What it’s Like to Drive the Smallest New Car

Thanks to Ekster for sponsoring today’s video! Click here bit.ly/EksterSmartWallets and save up to 40% off with code DONUTMEDIA!
We drive the ElectraMeccanica Solo EV and see why it failed to live up to its hype.
Special thanks to Raffi for lending us his Solo for this video. Check him out at / the_red_e_stage
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[@augustineleong4534]

this is the kind of car doug demuro would drive

[@definitelynotobama6851]

Alright, I’m going to go over the quirks and features of this tiny car, then I’m gonna get it out on the road, and drive it.

[@BayareaXotics]

@@definitelynotobama6851 then I will give it a Doug score

[@jasongooden917]

I thought he did already

[@Gay-is-_-trash]

Hope it blows up in his face. He's too woke for this community

[@kennykunie6660]

THIS…

[@xX2fast4uXx1982]

Looks like a perfect candidate for a Hayabusa engine swap

[@IvanQuaglia]

indeed

[@norman1907]

I'd think a road bike v twin would be more gratifying with the sound and torque.

[@zulfiikhsan1277]

​@@norman1907put an ls on it lmao

[@osanteninhas6979]

Duuuuumb ways to die...😂😂😂

[@VinWeiLee27171]

from a 2 wheels to a 3 wheels? nah, bad swap

[@silent_tofu7921]

I test drove one of these things. Driving a gocart on the freeway is definitely thrilling and I loved the idea of the danger of a motorcycle, but having the comfort of a roof and a heater/AC.

[@hoodrvt6724]

If this were still available that statement alone would of sold me

[@blairrichards4175]

You are effin crazy and I love it!!! Lol For driving around back streets or quick trips, I would get it.

[@craftyukraine]

*I used to make any car look like electrameccanica in GTA IV, busting the back part of the car, to make it thinner, with another vehicle. So the front was still wide, but the back was thin. This video brings me back some GTA IV nostalgia.*

[@SHELBYGT645]

if you got hit by a car in this i promise you the outcome would be way worse

[@jamesbyrd3740]

does it have AC?

[@gambo-ree2734]

We NEED car designers as wacky and bold as this guy in the world, we need more of him.

[@remyllebeau77]

We need inventors to fix real problems, not designers creating things that nobody wants.

[@gambo-ree2734]

@@remyllebeau77 Ah yes. "Toyota! Roll out the one-millionth generation of a Camry please! Fixes all real-world commuter problems with the attitude of a plain bagel, thanks again mega-corporation!"

[@remyllebeau77]

@@gambo-ree2734 Realism is better than your pie in the sky do nothing approaches. Come up with real innovation, not just stuff that should stay in the concept car category.

[@gambo-ree2734]

@@remyllebeau77 YES! And that's what this guy set out to do! Solve traffic problems, attempt to revolutionize electric commuters, and make it new and look interesting. The company sold the car as a real thing; didn't you watch the video? It wasn't a "pie in the sky." Just because something flops doesn't mean there was no innovation, or that it was just a dream concept. More innovative thinkers are what we need, we agree on that, and this guy has tried to do, just that.

[@TustlePlays]

@@gambo-ree2734 First sad thing is, it's not a completely new concept; the man just took the Peel P50, scaled it up with modern styling and more comforts, then gave it an electric-based powerplant instead of the dinky moped motor. It's size and extra velocity are also causing it to exhibit problems the Reliant Robin has when turning at speed, ie it starts to tip over. Thankfully not *roll* over yet by the looks of it but still alarming. Then on the _consumer_ side of things if it's not all the large families here the problem with trying to market the Solo in the States is the sheer number of people who love their large trucks and loud cars. There *is* a market for small cars, Mini and Mazda (with their MX series) prove that as well as all the people who bought in on the Solo, but at times it feels like they're drowned out by trucks. Trucks everywhere, at least in countryland. Money unfortunately talks, and if not enough tiny cars are getting sold, manufacturers are going to sideline them in lieu of the behemoths. There needs to be an in-between of some kind that'll get gearheads and families of all types frothing before we'll see a shrinkage of vehicle size in the states. Crossovers at least are getting some headwind in this regard, but it'd be nice if they were smaller.

[@Illinoi5]

bring back up to speed

[@m4rauder]

Fucking agree Edit: cool

[@TORQ111]

Agreed

[@dillonh321]

No

[@Racing_Dude]

Yes

[@augustushuyler9692]

Absolutely

[@sageoz9886]

At first I also thought the second door was superfluous and would just add more weight and cost, but then it occurred that it gives the option of which side to exit both for convenience and more importantly safety if it rolls over. It would suck to be stuck on your right side and unable to exit

[@Cerberus984]

Huh, never considered that until now.

[@geemy9675]

it's nice being able to enter the driver seat from both sides, also increases safety, entering from curbside , if only it didn't roll over or shutdown while driving 😂 it also needs removable doors for the summer

[@RichM3000]

Yep. It has two doors for exiting in a rollover. Three wheel vehicles past and present have two doors, one door and a canvas roof (like the Isetta), or an open-body design (like a Can-Am or a Tri Glide).

