Final month we reported on the monetary woes of Arcimoto, the producer of enjoyable and funky-looking 75 mph (120 km/h) three-wheeled electrical autos. The corporate was mentioned to be teetering dangerously near chapter because it rapidly sought out extra funding to maintain its manufacturing unit open.

After being pressured to pause manufacturing and quickly shutter the Eugene, Oregon-based manufacturing unit, Arcimoto returned this week with excellent news! It’s again to enterprise after touchdown $12M in funding from a fast inventory elevate at a diminished value.

Flush with that recent money from a painful funding spherical, the lights are again on and Arcimotos FUVs (Enjoyable Utility Autos) are anticipated to start rolling off the manufacturing line as quickly as subsequent month.

And the FUVs aren’t simply again, they’re higher than ever. In line with the corporate, the brand new fashions will obtain improved steering that enhances maneuverability and dealing with. The replace is anticipated to cut back steering effort by as a lot as 40%.

That’s an replace that couldn’t come quickly sufficient.

I’ve examined the FUV on a number of events and it’s an superior experience. However one of many first downsides you discover once you hop within the driver’s seat is simply how a lot muscle is required to steer at low speeds. At increased speeds, it steers simply fantastic. However at decrease speeds you’re actually forcing that rubber throughout the asphalt.

You possibly can check out my experience video beneath, the place I attempted to do a slalom of site visitors cones however discovered that it labored higher if I doubled up and aimed for each different cone. I’m usually noticed on electrical two-wheelers and so I can confidently say that the FUV – regardless of its distinctive appeal – actually isn’t as nimble as most of my rides.

The brand new replace, which sounds prefer it ought to give a extra energy steering really feel to the experience, will rollout with the primary new fashions off the meeting line after the manufacturing unit reopened.

With a bit of luck, this shall be a brand new starting for the corporate.

One of many largest hurdles that Arcimoto has confronted to date is just convincing sufficient riders to fork over $20K for the funky-looking autos. Mass manufacturing is claimed to ultimately be able to dropping the worth nearer to $12K, however within the meantime the specialised autos have confirmed to be costly options to conventional electrical vehicles. Whereas there’s actually some enjoyable differentiators within the design, the open-sided two-seaters lack a lot of the utility of typical vehicles.

However Arcimoto hasn’t solely targeted on shoppers. The corporate has additionally focused industrial clients with a cargo model of the automobile often known as the Deliverator. It swaps the rear seat for a big storage field that can be utilized for meals supply, parcel service, or plenty of different utility duties.

Electrek’s Take

I’m positively excited to listen to that Arcimoto managed to search out the funding to remain afloat, and I hope it’s sufficient to get the corporate again on its ft.

I feel there’s promise right here, and that if Arcimoto can survive to achieve increased quantity manufacturing and drop the worth to its $12K goal, then the corporate might see a critical enhance in demand.

The distinction between $12K and $20K is big, particularly for a automobile that’s extra of a second automobile than a primary automobile for many households.

Is it a smart buy for most individuals? Most likely not. It’s extra of a splurge for eccentric people proper now. However having skilled the FUV and its top-chopped Roadster cousin, I can firmly say that anybody who tries one will take pleasure in it!