Three wheels + 60 Mpg = EMC3
It's been a while since we've posted about a 60 mpg three-wheel car but when a reader let us know about the EMC3 appearing at the recent Seattle Autoshow (thanks, Troy!), we had to make a little room for it. According to the Eco Motor Company's website the tricycle began its life as a summer project by David Joner and his two kids. Soon others (grown-ups) joined in the effort and after several years, the EMC3was born.
Although the three-wheeled configuration allows them to classify it as a motorcycle and thus avoid some of the regulatory scrutiny involved with selling cars with four tires, the vehicle is said to have been designed with safety in mind. In addition to the roll bar, side-impact beams and crumple zones, it also comes equipped with two airbags. It's powered by a one liter 3 cylinder gas engine to get you going and disc brakes to make you stop. Choosing the available automatic transmission ups the price by $1,000 or you can stick with the 5-speed and pay only $13,995. Expected to be available early 2009, the company is taking reservations now.[Source: Eco Motor Company]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
state 9:04PM (11/19/2008)
Sounds like a GEO METRO with one less wheel.
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john riley 9:12AM (11/20/2008)
Is the drivetrain from a Metro? If not, where is it from? They don't seem to say on their website.
Level 5 7:18AM (11/20/2008)
If that had 4 wheels and a conventional rear, it would actually be kinda cute in a Geo Metro/Smart Fortwo/1G Dodge Neon sort of way.
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Woodenbee 2:38PM (12/05/2008)
this is real progress finally investment in a type of vehicle that is proven to be greener, a three wheel diesel hybrid is the most efficient vehicle conceivable and that's why they build prototypes and then kill the design, the danger is they are so high performance that they would eliminate the rationale for expensive sports cars like porsche or any hot hatch, they can be produced cheaper, easier and go faster on less gas than anything now, thats why they (established car Co's) dont make them, so I'm glad these guys are doing it. the web site is awful and judging from that they are utterly clueless as to their market or any style matters, which is a shame. But they will probably do fine because the basic design is so undeniably obvious, practical and superior... yet ignored. If it could incorporate a bit more T rex style but with a roof obviously and regular car amenities, The T Rex has hopefully put to bed all safety/performance concerns of three wheelers, but no doubt there will be worry mongers and hand wringers moaning about safety, but lets hope they are ignored.
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Mary Domingos 10:06PM (3/12/2009)
I'm really excited about the EMC3. Does anyone know what colors they will come in? Maybe WHEN they will be available or WHERE I would make a reservation? Does anyone know where I might get a close up and personal look at one. Any answers appreciated.
Mary
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Cheryl 8:53PM (3/24/2009)
I am excited for it's arrival as well. I have learned the following about this little stroke of genius.
1. It is from our beautiful state of Washington, down around Olympia. As far as colors I don't know a lot but it does look like yellow is one of them.
2. If you go to their sight you can send a $100.00 deposit to the company to hold a "trike" yes TRIKE, so far you need the endorsement. From what I understand they are working hard to have that changed. The fact that it has three wheels is the reason. But it does have air bags, crumple zones, reinforced doors and a roll bar, this makes it legal to be on U.S. roads.
3. The EMC3 will be in Seattle this coming weekend at the Green Festival, take some time out this weekend to visit. It is set to be released in California late this month and soon to follow it will be on the market here in WA.
I know from experience that the people responsible for the EMC3 are really great about answering e-mail. They are polite and helpful, something we have been missing for a long time in our society.
Cheryl
ECO Motor Company 4:29PM (6/08/2009)
Hi Mary,
Sorry it took so long for me to find your post I hope I can answer your questions for you if they havent been answered already, but in answer to your question the car come in the basic colors red, blue, green, yellow, black, white, and silver. The cars will be available to those who have made their reservations by mid to late July and you can make your reservations online at www.ecomotorcompany.com. We have a preproduction prototype here at our office in Newcastle for anyone who would like to stop by and check it out.
jamees 4:38AM (7/04/2009)
Ummmm... China, i think ill pass. There are better options like electric... I just don't think i would feel safe.
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Len 12:56AM (7/10/2009)
Jamees:
The EMC3 has passed all National Highway Safety Traffic Standards Administration, Auto industry standards and Euro 4 standards. With full roll cage, crumple zones, air bags and several other "automotive" safety features, the car will prove to be reliable and safe.