Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 establishes an incentive program consisting of both grants and direct loans to support the development of advanced technology vehicles and associated components in the United States.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is charged with administering the section 136 program, known as the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVM).
Under section 136, the ATVM provides loans to automobile and automobile part manufacturers for the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles or qualified components, and for associated engineering integration costs.
The FY 2009 Continuing Resolution (CR) enacted on September 30, 2008, appropriated $7.5 billion to support a maximum of $25 billion in loans under the ATVM. Also, the CR provides DOE $10 million to administer the program. The CR further requires DOE to issue an interim final rule within 60 days of the effective date of the CR to administer the loan program and establish eligibility requirements for both the grant and loan programs.
The vehicle has extremely low ground clearance. It appears to have one entry door, on the left side. The front wheels are not aerodynamically covered. The seating in tandem.
The best thing about it is the price, and the relatively high mileage, though it seems like they could get it higher (over 100mpg?).
On the main page for the Elio was an e-mail address for information. I e-mailed; and got an instant reply. Mainly Chip (builder) was searching a location to build it. I can not be positive- but I do not think a mass produced fleet is available yet!
I sure do appreciate that prompt and friendly response. I did not get details for comparison to my green E-Pod, but it is 4" off the ground, has 1 opening (left) door, the front wheels are not aerodynamically covered; so that Elio would be great for me!
The vehicle has extremely low ground clearance. It appears to have one entry door, on the left side. The front wheels are not aerodynamically covered. The seating in tandem.
