​Founder Paul Elio started his company after analyzing the current issues plaguing sales of small cars in the U.S. He set out to build a car that was fun to drive, very affordable, safe, has great MPG and was environmentally friendly. The car the company created is the Elio P4 and P5 prototypes. The vehicles are three wheeled, open wheeled economy cars the company hopes to sell for only $7,000. Elio claims its goal is to get the cars to reach an astounding 84 MPG.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Elio Motors' kickstarter raised over 30% more than its initial goal. Currently the vehicle has not entered production as the company hopes to reach nearly 70,000 reservations in order to secure Department of Transportation loan.

 

The Car achieves its low MSRP because it uses no new technology, rather it sources existing parts from auto parts manufacturers and uses those instead, some with slight modifications. The steering wheel is the same one found in the Chevrolet Camaro for example. Using existing parts and basic manufacturing methods help reduce cost. The car also comes with no trim level options. Extras can be added either after purchase or during purchase. This allow you to order exactly what features you want without having to buy a whole package.

 

For example to Equip a standard Ford Focus with Navigation is not possible. In order to get Navigation you have to buy the Ford Focus Titanium which is the highest trim level. The Titanium also comes with Heated Leather Seats, Heated Mirrors, Fog Lamps, 17 Inch Alloy Rims, Sony Audio System, Sunroof etc. All of this combined adds another $3,000 to the car for only one feature that you wanted. Because the car's parts are all sourced directly from existing manufacturers adding options will be very easy.

 

 

 

​The P5 features tandem seating (front and back rather than side to side) and does not sacrifice basic comforts. The Car does come with air conditioning and heating, cruise control, power windows, and lock (car only has one door), AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The car also comes with a warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles. Features controlled by an Ipad or Android device will also allow for the car to be started remotely.

 

Uniquely because the company is small and has a limited capability to provide service, Elio has entered into an agreement with national automotive parts and repair shop Pepboy's. to be the official service center for the car. Because the car is very basic and the parts already can be found on other vehicles the Technicians at Pepboys wouldn't have much trouble learning how to fix the P5.

 

 

 

The car is expected to be sold for $7,000 and can be registered as a motorcycle in most states. Due to newer 3 wheeled cars entering the market most states now allow "Enclosed motorcycles" to be driven without a helmet. The P5 is considered a motorcycle to due federal regulations classifying 3 wheeled vehicles as motorcylces. Unlike a similar vehicle, the Polaris Slingshot which also has 3 wheels, the power in the P5 is sent to the front wheels rather than the rear providing better traction in different weather conditions.