Elio Motors

It's been over three years since Elio Motors' three-wheeled, two-passenger vehicle first crossed our radar with no firm production or delivery dates in sight just yet. The startup is now asking its enthusiastic fans​ for binding commitments to purchase an Elio to help it secure government loans.

Elio Motors is an enigma of the motoring world, promising plenty but failing to deliver thus far. Every time the launch of its cars is pushed back, the screams of naysayers grow louder and louder, but Elio is looking to silence the doubters with the completion of its first E-Series test car.

The eagerly-anticipated Elio vehicle recently came a step closer to consumers, as Elio Motors announced that the final stage of engineering has been completed. Crash testing is next, before commercial production begins.

After pushing back the launch of its hotly anticipated P5 three-wheeler a number of times, Elio Motors has finally announced that a limited run of pre-production vehicles will be made available to buy. It really will be limited, though, with only 100 to be sold, and all to fleet customers.

Not only does the three-wheeled two-seat Elio look pretty cool, but its manufacturers promise great fuel economy, peppy performance, and a sub-$7,000 price tag. Now, Elio Motors has unveiled the latest prototype of the vehicle, the P5.​

The wait is set to continue for those that have laid down some cash and cleared a space in their garage for Elio Motors' US$6,800, tandem seat, 84 mpg (2.8 L/100km) American-made three-wheeler. The company has announced the vehicle's launch has been delayed ... again.

Elio Motors is taking the next big step toward the production of its 84-mpg tandem three-wheeler. It won't quite make its original Summer 2014 start, but it plans to get Elios rolling off the lines next year at the former General Motors Shreveport Assembly and Stamping Plant in Louisiana.

Elio Motors is forging ahead with plans for a cheap, efficient 3-wheeled vehicle that could prove an attractive option for many drivers.