Fuel-Efficient Elio Three-Wheel Car Hits 15,000 Orders Before Production Starts

You wouldn't think a small, green, three-wheeled vehicle would be the perfect recipe for creating a buzz in the car world.

But that's what Paul Elio has done with his Elio Motors firm, and though the vehicle in question is still a fair while from production reality, the company has a loyal following already.

So far, it's enough of a buzz that over 15,000 people have put down deposits for the car, according to Elio's website (via Autoblog Green).

That doesn't mean the company has 15,000 sales in the bag, of course.

Reservations can be made from as little as $100, though $250, $500 and even greater amounts can boost your position in the waiting list, if required. The bottom line, though, is that Elio cars don't require a Tesla-style $5,000 reservation.

MORE: Elio Takes Another Step Towards Building 3-Wheeler In Ex-GM Plant

If it did, you'd have nearly paid for the car in full: Elio is still touting a $6,800 starting point for the car, the low price being at least part of the reason that so many people are intrigued by the three-wheeler.

The other is the fuel efficiency, which again has remained consistent since the start. Highway mileage of 84 mpg could be possible, saving you money on fuel as well as purchase price.

It's led Elio to suggest the emissions from driving its cars 20,000 miles per year will produce lower greenhouse gases than the emissions of a cow.