[@ColonelPenguin]

Yes that's how we sold them. A big advertising point was their "Nascar-style" frame

[@tanssi2145]

Not just the roll over scenario but there are other examples like this that keep both doors so they can be sold uniform / identical in international markets ~~ ooo conspiracy grows ~~

[@NostarPlays]

Nolan’s up close camera angle is hilarious. please keep doing that same angle

[@ZesPak]

Former Twizy owner weighing in here: 1) These cars are a compromise between a motorcycle and a car 2) In my experience, over 90% of our trips could be done with it (family of 4!). The Twizy does have 2 seats though. 3) 3:12 The two doors is extremely convenient. Can park it wherever in whatever orientation and still get out easily. 4) Running it was nearly cheaper than running a bicycle mile-for mile. 100k km with just some tires and brake pads.

[@paullmight42]

raffi looks exactly like what i thought a solo owner would look like...

[@napoleontheclown]

I can smell him through my monitor. Why can I smell him through my monitor.

[@peytonmullins7368]

​@napoleontheclown that's probably you... try taking a shower

[@peytonmullins7368]

Or use a lot of axe body spray

[@Thomas-lv9se]

@@napoleontheclown This comment is so underrated 😀 Best thing I read today!

[@obeseperson]

@@napoleontheclown be nice

[@oliverwoehrmann5992]

The Solo started life as the Corbin Sparrow in the early 2000s. Back then it was seen safer than a car because it was like riding in a motorcycle helmet. If I remember right the shell was fiberglass, the tail lights came from a corvette and it only had one door.

[@alexamderhamiltom5238]

yeah 2 doors is excessive for this kinda vehicle.

[@christophermorin9036]

@@alexamderhamiltom5238 I don't know. I like the option of having more than one way into my vehicle in the case of jerks parking like jerks.

[@alexamderhamiltom5238]

@@christophermorin9036 wait, you dont accidentally ding jerk's car?

[@no1DdC]

Only someone who had no understanding of even basic physics would think that the Sparrow was safer than a car. It's incredibly light, there are no crumple zones, no safety cage, no airbags, no nothing. This thing looks like it's from the 1970s in terms of sophistication.

[@maryanne7161]

@@no1DdC I think it maybe safer than a bike/motorcycle?

[@ez33kiel6]

The subtle Mike Stoklasa "IT BROKE NEW GROUND" at 4:57 lmao

[@terribleturtle3489]

Reviewing cars is a good fit for Nolan. I like this series. Donut is really upping its game, and I respect them for it.

[@ghostsmoke11]

"You may randomly lose power and crash" "This is generally considered a vibe-killer" Thanks I agree

[@carsgunsandguitars]

And it's ugly as shit

[@faheemabbas3965]

Three wheeled anything…

[@anydaynow01]

Hopefully Aptera won't suffer the same fate.

[@Gay-is-_-trash]

I hate EVs

[@oldrrocr]

stops randomly when it shouldn't... Is it made by GM?

[@unchartedchartz]

That camera angle of Nolan in the car is awesome lmao

[@MrJimmy9800]

I get distinct Doug Demuro vibes.

[@ChapuleTaylor]

STOP. POSTING. ABOUT. AMONGUS!

[@andrewhoward835]

When ever nolan makes a video his main goal is to survive and that's why donut is fire 🔥🔥

[@taylorspykstra9226]

You guys should do a video about Aptera. It seems like a much more viable version of this, but probably still something that most enthusiasts will hate

[@dasvurkex4879]

It also looks cooler, i dont think these "cars" really have to look like one of the extremes: motorcycle or car. The aptera is its own thing, which might get younger people have a little more interest in them. I am really interested to see where aptera is going, and id they can pull it of!

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

There are now over a dozen models of EVs in China that have better specs and similar MSRPs as the Solo. Kroll sounds like a good pitchman and actually got something built, so Kudos to him for making a mark on US automotive history.

[@h2kDotheDU]

Chinese automakers don’t follow the same safety guidelines as the USA, and therefore a brand with US quality could do better in China than here. The Chinese EVs are constantly breaking and catching on fire.

[@Jay-zv9on]

​@@h2kDotheDU China has pretty similar safety guidelines to the US and Europe. China simply fields a lot of non-car EVs so the incidence rate for battery failure is higher especially since many people use third party batteries, but you will see there are American Teslas exploding in flames for no reason as well. My grandfather owns a motorized vehicle (a four wheel EV only legal outside of freeways) and it has worked very well for several years. The market in China for EVs of all levels of quality is already quite saturated.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

@@h2kDotheDU You are living in the past. BTW, you can also see Teslas breaking down, catching on fire, and running into emergency vehicles too. It used to be that people said the same things about Korean cars, and before that it was Japanese cars.

[@Drive-n-Vibe]

@@h2kDotheDU The US allows Teslas to be sold, so obviously the standards aren't that stringent.

[@kimutone2970]

Yeah sure, but they aren't in this continent, which means that if you do wanna get one of those, import fees and taxes will obliterate your wallet.

[@mateuspontual1940]

more videos with Nolan telling histories please! I'm just a sucker for his engagement and talent. Miss wheelhouse so much 😢

[@kheldaur2107]

Absolutely. Nolan with some "dead" car brands is quality content. His presentation style is enjoyable.

[@UberLummox]

Who is Miss Wheelhouse?

[@brenty3766]

Nolan: We hope the owners can solve any weird issues that occur because they can't get spare parts and no longer have a warranty. Also Nolan: let's try and flip it

[@vulcan4d]

We need two seaters like this....now! Now imagine if this was a two part connectable car. The front is your everyday, but attach the other half for a full and more powerful family car :).

