Momentum V119

[Coss]

A review of the Elio's rack-and-pinion system!

Elio Motors Momentum v119

For most of us, a personal vehicle is our primary source of transportation, and steering these vehicles is paramount in controlling forward momentum. Today, we will look at how Elio drivers will be able to steer their vehicles in the right direction and save at the same time.







*MSRP excludes destination/delivery charges, taxes, title, registration, and options/installation.

Certain statements in this email including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing and performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the Company on the date of this email. Elio Motors assumes no obligation to update the information in this email.

[Broken External Image]

 

[Coss]

Page 2

The Elio Team posted: " Forward momentum is important. No matter the mode of transportation, getting from Point A to Point B requires motion. While trains and buses are popular modes of transportation, control is an afterthought for those waiting until they reach their destinat"

Steered in the Right Direction
by The Elio Team

[Broken External Image]

Forward momentum is important. No matter the mode of transportation, getting from Point A to Point B requires motion. While trains and buses are popular modes of transportation, control is an afterthought for those waiting until they reach their destination. For most of us, a personal vehicle is our primary source of transportation, and steering these vehicles is paramount in controlling forward momentum. Below, we will look at how Elio drivers will be able to steer their vehicles in the right direction and save at the same time.

In a previous Momentum, we highlighted the Elio’s suspension. In case you missed it, the Elio is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with an independent suspension, ABS brakes, and Electronic Stability Control. When considering the Elio’s steering mechanisms, two options were presented: rack and pinion or steering-box system. With the Elio’s light weight, the rack-and-pinion system was the clear choice.

The direct drive rack-and-pinion system is simple. The base of a vehicle’s steering column has a small pinion which meshes with a long traverse bar. Movement of the pinion moves the traverse bar, steering the vehicle. Rack-and-pinion has become a popular system in the automotive industry due to its simplicity. The turning radius of the Elio is currently 28.9 feet. From a 12 o’clock position, it takes 2.8 turns to move the vehicle in a full right or left position.

[Broken External Image]

In recent years, the rack-and-pinion system is widely used in conjunction with power steering. In larger, more expensive vehicles, power steering has become a necessary feature. There are three primary reasons our rack-and-pinion system is sufficient for easy turning without the addition of power steering.

Enhanced power

Power steering requires power from the engine, which results in a less powerful vehicle. Using a standard rack-and-pinion system improves our 0-60 time and top speed.

Improved MPG

Power steering involves several components which add weight to the vehicle. Additionally, the geometry and weight of the Elio makes power steering an unnecessary feature. By not using power steering, we are able to keep the Elio light weight and easy to steer.

Cost

The components included in power steering add not only additional weight, but cost as well. Working with our suppliers of the rack-and-pinion system (MVO USA and Admiral Tool) we are able to keep costs low and pass these savings along to Elio owners.

As you may know, every decision we make regarding the vehicle must adhere to our four tenets: safety, made in the USA, fuel-efficiency, and affordability. Using a rack-and-pinion system without power steering allows us to improve our fuel economy while also cutting costs. The Elio will take drivers many different places, and they’ll be able to steer the vehicle to their destinations with ease.

The Elio Team | August 16, 2017 at 6:26 pm |

 

[Donnyboy]

Every time I see the inside dash of the Elio I get excited. It's exactly what I want....simple, clean, and inexpensive. No power steering also makes me smile. Save us $$$$$$$$.

 

[Coss]

Every time I see the inside dash of the Elio I get excited. It's exactly what I want....simple, clean, and inexpensive. No power steering also makes me smile. Save us $$$$$$$$.

Yep, EM is doing it's part to keep you physically fit.

 

[Made in USA]

I wonder if the components are unmodified off-the-shelf from the suppliers or special to the Elio.

 

[Johnny Acree]

The suppler is also supplying the steering column for the sling shot. So it's possible.
click on the bold words to see what the company will supply

 

[booboo]

"The turning radius of the Elio is currently 28.9 feet."
This radius is not bad, but not what I would expect from a small vehicle. I would expect the Elio to be in the high teens, like a Ford Fiesta, or Focus.
Say it is "currently" 28.9 feet, gives me hope that it may be different by production.

 

[Johnny Acree]

I found this.

1. • Due to geometry and packaging constraints, the CV joints (constant-velocity joints) attached to the wheel hub have a tendency to wear out much earlier than their rear wheel drive counterparts. The significantly shorter drive axles on a front wheel drive car causes the joint to flex through a much wider degree of motion, compounded by additional stress and angles of steering, while the CV joints of a rear wheel drive car regularly see angles and wear of less than half that of front wheel drive vehicles.
   • The driveshafts may limit the amount by which the front wheels can turn, thus it may increase the turning circle of a front wheel drive car compared to a rear wheel drive one with the same wheelbase.

here
So unless EM can get the rear wheel to steer, we may be stuck with 28.+ feet

I looked up a Ford Taurus. Front track is 65.9 and wheel base 112 and a turning circle of 39.5 feet
the Elio front track is 66.8 with a wheel base of 110

and at 28.+ feet, it's a lot better than these so called best

 

[electroken]

A 110 inch wheelbase results in a large turning circle as well.

For comparison, my wife's Kia Optima has a 110 inch wheelbase and a 35 foot turning circle. We have to be careful not to confuse turning circle and turning radius.

 

[4matic]

"The turning radius of the Elio is currently 28.9 feet."
This radius is not bad, but not what I would expect from a small vehicle. I would expect the Elio to be in the high teens, like a Ford Fiesta, or Focus.
Say it is "currently" 28.9 feet, gives me hope that it may be different by production.

Wow...28 feet is very disappointing... certainly not what you'd expect from a small vehicle...

Most small & midsize vehicles have a turning radius of approximately
18 feet...