Swiss electric microcar maker Microlino may shift future production to China, as the founding Ouboter family voiced frustration over what they describe as insufficient support for light electric vehicles in Europe. The family said that high production costs and limited policy incentives are prompting them to explore more favourable conditions abroad.
To date, the Ouboters have invested around 70 million Swiss francs in the development and production of the Microlino, manufacturing nearly 4,800 units at their Turin facility. However, founder Wim Ouboter and his sons, Oliver and Merlin, said they feel disadvantaged compared with traditional carmakers due to regulatory and financial hurdles within the European Union and Switzerland.
The family pointed out that vehicles in the compact L7e category—such as the Microlino—do not qualify for subsidies, CO₂ credits, or tax benefits that larger electric cars receive in Europe. At the same time, they are subject to import duties and inconsistent classification rules. For instance, in Switzerland, the Microlino is registered as a small motorbike but taxed as a passenger car upon import.
According to the Ouboters, producing the Microlino in China could reduce costs by about 50% compared with Europe. “If Europe doesn’t act, production will no longer take place here in future,” Wim Ouboter told Swiss media. China’s government subsidies and lower manufacturing expenses are making the country an increasingly appealing option for small-scale EV producers.
Earlier this year, Microlino had also considered establishing production in India, but the company now views China’s financial incentives as more attractive. The potential move follows the company’s unveiling of a new Microlino variant at the Brussels Motor Show earlier this year.