[@qwrtz7472]

This is a great idea !!

[@chronovore7234]

Sounds cool, also sounds like an engineering nightmare.

[@peoplez129]

They have them, it's called the Polaris Slingshot.

[@risky8811]

dont you have Smarts over there in America? I just googled it. Yeah you can`t buy a Smart anymore in the USA. If you dont know what a Smart is: Its a Brand owned by Mercedes and designed to be a SUPER small daily city-cruiser. Not using much space or fuel in the city and big enough to transport your weekly grocery-shopping and another person. There was also the 4 person version and they already changed their new production line to electric motors. Cost is a little bit more, around 24k€ but we have a different tax system so I cant compare the prices. Also I think all these small cars wont work in america because you are generally not open minded for smaller stuff. Its always bigger bigger bigger and the distances between your homes and your workplaces are enormous. For some it would work, but most people would probably stick to their 8 Liter V8 and use as much fuel in a week as a german would need in a month

[@johnhostetler2167]

That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard, for one it would be almost impossible to engineer, like honestly it would have so many problems it won't be worth the hassle, secondly it would be incredibly dangerous because there's a good possibility it could fail while you're driving and your car could split in two while you're driving, or if you get into a crash it wouldn't be very sturdy so again your car could split in two which is just really dangerous, I mean the cab of your vehicle is supposed to be really sturdy to protect you in an accident but having a vehicle that could break in two would severely compromise your protection and your safety

[@willspicer3190]

I can't be the only one to immediately think, man how fun and sketchy would it be to throw a motorcycle engine back there lol. Even a 600cc bike and rear wheel setup would be nuts

[@PAPAEMU]

Me too. I was thinking about when the smart car came out and people immediately put busa engines in them

[@GrumpyIan]

I imagine it'd handle like a Can-Am Spyder. The wheel base looks very similar, just a bit longer and a little wider. I imagine it'd fit a 1000CC engine pretty easily, maybe a 1500CC if you find a way to fit it in front.

[@gantin100]

@@GrumpyIan it's why I question why they even made it, considering you can get spyders for like 9 grand cheaper then a solo.

[@GrumpyIan]

@@gantin100 Not only that you'd still need a motorcycle license to drive one, they cut out most of the people that would possibly buy it because of that. If they had a 4th wheel in the back (like some Isetta's) that would have opened the door for A TON more people, but then they would have had to add safety features bumping the price up even more and they'd still not sell well because of that. What I don't get is why companies like this don't try to team up with other manufacturers. I'm sure with their history and if they made a good protype they could have struck a deal with Can-Am or Sling Shot to make EV versions/ conversions of their stuff.

[@gantin100]

@@GrumpyIan more then likely greed had a role to play in not going to other manufacturers. They probably thought they could re-invent the wheel when a wheel was already made.

[@justinnix6468]

Ayo. I been watching donut for five years. Yall inspired me to get into the car scene and get my first project car. I'm 24 now and I'm a year and a half into my program to get certified. Yall really helped to get my life pointed into a right direction. Wanting to be a part of yalls garage is what inspired me to find my own.

[@MrGoodeats]

😊❤ keep it up G

[@rollingapples2230]

you wish loser thumbs down button on me

[@thorodinson3597]

You are the exact kind of people the industry needs, because the next 10-15yrs is going to see a ton of change in what's been normal since the 1920s. We need enthusiastic mechanics to help bridge the gap between Dino juice and whatever cleaner combo comes next. While also serving the enthusiast crowd who will resist change for as long as possible. I'm already seeing major changes as a heavy equipment mechanic (firefighting), towards carbon-neutral power sources, and even ICE powering a high-voltage generator with E-Axles in ultra-heavy logging trucks. The old hands are going to resist change, just like they did with leaded gasoline, so you gotta bridge the gap for MO POWAH!

[@mbryson2899]

I owned an '88 Chevy Sprint Metro. 1,488 lb. curb weight, 48 hp inline three, 53 mpg average city/highway. It cost $6,013 beand new, was at least as safe if not safer, and seated four adults as well as six full grocery bags. We did a couple of Illinois to California jaunts and it performed perfectly. It's a shame that the US has fully embraced elephantine SUVs and has almost totally dropped reasonably sized vehicles. 😰

[@renn2210]

7:28 Nolan looking like he's going to tell us to stop posting about among us

[@iamdaviddoliver]

Y’all should do the Aptera once it debuts. Do a comparison on your experience with yet another motorized tricycle. Aptera is bigger though so may not feel like as much of a death trap lol. Also 2 seats so Justin can join in.

[@ralphinator2]

Aptera is as big as a Tesla 3, passes real crash tests, and has more cargo area than most sedans.

[@gothnate]

@@ralphinator2 Plus, the $50k version can go 1000 miles on a single charge, and you can get up to 40 miles per day charge using the solar panels. I've read where all versions will charge at about the same rate as a Tesla, but given the efficiency of the Aptera, you'll get double or triple the range for the same amount of time. Essentially, if you can charge a Tesla for 10 minutes and get 100 miles, the same charge time would net about 200 - 300 miles of range. That's ICE pitstop territory. Also, also, Aptera's Launch Edition is coming very soon, and sits at a reasonable $33k. I think the 200 mile range version will be about $20k - $25k when those are delivered. Personally, I want the 1000 mile range version. Just having the ability to go from one side of North Carolina to another and all the way back on one single charge, or go visit my grandmother just north of Orlando, Florida with the only reason to stop is because I had to pee, I'm all for it.

