2014: The Year Three Wheels Went Bold — And Electric
In 2014, the auto industry was buzzing with possibilities of the electric trike. Electric vehicles were gaining serious traction, Tesla was beginning to shift public perception, and hybrid technology was finding its way into everything from sedans to supercars. Yet one of the most surprising players on the innovation stage had just three wheels: an electric trike.
That’s right—three-wheeled vehicles, long considered oddballs in automotive design, were starting to turn heads. From daring gas-powered trikes like Tanom Motors’ Invader Model R to early-stage electric concepts, the three-wheeler was having a moment. And for good reason.
Performance Meets Practicality
Take the Invader Model R, a high-performance reverse trike that looked like a jet fighter mated with a race car. Built with sportbike DNA and automotive flair, it featured a tubular steel frame, bold aerodynamic styling, and a low stance made for speed. While it wasn’t electric, its aggressive design and unconventional layout reflected a larger shift happening in the world of vehicle engineering—rethinking what mobility could look like.
At the same time, small startups were introducing fully electric three-wheeled vehicles designed not for racetracks, but for the urban commuter. These weren’t toys. They were engineered responses to rising gas prices, crowded city streets, and a growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
A Space Between Car and Motorcycle
Electric trikes in 2014 filled a space no one else quite owned. They offered the energy efficiency of a small EV with some of the visceral fun of a motorcycle—minus the intimidation factor. They were light, maneuverable, and often legally classified as motorcycles, which meant less red tape and lower operating costs for consumers.
Though still in the prototype or early production phase, vehicles like the ELIO and the TORQ Roadster were starting to attract attention. ELIO Motors promised a fuel-efficient three-wheeler at a budget price, while Epic EV’s TORQ was one of the first all-electric roadsters to embrace a trike layout. With eye-watering acceleration and zero emissions, it hinted at the potential for clean, exhilarating urban performance.
Early EV Trikes: The Road Less Traveled
While Tesla was building the Model S and Nissan was pushing the LEAF, these small electric three-wheelers were carving out their own niche. They weren’t mass-market solutions. They were bold statements. In a world of boxy sedans and predictable SUVs, these machines stood out.
Some were open-air thrill rides. Others were enclosed, bubble-like pods that prioritized efficiency and simplicity. What united them was their radical departure from convention and their clear focus on the future.
Barriers and Breakthroughs to an Electric Trike Market
Still, the road wasn’t smooth. Battery limitations in 2014 made range a real concern. Charging networks were expanding, but far from universal. And public perception remained a hurdle—many drivers weren’t sure if a three-wheeler was more car or motorcycle, and whether it could handle daily use.
But these vehicles weren’t trying to replace the family minivan. They aimed to reimagine short trips, last-mile commuting, and personal urban travel. In that light, their limitations became assets: smaller, simpler, cleaner.
Looking Ahead (From 2014)
If 2013 was about proving electric cars could be fast and desirable, then 2014 was about experimenting. What else could electricity power? Could it reshape how we define a vehicle? The three-wheeled EV, though still niche, was a perfect canvas for these questions.
The Invader Model R, ELIO, TORQ, and others captured the spirit of a transitional moment in transportation history. These weren’t mass-produced machines—they were sparks in a growing fire of innovation. And while not all would make it to the mainstream, their impact would ripple across future designs.
Because sometimes, to drive change, you only need three wheels.
Electric Trike Sources:
- Car and Driver – 2014 Epic EV TORQ Roadster
- Green Car Reports – Electric Three-Wheelers: Quirky, Efficient, and Making a Comeback
In 2014 Tanom will be offering the Invader Model “R”. This high performance reverse trike will feature a number of performance upgrades designed to further enhance the Invader’s already awesome capabilities.
LAS VEGAS, NV. (Nov. 5, 2013) –
For more information please visit web site at www.tanommotors.com.
