Microlino to manufacture a cute, two-seater EV

KUALA LUMPUR: First things first, Micro is a Swiss brand that in the 90’s came up with the world’s first foldable aluminium kick scooter and now we hear that it is creating a two-seater EV. This urban electric car is said to be inspired by the weird but wonderful Isetta microcar.

Key highlights of the Microlino EV -

• As per Micro, the EV is an ideal mix between a scooter and car and provides adequate amount of space, performance and range that’s optimum as per average car usage
• The said EV offers space for two adults along with three beer crates
• It weighs 513 kg and can attain a maximum speed of 90 kmph
• The company claims a quick four hour charging time when charged with a domestic plug socket
• It’ll offer a competitive range of either 78 kmph or 125 kmph, depending on the battery pack

Microlino EV design -

• The said Micro EV is heavily inspired by the Isetta
• It gets a front-opening door, so it can be parked nose-in and passengers can exit directly onto the pavement
• Unlike the Isetta, its steering column is fixed on the floor

Microlino EV cabin -

• The interior have been kept simple and minimalistic (keeping up with its car’s low price tag)
• A digital display shows all the key information to the driver
• While infotainment or basic music system is absent here, the company has fixed the EV with an horizontal bar on the dashboard to which phones and speakers can be mounted

Microlino EV launch, price, & competitor -

The new Mico EV will first go on sale in the European market, priced at €12,000 (approx. RM 66,884). It will compete with the likes of Citroen Ami One.

Compared to the 2018 prototype, the new Microlino 2.0 more closely resembles the final production EV. Instead of a simple tubular frame used by the former, the version 2.0 benefits from pressed steel and aluminium monocoque that offers better rigidity without adding to the weight. Stability is also improved, thanks to the 50 percent wider rear end.

Another prototype will arrive in March and in August Micro will achieve EU type-approval. Production will commence in September this year.

Also Read: Two Toyota EVs and a PHEV arriving this year