[@apexerman1]

@@gothnate - I doubt the Aptera will come in a $20-25K. They'll likely offer the $40-50K versions first, similar to how Tesla started out. They'll need some serious economies of scale to hit lower prices

[@gothnate]

@@apexerman1 the $20k - $25k version will be a 200 mile range version. $33k for the mid-tier, and $50k for the 1000 mile range.

[@apexerman1]

@@gothnate - I hope so, but the Solo was coming in around $18.5K and the Arcimoto FUV close to $20K with accessories. The Aptera is a good bit more advanced than those vehicles. Low-priced Apteras may be a looong way off.

[@Milesamanjaro]

04:57 - I appreciate the RLM sample here 👏

[@kelstersbreeze4714]

The summation at the end was insightful and coherent. It was a sober look at the many unintended consequences of completely changing what we have always been comforted by-the sound of a Hemi bubbling at the redlight.

[@ianhood8081]

That air event is VERY similar to the vents in a JK gen Jeep Wrangler (maybe other models, but definitely the 07-11 Wranglers).

[@VisionCityMayor]

I’ve seen this as a “lottery“ car in a mall near where I live in Southern California I always wondered what this thing was Glad to know I now have an in-depth answer

[@neonhvit]

these videos make me really miss the bumper to bumper and up to speed episodes

[@ralphinator2]

what's a bumber?

[@se7ense7ens37]

@@ralphinator2 isn’t that a fatass bee or sum

[@K-Y-L-E]

***Bumper

[@DeuceClubs]

I love how y'all just sneak JJBA sound effect into your stuff. Very cool!

[@c.varela]

About the "recall": Troller (former Brazilian off-road brand bought by Ford) did the same with the pickup version of the Troller T4, called Troller Pantanal. They've detectec a problem in the chassis and, instead of solving it, they ceased the production and gave the owners two options: they were going to buy it back or, for fhose who wanted to keep it, sign a responsibility exempt agreement or something.

[@Snowycaaa]

I feel like an electric Kei car would be more practical, you know, seating 4 adults and having enough space to transport a smal table. Kei cars are typically just over a foot longer than these and around the same width

[@holmiumh]

Nissan Sakura

[@AutoRevLife]

Would definitely make a good commuter car for work. But 18k is too expensive!

[@Gay-is-_-trash]

EV is junk, trash Garbage

[@peoplethesedaysberetarded]

Yes. This was the argument Paul Elio made with his $6800 car. Sadly, it turns out that he is a charlatan and never really delivered.

[@douglas685]

The idea is getting EV credits. E-Motorcycles were supposed to be included in the BBB bill but we're scrapped. I think EM was hoping that with some tax credits (and some price reduction on economies of scale), new ones could net around 10k

[@DrSmugface]

@@knightnight8050 in germany you can get a Dacia Sandero thats golf size for 12k BRAND NEW

[@tyrelirwin]

@@DrSmugface *James May voice* "The DACIA SANDERO!"

[@WayApp]

Thanks for the detailed review!👍

[@jacktemple2072]

The love the Miata gets makes me feel good, when I played Aspec years upon years ago. That was the best car to start and except for licenses and gimic races it was the go-to for me.

[@manthenvashishth3769]

What happened to the donut R3. It's been quite a time since we've heard about it. I do love when Jerry goes into bikes feels like a biker brother.

[@christophermorin9036]

"It has no Anti-lock brakes, no traction control, no stability control....Dude, this is what everybody that drives a Miata wants!" Couldn't have said it better lol. I still want one of these, shame they were discontinued. I do think it has something to do with China though. I remember reading an article that claimed they were having problems with the Chinese parts supplier, so they stopped making them, are building a production plant here in the USA and are dropping the old design entirely to distance themselves from them.

[@Cerberus984]

Hottest market segments are compact SUVs as prices of vehicles have risen dramatically and buyers seeking to future proof themselves in either a growing family or needing to haul some stuff. For any three wheeler to be viable it NEEDS to be sub $15K and be capable of carrying an entire grocery store run. Which no startup EV will ever be capable of reaching that price point as EV tax credits do not apply to motorcycles or trikes. They should have opted for a mild hybrid, PHEV hybrid, or range extender EV similar to the BMW i3 with a moped engine as a generator. Realistically, this should either be manufactured in China or more ideally south of the US border as the demand would be better there. Yet, there is the worry cartels would attempt to stuff these vehicles full of "recreational party favors" and unintentionally becomes a Delorean debacle

[@Demonslayer20111]

@@Cerberus984 this thing does have a decent amount of trunk space... But I really think it should go the kei car route like in Japan, so it's actually usable but still cheap and small.

[@Cerberus984]

@@Demonslayer20111 Bro, it has 5 cubic feet is cargo volume assuming it's a perfect cube for simplicity that's ~1.725" in every dimension. Yes, the cargo version doubles the volume. Yet, I feel it needs to be as spacious as the Arcimoto Deliverator that has 28 cubic feet for better fleet capabilities for businesses. Where the only difference is removing the rear seat to give more space. Keep in mind EM Solo EV was $18.5K and the EM Cargo EV was $24.5K being a $6K variance for a mere 5 cubic foot gain.

