Micro Mobility Systems recently launched the Microlino 2.0, a hyper-compact EV, at an online event. The Switzerland-based company had previously conceptualized the Microlino back in 2015, but it didn’t make it to production due to legal disagreement with the production partner of the time, Artega.
The brand is now re-launching a completely overhauled and modernized Microlino, which seems to have been inspired by the famous “bubble car” – the Iso/BMW Isetta, a popular microcar, in 1960s Europe.
Micro Mobility has utilized the timespan following the disagreement to refine and fine-tune the 2.4-meter two-seater’s design, addressing structure and safety standards.
The chassis is made of a steel and aluminum alloy, now lighter and offering higher strength, while the motor is now mounted onto the chassis, unlike the previous model which had it placed on the rear axle. The battery pack is placed on the floor bed, while it was previously inside the passenger compartment.
The electric motor has been modified as well – the new 15 kW motor claims to be about 15% more efficient and more powerful than the previous version. Paired with a slimmer 8 kWh or 14.4 kWh battery packs, the Microlino delivers an estimated range of 124 miles, a max speed of 56 mph (90 km/h), and accelerates from zero to 31mph in under 5 seconds.
Since the Microlino features a single front door that opens the entire fascia like on the Isetta, the driver probably has to maneuver around the fixed steering column to sit.
The interior is much more spacious and comfortable, thanks to the taller design and compliments the all-around minimalistic approach. The digital dash can be customized using your smartphone and comes with a well-equipped infotainment system. Surprisingly, the Micorlino even features a sunroof and an eco-leather interior.
Pricing the Microlino at $13,500, Micro Mobility has already stacked up 17,000 pre-orders, and deliveries are expected to start by 2021.
The Microlino 2.0 is a perfect zero-emission solution for the bustling and congested city traffic. The sad part is that the Microlino will not be offered in the States as sales are limited to the European market only.
Let’s hope it will change shortly.