Arcimoto

I wish I could get more specifies on the "Hard Shell" and "Soft Shell" doors or what ever they are. I Would like to see pictures and which/what can be removed, how easy, etc. I need to make some hard decisions by 2019.

webartist said:

I have asked Arcimoto twice somewhat recently about a promotion for us $1,000 all in Elio reservationist that can be applied to the cost of their EV like a SOLO did/was offering Elio reservationist. I even asked if the credit could be applied to options and not the base vehicle cost. I get no answer.

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Mark Frohnmayer stated sometime back that they were considering the option. Taking the low profit margins ito account, why would/should they? Reservation numbers have increased significantly as they continue to ramp production. He also said the hardshell enclosure panels were finished, but had to undergo some minor tweaks because of a required manufacturing/assembly line change to the FUV’s frame. I bet we see the hardshell reveal along with the production center headlight on the Pilot Series.....very soon.

Older renders, but may likely be close to production versions:

Rickb said:

Mark Frohnmayer stated sometime back that they were considering the option. Taking the low profit margins ito account, why would/should they? Reservation numbers have increased significantly as they continue to ramp production. He also said the hardshell enclosure panels were finished, but had to undergo some minor tweaks because of a required manufacturing/assembly line change to the FUV’s frame. I bet we see the hardshell reveal along with the production center headlight on the Pilot Series.....very soon.

Older renders, but may likely be close to production versions:
View attachment 22837

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Do any of the widows role or slide down? Especially on the front doors. Are there any windows at all. Hard to tell from a picture.

webartist said:

Do any of the widows role or slide down? Especially on the front doors. Are there any windows at all. Hard to tell from a picture.

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I don’t know, but there has to be moveable windows on the hardshell for ventilation or it would be a hotbox. My guess is they won’t roll down but more likely be a simple, functional, light weight, hinged, flip up window opening. I’m eager to see the reveal too, since the idea of the ‘convertible’ sides on/sides off is my favorite feature. The canvas openings could zipper. I’ve scheduled a FUV test drive/AMP tour in October and will ask the question and let you know. I’ve been waiting a decade to test drive the Elio and the Arcimoto.

Rickb said:

The canvas openings could zipper.

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What I was thinking, just like a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.

johnsnownw said:

What I was thinking, just like a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.

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I think you nailed it! They plan to offer full, 1/4, and 1/2 panel canvas door options. The aftermarket storage pockets could be functional option for storing parts/tools for FUV business owner applications.

Rickb said:

I don’t know, but there has to be moveable windows on the hardshell for ventilation or it would be a hotbox. My guess is they won’t roll down but more likely be a simple, functional, light weight, hinged, flip up window opening. I’m eager to see the reveal too, since the idea of the ‘convertible’ sides on/sides off is my favorite feature. The canvas openings could zipper. I’ve scheduled a FUV test drive/AMP tour in October and will ask the question and let you know. I’ve been waiting a decade to test drive the Elio and the Arcimoto.

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Thanks for all the information you have provided. We don't know what we don't know but you have been very helpful.

Rickb said:

Mark Frohnmayer stated sometime back that they were considering the option. Taking the low profit margins ito account, why would/should they? Reservation numbers have increased significantly as they continue to ramp production. He also said the hardshell enclosure panels were finished, but had to undergo some minor tweaks because of a required manufacturing/assembly line change to the FUV’s frame. I bet we see the hardshell reveal along with the production center headlight on the Pilot Series.....very soon.

Older renders, but may likely be close to production versions:
View attachment 22837

Click to expand...

Thanks for you comments. As far as the potential $1K promotion, I don't consider ~ 3K reservations very many. My # is suppose to come up in ~ 1stQTR 2019 and I have to make a decision. I was wondering where you heard they have low profit margins? (Certainly Elio does. I think that's one of their problems). As far as the cost of a FUV it can get expensive. $12K for the base unit, got to have the 130 mile range battery at probably another $2K. Then there is the hard shell doors I see as a must when cold or rainy. Add shipping and other potential cost and we are at $16+K. That's no Elio cost. I paid $16K for a slightly used 2014 Nissan Rogue.

Profit margins have little wiggle room on a $11,900 MSRP. Arcimoto estimates an average $15K optioned vehicle sale. No sense giving up 7-10% as a reservation marketing strategy when there is no apparent need to do so. The plan is to sell vehicles not reservation numbers.

Scaled production is estimated to be 200 vehicles per week, single shift = 10K unit’s per year. I think they will reach peak production numbers soon after people see FUVs on the streets. Heck, demand may require a second shift. A well thought out, strategic, start small and grow business model. Note: We really don’t know what Elio’s final cost will be.

From the Arcimoto SRK "FUV" FB page...
"Conducted the “Great Dane” HULA FUV load test today. I’m 6’3” 325, my friend Rob is 6’5” 325. That’s ~650lbs in a ~1150 lbs FUV.
Fuv did great acceleration and suspension was hardly noticeable as to difference. We had about 5” extra headroom as you can see."
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2063505823680078&set=gm.319908988588253&type=3&theater&ifg=1