The Microlino, a two-seater electric microcar, has achieved a significant milestone as its 1,000th vehicle completes production at its factory in Turin, Italy.
While the Microlino may not accommodate an entire family or be suitable for road trips, one thing is certain: its eye-catching design is undeniably cool.
Designed to replace larger cars in urban areas, the Microlino offers a compact yet capable vehicle that optimizes space utilization.
The Microlino boasts a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) and is powered by a 12.5 kW (16.8 hp) motor, making it suitable for various city commuting needs.
Although it resembles a small four-wheeled electric car, the Microlino is classified as an L7e “heavy quadricycle” in Europe. This classification grants it certain advantages, as quadricycles face fewer regulations compared to full-size cars, allowing for a more streamlined path to market.
These reduced regulatory requirements contribute to the Microlino’s smaller form factor, lighter weight, and lower price point. Urban commuters seeking an affordable electric vehicle that offers more protection from the elements than an electric motorcycle or scooter find the Microlino an appealing choice.
Microlino’s CEO, Merlin Ouboter, explains that the vehicle’s energy efficiency is a key advantage: its design requires significantly fewer battery cells per kilometer compared to conventional electric cars. Consequently, the Microlino has an energy footprint for production and usage that is only about a third of that of a typical electric car.
Despite its compact size, the Microlino maintains high standards of construction and employs automotive-grade components. Notably, it is the first in its category to utilize a steel and aluminum unibody construction, similar to full-size cars.
Unlike conventional cars, the Microlino features a unique and compact design, with a single forward-opening door reminiscent of the iconic BMW Isetta bubble car.
Priced at approximately €17,900, the Microlino occupies a middle ground between electric motorcycles and cars in terms of both price and specifications.
With increased production capacity at the Italian factory, the long-awaited Microlinos are now set to be delivered to more customers than ever before.
