels and is also without all wheel drive(driving forward).
This is because 67% of the tire tread is powered, at the front.
A midengine, underpowered sportscar might do better, except I don't know of any that are underpowered enough. (Sounds more like an original VW-Bug doesn't it?) Future EV's might get there, since it is possible to regulate thier low power output smoothly enough, but they would have to optimize the distribution of weight and power for this specific purpose. A 'Bex-Built' will beat a VW bug in this situation, I've owned two 'Bugs'.

Also, High Winds:
I have no proof as of yet, but the analysis of motion dynamics and aerodynamics on the Elio and 'Bex-Built', on highways in high wind conditions should be superior to any other vehicle I can think of right now. This is because the center of pressure and the center of gravity both exist more up front. For the CG, it is near, but just behind, where the traction is. And for the center of pressure, which moves around a bit for all ground vehicles, will always be behind the center of gravity, and farther behind the center of traction. It should be very stable, and when not as stable, it will be reasonably predictable. (VW bugs are especially horrid in this situation, still wish I had kept one)

Both my 1970's Ford Fiesta and my Mid-Engine converted 1970 Toyota Corona were better than my VW Bugs for these issues!

 

[RSchneider]

Elio could have delivered a few thousand by now and be expanding following a more simple path like that.

Exactly. Elio was offering way more than the BEX and at a lower price point. They should have started out basic and simple and skipped all of the big dream plans they had. We all know there was no way to offer a $6800 vehicle with the bells and whistles that Elio wanted. Then to top it off, the warranty, service, parts, customization and stores to sell them. Honestly, Elio wanted to be on the level of a third tier auto manufacturer right off the bat and deliver the volume of a Honda Civic. On the other hand, Elio was loking for major funding and you can't het that without a major plan that dots all of the I's and crosses all of the T's. Elio knew this with their last major cheap fuel efficient car they developed before the Elio. They even had a big Texas oil man to fund that operation.

 

[Mark BEX]

Exactly. Elio was offering way more than the BEX and at a lower price point.

I'm not sure if that's an insult or not!

 

[Mark BEX]

Tomorrow I will know if I have been approved for special circumstance for an 'Emergency Passport', they indicated they I will be, and have even taken the (refundable) payment in advance.

The problem from my side is Covid not allowing me to travel overseas for over 2 years, as well as my head down building the BEX the last year+, and just plum forgot how close the expiry date was.

 

[JEBar]

great to hear you are working your way through it all .... looking forward to your post being once again centered on the development of your trike

 

[Made in USA]

Exactly. Elio was offering way more than the BEX and at a lower price point. They should have started out basic and simple and skipped all of the big dream plans they had. We all know there was no way to offer a $6800 vehicle with the bells and whistles that Elio wanted. Then to top it off, the warranty, service, parts, customization and stores to sell them. Honestly, Elio wanted to be on the level of a third tier auto manufacturer right off the bat and deliver the volume of a Honda Civic. On the other hand, Elio was loking for major funding and you can't het that without a major plan that dots all of the I's and crosses all of the T's. Elio knew this with their last major cheap fuel efficient car they developed before the Elio. They even had a big Texas oil man to fund that operation.

One issue with how Elio had priced the vehicle is that was for the basic model. They always said the price for the option was estimated and subject to change. So in theory they could have jacked those prices up to compensate for the first ones produced.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

Just a short "Thank You" to Mark for the quick response to my questions. I assume there will be some type of procedure for purchasing/registering the vehicle once it is finalized and built, so I'll await further instructions.

And best of luck with your "passport" situation.