[@Demonslayer20111]

@@Cerberus984 what are you even talking about man? All I said was it had a decent trunk, say for the weekly grocery run, and that a kei car style would make more sense utility wise. Like say, a Mitsubishi Pajero mini. If you are buying so much food you couldn't fit it in there every week, then you should have a minivan anyway for your offspring.

[@Cerberus984]

@@Demonslayer20111 Bruh, it's 6 standard size paper grocery bags floor capacity.. Sure, it will work if you're a single dude. The Sam's Club bulk toilet paper pack won't even fit in the EM Solo. Aside from that you will not be able to pick up your kid or your girlfriend / wife AT ALL. If you have to purchase a spare vehicle to accommodate those situations you might as well just buy a Zero S Motorcycle for $12,995 saving about $5.5K so you could purchase a used econo 💩box such as a Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, or misc. Which at least you could fit your significant other on the motorcycle as long as she isn't a whale.

[@negil]

I remember my dad telling me about these a while back, saying he thought I would like it cause it was kinds similar to my Insight, and honestly, he wasn't completely wrong

[@trevorsnyder6627]

Why is it that Donut are like the only people I know of that are bringing attention to how absurdly expensive cars are getting

[@danielsondiecastracing]

You guys should check out the Aptera. The 3-wheeler that just might do what this thing failed at

[@StuartWooster]

Here's hoping. It's an incredible design!

[@Anarchy522XD]

I'm not thinking it will be all that great. Those aerodynamic wheel covers will get pulled by the wind tunnel semi's make on the freeway causing a real butthole pucker moment. It sucks on a motorcycle I can imagine this is worse. Also you need to be a world class gymnast to get in the damn thing.

[@willardSpirit]

the concept is good for a second car for commuting and around town. if it's your primary car and you need to go somewhere far or carry more, you can always rent the car you need to use

[@deathgreaper1684]

Yea, or you could just get a bike

[@Demonslayer20111]

I wouldn't be so sure. I remember not too long ago it was damn near impossible to rent a car, so much so people were renting U-Haul trucks instead just to get somewhere, myself included. Got stranded in Kingman, no rental cars within 100 miles. None. And there were several rental agencies. So I rented a U-Haul truck to get to Phoenix.

[@kheldaur2107]

Honestly, it seems like a fun little town car (or tricycle). If I was into electric cars, something like this would be perfectly adequite for me

[@737Garrus]

That's quite the funky little car. I like how neat it is!

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodso5608]

They actually had one on display at the mall in my city, it was bright red and we thought it was really cool. We even saw one in the parking lot right before they removed it. I remember feeling really sorry for the employees that had to stand there all day.

[@benjaminmatute9085]

The solo is honestly very cool with aggressive styling and it has also a light on top of the hood that adds to it’s absolute stunning look.

[@Gay-is-_-trash]

Electric is trash. 25% of EV blow up, and the rest like this one, just stop working because F U

[@kiiiisu]

yeah agreed, pretty cool little thing!

[@ku8721]

Check out the Aptera

[@benjaminmatute9085]

@@ku8721 Thanks man for the suggestion! The Aptera is really impressive after checking it out!

[@UTR1]

Idk about "stunning"...

[@squeakers27]

I've driven proper hatchbacks that have less power than that and have 0-60s multiple seconds slower so an electric 56hp in such a small car is actually pretty good. I think it would have sold pretty wheel in europe and the UK where i am, where a fair amount of people are buying the Citroen ami.

[@AlbinoFuzWolf]

It always comes down to roads, the road network in America shares 18 wheelers with mini coopers. It will always be a struggle to bring size down, when size up is always more efficient* *if actually hauling more than air

[@dr.z8378]

The Manufacturer of SOLO is actually one of my close friend’s family business, the thing is they made motorcycles for 30 years in China, never cars. Called Zhongshen Motocycle. And all components are made by their own suppliers in China.

[@capitalironic]

I like this video, it doesn’t feel insanely overproduced and fast paced

[@cenciende9401]

None of them do or ever have so don't understand why this comment even exists...

[@mem7806]

​@@cenciende9401 ehhh some of them do, he's just saying he likes it man why does anyone comment anything?

[@huzzzer6083]

​@@cenciende9401 Comments are a place to express your opinion on the topic or the video itself. That's why it exists.

[@shaystern2453]

though it feels silly with the cackling laugh a few times

[@SlowColt]

i saw one of these on the road last year and had no idea what it was (also happened to catch it on camera) and later found out it was one of these, now i feel lucky to have seen one of less than 500 especially living in a not that large city

[@savagegtalks5912]

Nolan you need a DYU D3F... upgrade the battery for more range and speed controller for more torq... more than enough for getting about in the city. I call mine "the mall crawler" when the security asks me why I didn't park it outside... my reply is "it's a scooter for the mall". It fits behind the front seat of your Mustang no issues, no need to fold the handlebars. I had plenty of scooters, non been as chill n fun as this one.

[@kristofvincze653]

Thank you Raffi, Nolan and Donut Media!

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Same, as I remember seeing a prototype of this being tested and wanted to know what happened...

[@Retguard]

I didn't know about the solo, but I've been sort of keeping tabs on the Elio. It's a similar take, 3 wheels, electric car/tricycle. Unfortunately they seem to be just perpetually in development but their MSRP is slated between 7-14k. By this point it is likely to just be vaporware, but I'm hoping they eventually get things together.

