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It’s “snow” Problem

Grumpy Cat

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https://www.eliomotors.com/its-snow-problem/

December 1, 2017



Happy Friday Elio’ers! Have you ever been reading something, say a newspaper or magazine article, and by the end of a certain sentence your eyes involuntarily do a double take because something stood out to you? It could be that you may have misread a word or that the sentence contained an egregious spelling error, but you instinctively go back and re-read the line to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Even though we receive hundreds even thousands, of emails weekly, there was one particular email this week that commanded several rereads. The email was from a reservation holder in Hawaii. Nothing strange there. But then, they mentioned snow…in Hawaii.



After a quick search, we realized that this inquiry was prompted by a rare tropical snowstorm. Still, you can’t blame us for our incredulity. This time of year, we regularly field a ton of questions about the Elio’s ability to drive in snow (usually not from Hawaii.) We know that many of our supporters already know the answer, but the question persists, so this week we will take a look at the Elio’s drivability in some common driving conditions.



Snow



This question typically comes in two varieties: can the Elio drive in snow and can the Elio replace a snow plow. The answer to the first question is a resounding yes. The answer to the second question is an equally resounding no. By having the engine in the front, and having front wheel drive, the design of the Elio places the majority of the weight over the front tires, which gives it tremendous traction action. Similarly, with a low center of gravity, traction and stability control, and ABS brakes, the Elio will be able to handle a reasonable amount of snow. It will not replace your SUV, but will still drive just fine in wintery conditions. Check out this video:




Hills



With over 55 foot-pounds of torque, the Elio will be able to handle hilly terrain, no problem. Also, hill start assist now comes standard.



Unpaved/Dirt/Gravel Roads



The Elio is a front wheel drive vehicle and will be able to handle unpaved, dirt, and gravel roads with relative ease. It is not a work truck though, so if you live 15 miles up a deeply rutted old logging road, with three boulders to drive over, you may want to keep your Elio at the main road and ride the trail with your four-wheel drive truck.



Wind



The high MPG achieved in the Elio is due, in large part, to its amazing aerodynamics. What aerodynamics do for us is manage the air around the vehicle. This same ability to “slice” through the air is what helps the Elio to remain stable in most high wind situations, including large vehicles passing by.



Ultimately, the Elio it designed to be a solid vehicle for most driving conditions. While it may not replace a four-wheel drive behemoth or snow plow, it will handle driving conditions just as well as most four-wheeled vehicles on the road today, and at a fraction of the price.



Thanks for your support and have a fantabulous weekend!



Did you just reread that sentence?
 

Grumpy Cat

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I don't buy that those little spare tires are going to do well in the snow. Luckily I won't have to find out.

For your reading enjoyment while you wait on your non-reservation:

http://www.rimsandtiresmag.com/7-things-you-should-know-about-wide-vs-narrow-tire/

Snow
Did you ever try to cut tree with baseball bat? If you use axe, contact area of its edge is smaller, meaning pressure is higher and you will be more successful than with bat. Narrow tire tend to dig in snow and perform better then wide tire. Snow and ice nullifies positive effect of wide contact area due to low friction, and pressure plays a greater part.
 

RSchneider

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I used to have a Citroen C2V. It weighed 1300lbs, had a whopping 29hp but 125mm width tires on it. Honestly, the best 2wd car without snows on it I have ever driven. The Elio is to weigh about the same, have an upgraded 55hp and 135 front tires. So, it would literally have to get high centered to ever get stuck in the snow. My 2CV has 5" ground clearance and the only time I got it stuck was when it got high centered. Even at that, with a bit of work, it would start pulling itself through the snow.

If you watch the World Rally Championship (WRC). When they run in heavy snow, they have super narrow tires. Out of anyone they should know better than any of us.

Only issue I'd have with the Elio would be in really cold climates where snowpack in the fenders and no way to get it out. I guess people will be testing it out in a little over a year from now.
 

JCar

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https://www.eliomotors.com/its-snow-problem/

Happy Friday Elio’ers! Have you ever been reading something, say a newspaper or magazine article, and by the end of a certain sentence your eyes involuntarily do a double take because something stood out to you? It could be that you may have misread a word or that the sentence contained an egregious spelling error.....

You mean like it's vs. its?

Carry on!
 
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