My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[RSchneider]

Why three wheels? My personal interest in an enclosed three wheeler motorcycle was spurred on years ago by the ‘tilting‘ Carver providing enclosure, safety, and my all important feeling of having a motorcycle riding experience. Along came Hello Elio, no tilt, but marketed under $7500, over 70 mpg, 5 star safety compliant. Very affordable around town fun……tilt didn’t matter. I knew the marketing claims were baseless, but I had hope for a fully certified production ready prototype and tested performance claims. The same held true for the since failed Arcimoto certified FUV @ $19,900. I cancelled my FUV from the production queue due to back ordered doors that never materialized. All current FUV owners are frustrated with the lack of parts and service.

So if tilt doesn’t matter……why the continued interest in three wheels, with no local sales, service & parts production start guarantee, and no proven market demand? Why not just buy an affordable sub-compact car from an established auto manufacturer? There are a few ’stylish‘ options in the under to mid $20K range. I understand stylish is in the eye of the beholder. One example:
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The reality is this, there will never be a three wheeler that fits the exacting standards that people want. Elio ruined for everyone as people believed that it was possible and the reality was it was never going to happen. The price, mileage, safety etc. If you want a three wheeler, expect it to be a Slingshot or Vanderhall. Other than that, everyone is out of luck. This thread just turned 4 years old and I do not see the BEX ever seeing the light of day. Even if it does, it will be a hobbyist vehicle. Like a kit car.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

Speaking of emissions -- My girlfriend's car threw a P0456 this afternoon. We'll see if I can find a "Small Evap Leak".

Found the leak - Purge Valve Solenoid was malfunctioning, replaced it, cleared the code & ran a drive cycle. The Dodge lives (at least for a little while longer) -- we are still hoping to replace this car with an automatic version of the BEX Mogrel (for her).

I do have a question -- Does anyone know if the automatic version (of the BEX Mongrel) will be a CVT transmission or non-CVT transmission?? I really want to stay away from CVT's (if possible).

I want to replace my car with the manual transmission version.

 

[JohnJ]

Found the leak - Purge Valve Solenoid was malfunctioning, replaced it, cleared the code & ran a drive cycle. The Dodge lives (at least for a little while longer) -- we are still hoping to replace this car with an automatic version of the BEX Mogrel (for her).

I do have a question -- Does anyone know if the automatic version (of the BEX Mongrel) will be a CVT transmission or non-CVT transmission?? I really want to stay away from CVT's (if possible).

I want to replace my car with the manual transmission version.

If you will forgive me, I'll reply to that sarcastically. The only person who can answer that question is BEX himself. Oh, that's right, almost forgot. He's no where to be found.

 

[Hog]

CVT's are in everything now. And they are still not perfected enough to last the life of the car without tinkering with, our 2024 corolla says it needs a complete fluid change every 60-70k miles, my Nissan lasted 71k miles before it fried and had to be replaced. Toyota changed one of theirs to be chain drive first gear to "reduce wear". I find it amazing automakers approve towing capability with them as well. In my opinion, the only place CVT's belong is on chainsaw, minibikes, and other small torque converter applications. building them bigger does not make them better. The old torque flites and turbo 350's outlasted the cars, and those cars were driven 15 years or more. I would bet 85% or more in any junkyard could still be taken out and installed and they would work flawlessly.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

CVT's are in everything now.

Yes, you are correct (for the most part). We have been researching the 2025 Dodge Challenger (3.6L variant) as a possible replacement, It does not have a CVT.

It also appears Volkswagen is steering clear of CVT transmissions, as well. Although my girlfriend doesn't seem to like the looks of the VW lineup.

She appears to be "brand loyal" to Dodge, which is fine. I don't mind working on a Dodge. The Challenger with the 3.6L starts at about $30K, she doesn't need the V-8.

Again, we were hoping that BEX mongrel will NOT have a CVT, then it could be a possible replacement candidate.

 

[Rickb]

I’d prefer the Direct Drive instant torque option of an Electric BEX. Quick 0-60mph, overall fewer off the shelf parts, Higher MPGE, and less routine maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

Quick 0-60mph

We are older retired individuals, a quick 0-60 time is not a priority. My girlfriend's vehicle usage is pretty much just around town and maybe one or two trips on the highway (yearly). Mpg really isn't a concern for the amount of driving she does. She only uses about $20/month in gasoline, now. In regards to maintenance, I enjoy working on our cars/trucks -- gives me something to do. You know what they say about "idle hands". Her current Dodge is actually quite easy to work on and parts have been pretty easy to source.