[@kingsandwich8091]

Elio is a lost cause at this point. It was cool when they hyped it up in 2009. But all they've done is make empty promises and increase the price of the car. Then they just vanished from social media. There was a guy that used to work for them that would post on their Facebook. He tried to provide some real info regarding the possibility of the car being produced. And the outlook just kept looking worse. I say at this point, the people that put a down payment on the car just bought themselves a very expensive t-shirt.

[@Cerberus984]

@@kingsandwich8091 As much as I wanted one.. as soon as the infamous "The Onion" satire website made a commercial for them I lost all faith in them. Overall, their fatal flaw in drawing in investors was setting the ridiculous low price with next to zero profit margins when factoring pre-order discounts negating ALL profit. If he marketed it at $10K with discounts similar as before he could have been to market by now as the ROI would be really quick.

[@murraymadness4674]

Really? They are still trying to rip people off and apparantly there are still totally ignorant people that don't realize the entire thing is a scam!

[@ligerbearrc-no6jp]

@@kingsandwich8091 Elio was a lost cause from the beginning. Nobody in the team knew how to turn a wrench, much less design, build, and troubleshoot a prototype. They burned through millions without ever having a single fully-functional vehicle. All marketing, no engineering, no accounting, and no management. All the evidence was clear from early on, but there were a lot of people who wanted to believe so badly that they shouted down anyone trying to point out the facts.🤣

[@matts1166]

@@ligerbearrc-no6jp The one thing I liked about the Elio's design was that it was front wheel drive with power to two wheels, which eliminates a lot of body roll issues caused by only having one rear wheel have power.

[@Stig007]

It would be cool to have a gutted version and put your own hub Motors in it. I have a plan to eventually do that with my HMV Freeway.

[@merlinbellamy3219]

We’ve got one of 10 solo prototypes that were built here in Vancouver. We’ve got #2 and it must make more power than the regular consumer ones cause it definitely gets up and goes and the front tires are much wider too.

[@thatcanada]

Is it for sale?

[@Raspyist]

The current VW Polo has a 0-60 of 16.10 seconds, a VW up has a 0-60 of 14.40 seconds, Toyota Aygo is 14.20 seconds, and many many other cars like these that probably comprise the majority of cars on the road (in the UK). Any car with a sub 9 second 0.60 is a rocket ship. And a 16 second polo is fine. I wonder what the slowest new car you can by in the States is?

[@ayoitsyayo]

I think EM handled their situation well, way better than other companies I hope they recover

[@TomVuk-ic3du]

Thanks for the Size numbers in metric, I'm from Europe and I appreciate this very well

[@trevor1348]

This morning, y’all were at 8.01 million. Now you are at 8.02 million! Keep up the good work!

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

As a motorcyclist who doesn't own a car, I'd love something like this for really rainy or cold days, or to get to events where I need a more formal look. It'd need to have a passenger seat, and I'd still prefer to ride one of my bikes though.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

It's hilarious to think this car would be a downgrade as even the most modest motorcycle can carry two people.

[@thomas6502]

Love this, and bummer for these folks. Hoping the Aptera (another auto-cycle concept, which avoids some of the nits raised here) will do well--though it still needs to materialize (hopefully soon). Thanks for this, keep up the great work Donut!

[@jadesded]

Also keep your eyes peeled for the Nimbus EV met one of the guys here in Michigan after I went to check out an imported Renault Twizy in the fall last yr, (that twizy actually got sold to Out of Spec Reviews & sadly not me) but they've been working on a 3-wheeled EV as well (though not as grandiose as the aptera is still cool with the carver-like steering & sci-fi styling) The Nimbus One is anticipated for Q3 this yr. Hoping the best for those guys, because the small EV & 'quadricycle' market in the US is really only LSVs & UTVs, and could be fun to have some small commuter toys around here lol.

[@nathanchildress5596]

I’m a buzzkill, I know, but there’s no way a 3-wheeled ‘not car’ isn’t annoying as hell to live with. I just only see drawbacks honestly

[@ChrisLoew]

Aptera 2.0 will die like 1.0 did, they are years behind and way over budget yet people still fall for it. Much like Elio motors who take a big game and then dissappear

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I believe the BMW i3 and the latest Mitsubishi Mirage both have tires as thin or thinner than the Solo. That being said, this "car" is definitely meant for a very specific group who are perfectly happy with 9 to 12 second zero to 60 times and simple interior etc. If I remember correctly the original announced price was "around $15000". At that price, and with a lot more advertising (hardly anyone, even electric car enthusiasts, has ever even heard of this car), it could have done well.

[@josephvahabzadeh1289]

You know, my 1987 CRX HF was rated at 58hp and 88 ft-lbs of torque if I recall correctly. Weighted slightly more then the Solo, I believe. So I think the greater torque of the Solo might be contributing to the fun factor. Admittedly, as a 2-seater hatchback, the CRX was a bit more practical. I'd say that maybe a little more thought/development, and it might've been something.

[@brobocops]

Surprising to see they actually had a dealership for these in Studio City few years ago, used to see them at like Westfield Century City too, NOT surprised that they never really sold.

[@NathanRoberts001]

Fun video, and it reminded me of another 3 wheeler I was excited about. Can you guys look into Elio? And maybe figure out why they still haven't shipped any cars?

