Why Buy Elio (don't Worry, I'm All In)

[Ty]

While I understand, and agree with your points, I'm not sure that Elio's will largely be replacing vehicles that normally get 25 MPG Hwy...simply because most vehicles at that efficiency are bought for their utility.

If I had to guess the Avg. ICE vehicle replaced by an Elio would mos likely be in the ~32 Combined MPG range, and an Avg. new cost of $23,000. There is also that the ~75 mpg Elio number is Hwy...and most often the combined number is used when comparing efficiency. The Elio would be around ~ 60 MPG.

Either way, I agree that the Elio is a very environmentally friendly vehicle...probably just not quite as environmentally friendly as your example. I would also say that "Case D" needs the word "new vehicle" attached to it. You can get used Leafs for around $10k, and many States in the US will return above 85MPG when factoring where the electricity is sourced.

My Elio will be replacing my 15mpg truck for driving to work...

 

[johnsnownw]

My Elio will be replacing my 15mpg truck for driving to work...

Sure, some people will be replacing trucks they commute with. I would argue that won't be 250k/yr...however.

 

[johnsnownw]

An option is something that is a choice.
When I am supporting your option under penalty of law (tax) that is not an option to me.

Well, oil receives considerably more subsidies than BEVs...so to a BEV owner they are forced to support ICE owner's option. It's always been unfair to highlight BEV subsidies simply because they are more visible.

 

[JEBar]

it doesn't matter if it is a replacement vehicle or an "and" vehicle, on a national level every mile put on an Elio instead of on a 4 wheel vehicle will reduce the amount of gasoline burned .... the more miles put on Elio trikes, the larger the reduction ....

 

[johnsnownw]

it doesn't matter if it is a replacement vehicle or an "and" vehicle, on a national level every mile put on an Elio instead of on a 4 wheel vehicle will reduce the amount of gasoline burned .... the more miles put on Elio trikes, the larger the reduction ....

If that 4-wheeled vehicle isn't a BEV, I agree.

 

[JEBar]

If that 4-wheeled vehicle isn't a BEV, I agree.

speaking as one who has owned and used a street legal battery electric vehicle (BEV), trying to compare it with an Elio is a mental exercise but carries no weight in the real world .... as of today, battery technology has not reached the point where there is any correlation in performance .... no battery powered vehicle priced anywhere close to that of an Elio will have its range or be able to travel at interstate speeds for hours on end .... someday possibly, but not today or any time in the foreseeable future .... for folks who want one, fine .... more power to them .... because of the electric vehicle tax credits at the time we bought ours, we made money when we we sold it ....

 

[WilliamH]

Well, oil receives considerably more subsidies than BEVs...so to a BEV owner they are forced to support ICE owner's option. It's always been unfair to highlight BEV subsidies simply because they are more visible.

Just for the record, the "oil" you are talking about are major corporations that employ thousands of people who pay taxes.
The subsides in question are the tax breaks individual people get for buying BPVs.
And, incidentally, if you use any kind of plastic, vinyl, computer chips, etc, you are also using oil based products. That also include most of the synthetic fabrics in the cloths you wear. Not to mention the insulation on your BPVs wiring.

 

[johnsnownw]

There aren't "new" BEVs that can compete with the Elio in terms of cost, and long-distance driving, true. However, I question whether the majority of people will be taking long road trips in their Elio.

My current Leaf will out perform an Elio from 0-60, and have similar efficiency for my driving requirements.

Anyway, I understand your argument...but for the average use case, a BEV is certainly capable of out performing ICE vehicles (especially true if it's your 2nd vehicle)...but it will cost you more when buying new.

If you're buying the Elio for urban commuting a used BEV can be bought for similar price, will have more functionality, better performance, and be more efficient (market dependent). Having a place to charge it being the only real variable.

 

[johnsnownw]

Just for the record, the "oil" you are talking about are major corporations that employ thousands of people who pay taxes.
The subsides in question are the tax breaks individual people get for buying BPVs.
And, incidentally, if you use any kind of plastic, vinyl, computer chips, etc, you are also using oil based products. That also include most of the synthetic fabrics in the cloths you wear. Not to mention the insulation on your BPVs wiring.

Well, automotive manufacturers employ thousands of people, as well...who pay taxes. I would like to point out that I think tax breaks for individuals is a better use of a subsidy, than the Govt. directly funding oil companies...as is the case with the "Depletion Allowance."

Anyway, the point is that subsidies are performed across the board, I don't see a reason to single one out over another.

 

[JEBar]

There aren't "new" BEVs that can compete with the Elio in terms of cost, and long-distance driving, true. However, I question whether the majority of people will be taking long road trips in their Elio.

My current Leaf will out perform an Elio from 0-60, and have similar efficiency for my driving requirements.

Anyway, I understand your argument...but for the average use case, a BEV is certainly capable of out performing ICE vehicles (especially true if it's your 2nd vehicle)...but it will cost you more when buying new.

If you're buying the Elio for urban commuting a used BEV can be bought for similar price, will have more functionality, better performance, and be more efficient (market dependent). Having a place to charge it being the only real variable.

the type of use will most certainly vary from owner to owner ....

if 0-60 performance it a person's critical criteria and they are happy with a Leaf, they should certainly stay with it and not spend their money on an Elio

no currently marketed BEV priced anywhere near an Elio is capable of traveling the distances and speed that is being designed into an Elio .... as for paying for itself, their fuel savings related finance option offers some attractive possibilities ....

for commuting short distances at low speeds, BEV's can offer some decent options .... ones for traveling distances and/or traveling at higher speeds, they simply don't exist .... defrosters, heaters, air conditioners and most any other option that require battery power aren't usually available .... if they are, they lower the range .... there is real world and there is fantasy