Three-wheeled vehicles have typically been reserved for niche markets and show car whimsy, but new legislation in front of Congress could transform three-wheelers into a viable real-world product. Congress is currently considering a measure that would make three-wheeled vehicles eligible for Energy Department loans.
Companies like Ford, Tesla, General Motors and Fisker have already secured millions in Department of Energy loans, but those funds have been off limits to three-wheeled vehicle makers like Aptera Motors and Elio Motors. However, new legislation could go a long way in changing that.
Per current regulations, only four-wheeled vehicles are eligible for Department of Energy funding. However, a new rule that would expand that eligibility to three-wheeled vehicles just passed the House and is now going in front of the Senate. The new regulation would allow for DOE loans to three-wheel vehicles makers, as long as vehicles offer seating for two adults and achieve at least 75mpg, according to Automotive News.
But some major automakers oppose the rule change as it could erode the amount of funds available. General Motors – currently seeking $10 billion in Department of Energy loans – has openly spoken out against the bill.
The bill will go in front of the Senate next week, and could be signed into law by the end of the month.
10/02, 1:13 PM
posted by:
reedfast
how much can these small companies really erode funds, this sounds like a good idea to me.
10/02, 1:16 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I have traps around my property in the summer to catch those sorts of things.
10/02, 1:19 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Just stick with 4 wheels, ok?
10/02, 1:20 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
From the look of this thing that DOE loan should stand for Dead On Entry.
10/02, 1:34 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Can you imagine seeing one of those things coming up behind you in your mirrors
10/02, 1:50 PM
posted by:
spg900
Having lived in England for a year, it was no big deal seeing the 3 wheeled Reliant Robin. Sure it was weird at first, but after a couple of weeks it just didn’t matter.
10/02, 3:53 PM
posted by:
aesir
Ha! It won’t matter, that’s perfect.
10/02, 4:02 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
That “thing” is an Aptera, and it’s designed purely for efficiency. They started out with a gas version that got around 100 mpg, and now they are releasing an EV version that is said to get 100 miles per charge, equivalent of 300 mpg. Personally, it looks uncomfortable as hell. Still, you gotta give ‘em credit for their innovation. I just wish I could find a price on their website so I could compare what you get for your money.
10/02, 4:22 PM
posted by:
reedfast
I know a guy, 280 lbs, 6′4″,
he thinks he can fit in one of these. He’s also trying for a leaf.
He tried to get into a miata once, that didn’t go over very easily.
10/02, 4:39 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
It looks like something that should be landing on a lake in Alaska
10/02, 5:05 PM
posted by:
atoms
I saw one of those….. ‘cept it had wings, and a lycoming 390 up front
10/02, 5:44 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Reedfast, I’m betting that guy will fit in a ForTwo. My dad easily fits, and he’s 6′ 3.5″ and 260 lbs.
10/02, 6:59 PM
posted by:
eXige
gm needs to shut the f* up, this is a good way of reducing fuel consumption so its DOEs job to make sure the bill gets passed. if each of those companys got only a couple million, we’d be futher ahead in the overall goal of all this than saving it for gm to drain… $10 BILLION?!?!?!
people need to seriously open their minds to these type of vehicles. imagine the benifts.
10/03, 12:29 AM
posted by:
comp.mode
Bring back the Isetta. Lol.
10/03, 12:52 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
I have a deposit down on an Aptera. I hope they actually build my order. Jay Leno did a drive on his show and he is getting one too. I own a Corbin Sparrow that only holds one person and goes about 50 miles on a charge. It is a a hoot to drive and has a top speed of 75 miph. When I drive it, people take out their camera phones and take pictures…lots of them. Its a three wheel enclosed electric just like the Aptera…except the Aptera is sooooooo refined next to this Corbin. I hope they get funding so they can build the thousands they hae pre-sold like mine. Better to fund these small companies in America instead of AIG and Chrysler/GM. They are asking for millions not billions. They are LOANS afterall.
10/03, 1:04 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Have the DOJ transfer 100% of Ken Lewis’ $53M golden parachute to these startups. They’ll do more good with the money than Lewis ever could.
10/03, 3:58 PM
posted by:
reedfast
ill tell him beatusmongous
he does have a knack for choosing bad cars, as we’ve seen
10/03, 6:37 PM
posted by:
ktulu
gr8!
I don’t want 2 play Forza 3