Dozens of New EVs Piled Up at Junkyard Spell the Sad End of the SOLO Three-Wheeler
The story of ElectraMeccanica’s SOLO EV three-wheeler encapsulates the highs and lows of automotive innovation. What began as a promising venture for the city commuter of the future has concluded with an unforeseen demise. A recent discovery at a junkyard in Gilbert, AZ, reveals the grim fate of dozens of brand-new SOLO electric three-wheelers, all queued for destruction following a recall over a critical operational flaw.
An auto engineer and YouTuber known as StartupSlick unveiled the shocking sight of these vehicles stacked up in a junkyard, waiting for their final journey to the crusher. This revelation has stirred conversations and speculation across social media platforms. StartupSlick, who boasts an impressive background in automotive engineering with experiences at Local Motors, Thor Trucks, and Nikola, has now turned to a nomadic lifestyle, documenting his findings and projects online.
The critical issue leading to the recall involved a malfunction causing the SOLO to lose propulsion while on the move. Despite this, further investigations and conversations with those familiar with the project highlighted underlying design concerns, particularly the vehicle’s rear suspension. This flaw caused instability during acceleration, a problem exacerbated by the vehicle’s unique three-wheel design.
All recalled units are set to meet their end under the crusher’s force, marking a disappointing conclusion for the 428 SOLOs sold in the United States. This venture began with high hopes when ElectraMeccanica first introduced the SOLO at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2018, showcasing it as an innovative solution for the urban commuter.
The SOLO EV aimed to challenge the notion of using larger four-wheel vehicles for daily city commutes, especially when traveling alone. With a focus on ElectraMeccanica’s North American expansion, the company introduced various SOLO variants, including cargo and high-tech versions, seeking to cater to a broad spectrum of urban mobility needs.
Despite its novel concept and eco-friendly proposition, the SOLO EV’s execution fell short of expectations. Priced at $18,000, the vehicle was criticized for its plasticky construction and questionable value, undermining its appeal as an affordable car substitute. The SOLO offered decent performance metrics for its category, with a 56-hp motor and a 17.4 kWh lithium battery pack, boasting a 100-mile range and a top speed of 80 mph. However, these figures could not overshadow the vehicle’s safety and stability concerns.
The SOLO’s journey was further marred by recalls, with the final straw being a malfunction that ElectraMeccanica could not rectify. The decision to crush both the recalled and undelivered units followed the acquisition of ElectraMeccanica by electric truck company Xos, sealing the SOLO’s fate.
Reflecting on the SOLO’s journey, it’s evident that while the vehicle represented a bold attempt to redefine urban mobility, the execution and unforeseen challenges led to its downfall. The SOLO EV’s story, from its inception as a vision for the future to its premature end in a junkyard, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in automotive innovation.
The ambitious venture of the SOLO three-wheeler may have concluded not as envisioned, but it remains a testament to the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of redefining the way we commute. In the grand tapestry of automotive history, the SOLO EV’s chapter, though short-lived, will be remembered for its daring attempt to challenge the status quo and envision a greener, more efficient future.
