Arcimoto, the real thing? ($12k tandem EV trike, 70/130 mi. range)

[Xist]

Without insider information, I just don't know how you could have had a significant return on $3,000 in 6 months. If you are a T-Mobile customer you could have gotten 4% on it, but $3,000 is the limit.

It turns out that you still get 1% above that limit and you can open an account if you aren't a T-Mobile customer.

However, you get 1% if you aren't a T-Mobile customer. You also get 1% if you are a T-Mobile customer on balances past $3,000.

I cannot find a limit on the 1%.

There aren't any fees, not even overdraft fees, and you receive the 4% as long as you are a customer and deposit $200 a month, although on 03/31/2021 that will change to 10 transactions.

I wish that I knew this, I have received $17.15 in interest with Navy Federal in the last year at 0.25%.

I could do something with an extra $51.45, but probably just earn interest.

By the way, 4% interest on $3,000 would yield $59.41 in 6 months.

[Xist]

I wondered what kind of Leaf I could get for $20,000 and the most expensive actual Leaf on Craigslist is $21,000 for a 2019 with 11,600 miles. The second is a 2017 with 39,000 miles.

Car Gurus shows a 2019 with 2,700 miles for $20,000, although who knows what the out-the-door price would be?

Does it get free oil changes?

Would Archie have the same dealer fees?

Who trades in a car with less than 3,000 miles?!

I am sure that we have discussed this many times, but remembering is hard. What advantages does the open-air reverse trike have over the EV sold at over 1,000 dealerships nationwide?

Nissan doesn't make the best cars, but where would I take an Archie for repairs?

[Hersbird]

I think I lost you on the returns over 6 months. I personally wasn't trying to get any returns, I sold my Suburban for $3,300 cash, spent $300 right away on something, and just left the rest sitting in an envelope. Now had I put it in a stock there are a bunch that have done really well over the last 6 months, it just never was my thing. I thought we would spend some of it on Christmas but just didn't need to as I was working massive 60-75 hour weeks the last 6 months.

I don't think comparing something new with something used is really fair. And Archie isn't $20,000 but $17,500 hopefully going down not up. The marketing is really trying to push the fun side of the Arcimoto as well. I haven't driven one so I don't know, but it does seem at least a little more interesting to drive than a Leaf or one of the compliance EVs. How much is a new Leaf?

PS, I made $38 on my $1000 worth of FUV stock today so that almost matches that 4% on $3000 savings quoted above. I know, I could lose $100 on it tomorrow where the savings account is guaranteed.

[freebeard]

Last in first out: https://www.arcimoto.com/faq

Arcimoto is building its network of mobile service providers who can assist you when you need service or maintenance. The design of the FUV will make servicing a very straightforward process, and most replacement parts are off-the-shelf.

We’ve started to build our service network in initial cities, and will continue to expand as our production levels increase. Additionally, we have entered into a partnership with Road America to provide nationwide 24-hour roadside assistance to Arcimoto owners. More details will be provided as the service develops.

Tesla use Model Xs for field service vehicles. Arcimoto can have box vans that can swallow the Trike whole.

...but remembering is hard. What advantages...?

Remembering is easier once you have had one between your knees. It starts with wind in your hair but no bugs in your teeth, and goes on to trying to pick up chicks in a Leaf.

[redpoint5]

I mean, the chicks you pick up in the Archie might have hairy armpits, but there's worse things to contend with.

[Xist]

Is that the hair that will be blowing in the breeze?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

Is that the hair that will be blowing in the breeze?

The choice is yours, and yours alone.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

If manufacturing EV trikes becomes profitable, all the other big players will quickly offer their own designs. I just can't see FUV being a wise long position.

Even though making trikes seems like the easiest loophole to overcome the safety regulations, sometimes it gets me wondering to which extent its drivetrain may be also suitable for a more conventional small car (or even a mini SUV if it becomes easier to promote).

[freebeard]

A second drive unit at the rear of the battery box seems likely. 160hp, 4WD and steer.

As for the big players, all Arcimoto has to do keep up the momentum to become uncatchable the way Tesla/SpaceX [is/are]. Perfecting a reproducable factory is the key.

Local_Motors Make micro-factories tailored to the vehicle it will produce. They started in 2007 just like Arcimoto, and have micro-factories in Knoxville TN (where they make Olli) and Phoenix AZ (the Rally_Fighter)

Tuesday's meeting granted Local Motors a vehicle tag allowing their shared, autonomous, electric vehicle, Olli, to operate on Valley Vista Road in Knox County for testing purposes. This makes Olli the first autonomous vehicle to operate on public roads in Knox County and allows the autonomous system to learn in mixed-traffic settings under the supervision of a certified safety attendant.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...301246196.html

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

A second drive unit at the rear of the battery box seems likely. 160hp, 4WD and steer.

Not sure if 4WD would be really needed, but it seems reasonable. Considering that some Japanese trucks, SUVs and vans used to be rated below 100hp, maybe a 160hp 4WD setup would be OK too. Match it with a small genset and it would be even better

This one was rated at 77hp when new with its naturally-aspirated 2.8L Diesel engine


This one had a 2.5L turbodiesel rated at 87hp and 4WD


IIRC this one has a 79hp naturally-aspirated 2.5L Diesel


Many of these were fitted with a naturally-aspirated 3.0L Diesel rated at 90hp, yet some had a turbocharged engine. IIRC some Euro-spec models had 2.4L Diesel engines rated even lower than JDM variants.


With all that witch-hunting against the ICEs in general, and even collectors converting some of their fleets into EVs, sounds quite like a promising opportunity for Arcimoto to provide repowering setups for cars resorting to the same tech applied to the tricycles.