[@Leo9ine]

Probably the same reason it was ten years ago: Elio is a hilariously obvious scam.

[@OllamhDrab]

Vaporware. Too bad, they seemed promising. I think ostensibly there was some kind of problem classifying them so they'd get the desired combination of green subsidies and safety exemptions and not-needing-a-motorcycle license.

[@msalas5963]

Ya know what would be fun!!! I would be impressed if donut team was the one who solved the mechanical issue on the solo... If it's proven that donut mechanics got that fix easy then it's gonna prove the recall an issue on em management then!!!

[@craftyukraine]

*I used to make any car look like electro meccanica in GTA IV, busting the back part of the car, to make it thinner, with another vehicle. So the front was still wide, but the back was thin. This video brings me back some GTA IV nostalgia.*

[@craftyukraine]

The back looks like a smashed Land Rover (Vapid Huntley Sport) and the front looks kind like Dinka Chavos. Also, if you smash Karin Dilettante’s back to make it thinner, it’ll do too.😉

[@MrSkyentist]

The Aptera would be a nice upgrade from this for anyone trying to get a 3 wheeled ev. Way more expensive, but has more storage, 2 seats, and is more efficient.

[@sclark805]

Nolan should do more solo content, this was rad 🤙

[@felixsvensson5265]

Great video! At 12:50 I quite strongly disagree with you tho when you say that the car only makes sense if it is your only car. I believe that the SOLO makes the most sense for people/families that already own a normal car that isn't worth selling but is too expensive to commute with. Buying a SOLO would mean that the commute gets a lot cheaper but you still have your old car that can do the things that the SOLO can't

[@daftrok]

Also less than 4% of new cars sold in America were 4 door sedans and smaller. We are a crossover/SUV/truck country. Tesla has Model 3s sitting in inventory while the Model Y sells like hot cakes.

[@mas13ish1]

Just get an Aptera! I am really pulling for them. They tried and failed once before, so I think they have a real shot this time.

[@TheBoasn]

Was looking for this comment! I agree with you!

[@apexerman1]

Just gotta pull lots of bills off the money tree and you're set. 😉

[@opossom1968]

i never knew about this trike. You are correct in your review. Almost a good idea. I would like to see it revised, updated and marketed as a niche trike for the motor cycle world. Upgrades, Air bags. More power, maybe a Tesla motor or Hayabusa engine. Nito rubber. The trike should be envisioned. Everything wrong with it can be addressed to be a good alternative to the norm.

[@machyne82]

I work in Mesa AZ right next to this place. They are a tiny business. I don’t expect them to be around much longer

[@MYJ61]

BMW i3 EV had very narrow tires as well, but on 19 inch rims. Only available from Bridgestone in the US.

[@sleepybunnynorbun1039]

I still think it would be a good idea for more small cars to come out. Alot of people know they dont need the extra seats and many of them know that they will most likely not need them in the future either. It would be a nice option for those that dont feel comfortable riding a bike or motorcycle, but still dont need a huge and expensive car.

[@GrumpyIan]

Sadly for smaller cars to actually gain traction the government is going to have to provide incentives because Americans would much rather buy a SUV or bigger vehicle over a small car.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

We can't even get small hatchbacks or station wagons anymore. This niche of a sub compact won't happen.

[@Wynorrific]

I really like the front end. If they were able to make this a real car, it'd probably look real nice

[@rickjames5998]

its a motorcycle, silly.

[@kylejohnson423]

@@rickjames5998 If this is a motorcycle, then the Polaris Slingshot is a Snowmobile.

[@4PF-]

you guys absolutely need to make a video ab the Australian car scene of the Falcon vs Commodore and cover some of the coolest cheap drift cars of the 2000s

[@peter2327]

In the 1990s I had several FIAT Pandas or SEAT Marbellas (sequentially). These also had 135mm broad tires. Rumor has it that in Spain the latter has been sold as a cargo version (no rear windows, etc) to the spanish post office even with 125mm broad tires (1cm less). If I could buy these new, I would. Simple, cheap, affordable to drive, ample space inside, and no things in it thet could break or would need a darn firmware update. "But it's tiny!" yes, and? Roma-Munich in one day. Berlin - Hamburg - Munich in one day. Just like that, on the cheapest regular gasoline, without thinking about where to get CNG, LPG, H2, and without going from charger to charger. And you could sleep in it.

[@nathankayhan4358]

I'd be far more interested if it were a two-seater like the Polaris Slingshot. If it was priced right (well under $10k, closer to $5k) it wouldn't even have to be freeway capable for me to be interested. Just something with two seats I could drive around town to pick up groceries and run errands and go to friends' houses would be useful if the price was right.

[@dirtrider88]

isnt the slingshot your saying this should be like costs about 30k? but yet you want to add a bunch of shit and size to this and have it cost 5k???

[@nathankayhan4358]

The Slingshot is a high performance internal combustion engine vehicle. The only comparison is the three wheeled design. Otherwise they are completely different. In China they have low powered electric cars under $10k.

[@thatgamerguy3057]

Let’s not forget about elio motors who stole something like 16 million dollars from retail investors for the purpose of making a car just like this and some 14 years later nothing has happened

[@trage9395]

The air vents at 3:47 look to be a mid 2000’s to late 2000’s ford f150 vent. My moms 2007 f150 has the exact same vents

[@StarvingAutist]

Can't wait to get my hands on my Aptera when they finally hit production next year.