Furthermore, I would need to have the electric company upgrade the service in my home. I'd need a new electrical panel, as well. I don't have enough AMPS coming into the home to support an electric car.

Personally, I am not opposed to an electric motorcycle and like the "Zero" lineup. If the day comes when I need a new motorcycle, the all electric "Zero" will be a candidate. As a side note, I would not have to upgrade my service nor electrical panel to accommodate an electric motorcycle.

 

[JohnJ]

We are older retired individuals, a quick 0-60 time is not a priority. My girlfriend's vehicle usage is pretty much just around town and maybe one or two trips on the highway (yearly). Mpg really isn't a concern for the amount of driving she does. She only uses about $20/month in gasoline, now. In regards to maintenance, I enjoy working on our cars/trucks -- gives me something to do. You know what they say about "idle hands". Her current Dodge is actually quite easy to work on and parts have been pretty easy to source.

Furthermore, I would need to have the electric company upgrade the service in my home. I'd need a new electrical panel, as well. I don't have enough AMPS coming into the home to support an electric car.

Personally, I am not opposed to an electric motorcycle and like the "Zero" lineup. If the day comes when I need a new motorcycle, the all electric "Zero" will be a candidate. As a side note, I would not have to upgrade my service nor electrical panel to accommodate an electric motorcycle.

a quick 0-60 time is not a priority
Mpg really isn't a concern
I enjoy working on our cars/trucks
I would need to have the electric company upgrade the service in my home

Somehow, I just don't think you're the typical Elio fan. But, to each his own.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

MPG isn't a concern for my girlfriend's mode of transportation, as we don't take her car on trips/adventures. She mainly stays around town or the next town over. Nothing too far, but I do want her to have a reliable vehicle.

I do ALL of the driving when we travel. Although, my econo-box is doing fairly well for being almost 10 years old, I do know the time will come to retire it. It gets 40-45 mpg when we travel, but it would be nice to get more. I'm assuming the BEX Mongrel will get a much higher mpg; reducing the cost of completing our "bucket lists".

And yes, I do enjoy turning wrenches. As a small child, I remember helping my dad when he worked on the family station wagon. I lost my dad almost 5 years ago, but he instilled a DIY attitude in me that I carry to this day.

The home I have picked as our "forever home" to retire in was built in 1979, and I don't think they ever considered electric vehicles at that time. The electric is adequate for our needs, but not for an electric car. I have prepared for our aging and already installed a walk-in shower. I am hopeful that we will both be able to stay in this home the remainder of our lives.

As I have stated previously, my interest in both the Elio and the BEX Mongrel is to tag the vehicle as a motorcycle and avoid emissions testing. ALL motorcycles are exempt from testing (here). I had to junk my Honda, as I just couldn't get it through emissions, I want to avoid that going forward. It felt like such a waste to scrap a dependable running vehicle.

And since Mark is using a similar Honda engine to the one in that vehicle, I am very familiar with that power plant. I am hopeful that I'll be able to service it and keep it running for the balance of our travelling days. I do understand that the day will come when I'll be too old to travel and hope that I will have completed both of our "bucket lists".

 

[RSchneider]

While we are talking about fantasy vehicles. Here's what I need for a vehicle and will hold onto what I have until this is built. Mine will be a tilting three wheeler that is electric and powered by cold fusion. It will go forever without charging thus free. It will tilt so it's safe and super fun to drive. Along with this, it will turn into a boat or an airplane. So, I will never have to worry about traffic. It will be simple to service, never break down and cost $5K. The warranty will be 100 years, unlimited miles.

It also appears Volkswagen is steering clear of CVT transmissions, as well.

VW uses the DSG. I have one. They are a manual that has twin clutches and it does the shifting for you. You can also just use the paddles or the lever for shifting. One thing that will keep anyone here from ever having one is the transmission has a 40K service interval, thus an oil and filter change. Plus no dip stick and you fill it from the bottom. So see, you all will steer clear of them.