10 Most Innovative Auto Startups

These companies may change how cars are built, bought, and driven.

- Sue Callaway

The Line Between the technology and automotive industries continues to blur, and more startups are creating services and products that could transform the transportation sector. Which are the most promising? The Los Angeles Auto Show’s Connected Car Expo recently assembled executives from Microsoft, Google, AT&T, and others to vet dozens of companies. Here are the 10 chosen as the hottest startups. “[They] impressed us with their unique perspective, the strength of their vision, and their flat-out innovation,” says Michelle Avary, lead advisory board member. “These companies are beyond just cool—we think they will help make the entire automotive industry better.”

Elio Motors

The Elio will be a fuel-thrifty vehicle and will cost just $6,800. It is due to go on sale in 2017.

Founder Paul Elio has engineered a super­ efficient, low­cost ($6,800 or Rs 4.3 lakh) three­wheeled vehicle. Legally classi­fied as a motorcycle, it seats two people front to back, making it half as wide as a typical car and, therefore, twice as aerodynamic. The result: gas mileage of 84 mpg. Following the Tesla model, Elio, based in Detroit, will sell through retail stores. When you need service, you can take it to any of the 600 Pep Boys shops across the U.S. The vehicle has success­fully undergone all National Highway Traffic Safety Admin­istration (NHTSA) crash testing. Produc­tion begins in 2016; already there are 45,000 orders.

Capio