that is exactly what Mark has been doing from day one
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My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.
- Thread starter Mark BEX
- Start date
Elio fans may want to check out Solo cars by electrameccanica. A lot of room for innovation and development by others, but Solo cars have the same tadpole design and were designed as EVs from the beginning. Like the above, manufacturing will be done in China. Solo has prototypes in showrooms you can visit, so they seem pretty far along. Not enough of a tech guy to tell much from whatever data their website shows, but they posted $1 million earnings for first quarter this year, so they may be doing something right. They are also building or plan to build some exotic electric replicas of Porsches.Which car is actually rather irrelevant in as much as there's at least 10 similar small sedans that I could start with and end up the same result, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chev Sonic etc, and I may yet change models for production. But the main idea is to use 'off the shelf' OEM side panels and doors for the numerous cost advantages such as hinges, locks, handles, trims, and especially door glass and regulators. Obviously the development time and costs are greatly reduced where OEM can be used.
Nothing very difficult about bulkheads and floors. I have built numbers of scratchbuilt cars in my life, as well as building and extensively modifying race and rally cars.
I am talking to a couple of companies about powertrain prospects, this prototype will ironically use the bigger brother of the 3 cyl, 1.0 Suzuki Geo G10 used in the Elio display cars, the 4 cyl, 1.3 Suzuki Metro G13, it is literally the G10 with another cylinder.
Been in car forums since 1999, yes I have seen many projects not come to light, the bulk of them in fact. Been worse since CAD became mainstream, anyone can build a computer 3D vehicle nowadays and then ask for funding, not impressed by that at all.
? You didn't consider that I have money? I'm fine thanks. From day one of this, I have mentioned that I seek no deposits or investments. Elio people have been bitten pretty hard, I would have never expected them to do it a second time, "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" comes to mind.
Anyway, just drew the roof in 2D CAD, off to the laser shop tomorrow morning, and get it cut out :-)
“That’s what I like about BEX” (during the R&D prototyping process), but perhaps he will be giving future updates on the fully certified production model BEX long with production scale progress so we can get one in your driveway.
84mpg
Elio Addict
He sure has.... He's made several hundred posts and responses here on this site – and has perhaps posted as many photos/drawings. He's covered every step along the way. Every step. I believe he's also answered all questions thrown his way – and usually with a large dose of detail. He's only hesitated discussing financing and some questions regarding actual production. He's stated several times, he has the means and numerous options. I believe him and I don't blame him one bit – keeping those aspects to himself... especially at this stage.
I'm seeing real progress and perhaps it's closer than some realize. It's obvious to me, he's not playing. He's pretty darn serious. There are a lot of other builds he could be playing around with (and making money) – but he's focused on this one. Go BEX Mongrel!
While Mark mirrors this forum to his Facebook page.... quite often, someone on the Facebook side will post a really good point or question. Plus there's a lot of good humor there. If you're not a member of his Facebook Group – you might want to consider joining. I've enjoyed the FB side – along with this thread. I appreciate this forum's leadership/ownership allowing the BEX to live here. It's been awesome....
I'm reposting the BEX Facebook link from this thread's first page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/329191161401401
msmith5150
Elio Addict
- Joined
- May 27, 2014
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So, and hear me out, what if this "Mark Bex" person is really Paul Elio in disguise using a fake accent? And one day Paul will jump out of a big cake and bless us all with a car and our previous all-in rate honored? Maybe??
in my conversations with Mark, he's consistently indicated that he will continue keeping folks interested in his trike advised through and after production
I’m certain he would. With BEX, I’m reminded of following Arcimoto’s 12 year long journey to production of their fully certified FUV. It’s a long, pot hole, obstacle ridden road (to include required funding, certification, parts supplier partners, and manufacturing/sales/service requirements) for a new startup to cross the production finish line. I’m old and cautious about getting overly excited early in the prototype building process. With that said, it’s fun to witness the development of the BEX prototype, a concept vehicle I have current interest in. Also, I’m sure BEX enjoys the Elio Owners audience and commentary during his design/build project.
RSchneider
Elio Addict
Let's not forget, Vanderhall did the same thing in half the time of Arcimoto. Then didn't do it with selling stock or reservations. Plus, 12 years into their business, Vanderhall sells all over the US and Austrailia with a dealer, parts and service system in place.
RSchneider
Elio Addict
We also need to remember that Tesla started the S project in 2006 and released it in 2012. Six years for a startup to a fully certified car (much harder than a three wheeler) that went on for sale to the general public nationwide. I know these wre super expensive products but they have to abide by US and international standards. As for Tesla, much more than a FUV or Vanderhall. The BEX can do it but the way I see it in industry, you have to have the right people to get the job done in a short period of time. If not, projects get delayed. Most likely, it's because of funding.