[@joep4224]

Raffi seems cool. Good on him for holding onto it.

[@joshuazanovitch]

You know the boys made it when you get a add with them in it before their own video.

[@TheJimprez]

I had a 3 cylinder Inocenti Turbo in the 80s. I sold it, because the company went under here, and there weren't any parts around, but it was a lot more fun than my buddy's Firefly Turbo...

[@JustLeffert]

This video reminds me of Richard Hammond doing a segment on Top Gear and I love it!

[@damionlee7658]

This is a vehicle that could end up with a small but very dedicated owner group going forward. Anybody who is able to position themselves to provide spares and maintenance services going forward, is likely to have a very nice business in the future. Even moreso of they have the available funds to buy existing vehicles from owners that want to sell their Solo back to EM. I look forward to seeing these vehicles, and the person who corners the spares market on the future equivalent of Jay Leno's garage in 20 to 30 years time.

[@toki2750]

Thank you for doing this video. I do see one of these EM's around where I live and I was surprised by the production and the issues they are having. I get (marginally) the conspiracies, but I think the bigger issue with the company and the car (motorized trike) is back end. They started production at the peak of the chip shortage. I think it is more of an issue of a good idea at a poor time.

[@jessedebruijn8310]

Well in the Netherlands we have a lot of these types of cars you should look into that could be a cool video

[@kanedaku]

One possible answer is a very cost effective four seater car, with the option to purchase without the battery pack. By all means sell battery packs at the real price + profit, but then allow third parties to manufacture compatible battery packs. No warranty on faults developed because of third party power supply, and the customer has the option to shop around. And truly, a specialist battery manufacturer could probably make a pack cheaper than the car manufacturer. You heard the idea here first! I only thought of it while watching the end of the video.

[@Graves-81_69]

I would definitely drive one of those back and forth to work to save miles on my trucks. I wonder how much taking hills in it drains the battery and how slow you would be once you reached the top

[@Gay-is-_-trash]

Don't buy one. It will blow up. 100% will blow up this year

[@ku8721]

@@Gay-is-_-trash Even the Pinto doesn't have a 100% failure rate, makes me think you're a bit biased

[@DPsmdg]

I had/have one. Waiting on the recall check/vehicle to be picked up. It's about as quick as any economy car. I think the 80mph top speed was software limited. It never had an issue getting up to that speed. It was a fun vehicle and really cheap to charge but the drivetrain quality wasn't there. Really really close to the perfect commuter vehicle but they just dropped the ball on the quality of the motors and battery manufacturing. With no warranty I have to sell it back. Hilly terrain drops the range just like on any other vehicle but not as much as you might think since the Solo was pretty light.

[@Graves-81_69]

@@DPsmdg that’s a shame because it seems like it was a great idea. Do you know if the company has any plans to move forward with a another project?

[@DPsmdg]

@@Graves-81_69 Electra Meccanica says they are working on a 4 wheel vehicle project. I'm not personally interested in that since the entire reason I like the Solo is that the 3 wheel platform means it is legally a motorcycle, so you get cheaper insurance, registration, and parking (in some places), plus access to HOV lanes and jumping the line on ferries. Some little 4 wheel vehicle won't have any of those benefits and I could just buy a used Fiat 500e or Smart Car if I wanted a little 4 wheel electric.

[@danielchrist8651]

2:27 how would this car reduce traffic? It only holds a single person. That would increase traffic.

[@tonythehitman1]

This guy in the Washington dc area has one. I walked up to him and started talking to him about it last year. He was on the wait list for about 2 years for it

[@angry_zergling]

I kinda like it! The major problem I think it'd have is being three wheel - a four-wheeled variant wouldn't be much larger and I think people would be much less skeptical of it. But the fact it would then be considered a full car subject to all the regulations might make it unrealistic maybe.

[@chaos.corner]

Kinda underlines the often ridiculous state of regulations. Add a wheel so it's basically functionally identical and marginally safer and what could be a good idea becomes basically untenable. Though the truth is that the lighter regulations for a motorcycle were not meant to allow for a vehicle like this.

[@DaroffApFire]

Just get a used Polaris Slingshot that still manages 33mpg, you can get AC on it, and even a cab mod with doors. All for the price of this thing.

[@apexerman1]

True, but then you're driving something so ugly it could damage eyesight. ;-)

[@steveheist6426]

I remember finding this company's website, looking at this car and basically saying "If you buy this, you're admitting you have no friends". Even supercars have a passenger seat with which to do things.

[@ColonelPenguin]

It was meant for commuters. That's how they had us advertise it

[@steveheist6426]

@@ColonelPenguin You say this like commuters don't have friends

[@stigma4122]

​@@ColonelPenguin commuters? So they'll just add to the traffic instead of using a more space efficient vehicle like a bus?

[@es0516]

City cars could work if the little gremlins of a smaller design are fixed. I wonder if you can even put bigger tires of that thing to make it more stable? See a lot of Polaris Slingshot owners do this and it helps a lot. It would be a neat idea for commuting and quick trips to the grocery store but that would be about it.

[@gur262]

Try a monotracer. A capsule motorcycle .A cheap eco version of that one would do what this tried. 2wheelers can be lighter and especially slimmer without sacrificing stability. Hell, you could go pretty high with the build, a roofbox perhaps. Public airspace is not scarce