DETROIT — Elio Motors Inc. last week offered a look at its first test vehicle before the planned 2017 launch of its three-wheeled vehicles.

CEO Paul Elio, speaking to supplier executives, reporters and legislators, unveiled the first of his company’s 23 E-series vehicles to be used in safety and durability testing.

“If you look closely throughout the vehicle, this is getting closer and closer to production throughout,” Elio said.

The company plans to begin production of its vehicles, expected to start at $6,800 and get up to 84 mpg, in 2017 after testing is completed. Elio, which initially planned to begin production in 2014, plans annual production volume at its Shreveport, La., plant of at least 250,000 vehicles.