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EUGENE, Ore.—It's 2pm on a Saturday afternoon, and Eugene, Oregon is about to witness the (re)launch of its most serious entry in the electric mobility industry to date. Outside of Arcimoto's new factory, located in the sliver of industrial space between the railroad tracks and the increasingly-hip Whiteaker neighborhood, parked cars are starting to line up. Heavily represented are Eugene's automotive stalwarts: Volkswagen diesel wagons, Toyota hybrids, Subaru Outbacks, and a smattering of newer electric cars and quirky vehicles like the Isuzu Vehicross.
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There was only one, and it was the three-door, not the five-door body. Oh well (maybe there was a TDI).
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Convincing committed car owners to buy what is technically a three-wheeled motorcycle will not be easy, even at the FUV's modest $11.900 starting price. Not because it's a bad vehicle per se, but because even a used car at the same price is going to do things that the FUV can't: easily taking long road trips, passing crash test standards, and keeping you dry in a deluge or warm in winter. Arcimoto executives argue that the FUV is optimized for the things that a lot of cars are mostly used for, specifically urban and suburban commuting and errands, and they are absolutely right. But in the private mobility market, where significant investments in a vehicle come with the expectation of a wide range of capabilities rather than optimization for just one, that's still a tough sale.
The opportunity then, seems to be in putting FUVs onto a menu of mobility options, allowing users to access them for trips that might not require a car but require more than just an e-scooter or moped. You may never have heard of Arcimoto or seen an FUV before, but if you see an electric two-seater option on your usual mobility app that can handle a quick freeway jaunt, you might choose to rent one and be pleasantly surprised at its versatility and sheer fun. Whether you go on to buy one or simply rent one more often, Arcimoto could build both the market- and mind-share needed to ensure a sustainable future for its business.
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Good as far as it goes (agree about the turning circle, and The Whitaker). They mentioned trying to fit doors. But not the trick folding rear seat. It could totally disrupt pizza delivery.
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The uphill climb part reminds me of Pikes Peak. Remember Tesla's new production line in a tent? Arcimoto have a lot of space out back. The BFL can cut parts for 25,000 vehicles a year.