Arcimoto FUVs are energy efficient and affordable vehicles.
At the end of August, California announced that it will end sales of gasoline-only cars by 2035. There is no question that as a country, we are moving in the direction of electric vehicles. For over a decade, Tesla has proved that EVs can be not just better for the environment, but also a thrill to drive, well designed, and cool. But most electric vehicles are also unaffordable to the average consumer.
Mark Frohnmayer believes he has found a solution. He has spent the past 15 years building Arcimoto, an FUV or “fun electric vehicle” company, from the ground up – starting with a napkin sketch. His aim has been to create an eco-conscious, ultra-efficient and affordable daily driving machine that remains a joy to drive. Based in Eugene, Oregon, Arcimoto is dedicated to creating world-class EVs that make the world a better place.
Arcimoto FUVs are small, with seating for just two, and three-wheeled, presenting as a hybrid between an EV and an electric bike or motorcycle. Critically, they come with a starting price point of $17,900. According to Kelly’s Blue Book, EVs have an average price tag of $67,000 in 2022. FUVs are purpose-built for daily driving, local delivery and emergency response, with vastly reduced environmental impact as compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Mark Frohnmayer is the founder and chief vision officer of Arcimoto.
“In 2007, I went looking for something that didn’t exist,” says Frohnmayer. “I wanted a lightweight electric vehicle that was fun and viable for the everyday commute; a greener, right-sized option that could be easily accommodated in a home or business. Then and now, many people drive their large, emissions-intensive vehicles for simple everyday errands, which contributes to gridlock in major cities, pollution, and an overall waste of resources. I believe that the largest automotive markets will and should be fully electric – providing both a glimpse of a green future and significant economic opportunity.”
Frohnmayer has discovered over that past 15 years that building a vehicle company is an incredible challenge. Arcimoto went through eight generations of prototypes before landing on their current FUV platform. Next, they had to hire a great team, build a factory, set up the supply chain with partners spread across the globe, and ramp up production.
As they faced those challenges, new ones arose. The FUV is a new kind of vehicle that in many states is considered a motorcycle, requiring a motorcycle license for riders to operate it. Arcimoto had to undertake significant lobbying efforts in order to modernize this legacy legislation. “Thankfully, we've been able to reclassify Arcimoto vehicles in a number of states as an autocycle, including Hawai'i, so that everyday drivers have access to the FUV with a standard driver’s license,” Frohnmayer explains.
Arcimoto has faced its share of challenges introducing a new type of EV to the market.
Additionally, a challenge for Arcimoto is that the company is selling a new kind of vehicle the world has never seen before. Customers are most attracted to purchase an FUV after taking a test drive. During the Covid-19 pandemic, such joy rides came to a screeching halt, which proved an added burden to the company. Thankfully this summer, Arcimoto was able to host a record number of demo drives at events across the country.
In spite of the obstacles, Frohnmayer remains dedicated to Arcimoto because his work has tremendous value and meaning. “Solving climate change is one of the greatest challenges in human history,” he says. “Here at Arcimoto, we get to go to work every day knowing we are doing our part. This truly is the fight of our time.”
To other people looking to tap into their life purpose at work, Frohnmayer says, “Think of what you love to do and what problem in the world you want to solve. Then find talented like-minded people and take action.”
