Arcimoto, Inc. — makers of the Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) — a pure electric vehicle for everyday drivers and fleets, has completed first drives of its 15-unit FUV beta series, and today will begin manufacturing its new 25-unit pilot series.

The company expects that the beta fleet will be used primarily as rental vehicles. Five are planned for use at an Arcimoto rental location, expected to open in the fourth quarter in Eugene, Ore. Five are planned for use as rentals by the company’s partner, HulaCar in San Diego. The final five FUVs have been purchased by Arcimoto Pioneers, a group of key, early pre-order customers.

The pilot series, now in production, marks the transition to semi-automated manufacture of all custom frame and chassis components completely in-house at the Arcimoto Manufacturing Plant. These vehicles represent the final production series of the FUV before retail series production begins, expected by the end of 2018.

“On-roading the beta series is a huge step forward for Arcimoto," Mark Frohnmayer, president and founder, said in a statement. "Our pace of production has improved between the signature and beta series, from more than a year for the 10 signatures to just over a quarter for the first drives of fifteen betas. We expect a similar increase in pace with the pilot series."