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.
