Remember the cute, quirky bubble cars of the 1950s? The BMW Isetta, the Heinkel, and the Trojan – these tiny vehicles were all the rage back in the day, and now they’re making a comeback with a modern twist!
Meet the Microlino, the electric car inspired by the classic bubble cars of the past, designed for the urbanites of the future. This diminutive vehicle is perfect for city use, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to modern cars. It’s a return to the downsized delight of the Isetta era, with a touch of the latest technology.
So buckle up, as we take a closer look at the Microlino and what makes it so special!
The Microlino: A Tiny EV for the 21st Century
The Microlino is the brainchild of Swiss brothers Oliver and Merlin Ouboter, who founded Micro in 1999. The company is behind the popular Kickscooter, and has collaborated with major automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Peugeot on various two-wheeled projects.
With the Microlino project, the Ouboter brothers aim to create an alternative to conventional cars that’s better suited for city use. And they have succeeded, as the Microlino is nothing short of amazing!
A Closer Look at the Microlino
The Microlino is a tiny electric vehicle, measuring just 2.5 meters in length. It’s designed to be easy to park, with the ability to fit three vehicles in a single conventional space. Weighing in at just 496 kg, the low mass and small footprint of the Microlino mean that its electric powertrain requires less energy, making it an eco-friendly choice. Buyers can choose from three battery capacities: 6 kWh, 10.5 kWh, and 14 kWh. The company quotes recharging times of between three and four hours, depending on the battery size. With a range of 56, 110, or 143 miles, the Microlino is perfect for daily use in the city.
Performance and Design
The Microlino is a strict two-seater, with a 230-liter boot that’s large enough for a daily shop or trips around town. It’s quick, too, with a zero to 30 mph time of just five seconds and a top speed of 56 mph. This makes it perfect for urban duties, where speed and agility are more important than outright speed.
The Microlino’s design is inspired by the classic bubble cars of the past, with an unusual front-hinged door for access. The front door, similar to that of the Isetta, provides a unique and charming touch to the vehicle. The Microlino is a four-wheeler, offering greater stability and better grip compared to its three-wheeled predecessors.
Production and Availability
Low-volume production of the Microlino began in the summer of 2022, in partnership with Italian company Cecomp in Turin. The company plans to ramp up production in 2023, with more than 35,000 people having already reserved a Microlino. The Microlino is set to launch in Europe in 2023, with further derivatives to follow.
The Microlino: An Eco-Friendly Alternative
One of the most important aspects of the Microlino is its eco-friendliness. Because it’s smaller than a conventional car, it requires less material to make and has a smaller battery, which uses less electricity. According to the Ouboter brothers, the ecological footprint of the Microlino is about a third of a conventional electric car, meaning that the electric powertrain uses less energy, so smaller lithium-ion batteries are required.
The Microlino is a new take on the bubble car concept, designed for urban use and affordability. The Microlino is a diminutive EV with a quirky design, combining low mass and a small footprint with an electric powertrain that uses less energy. With three battery capacities to choose from, the Microlino has a range of 56 to 143 miles, and its performance is suitable for urban use. With more than 35,000 people
