A NEW car offers a solution to a common problem for those living in cities, but may not be loved by roadtrippers and racers.
Micro, a car company from Switzerland unveiled its Microline Lite, a tiny electric car at the Geneva Motor Show at the end of February.
The manufacturer’s co-founder and CMO Merlin Ouboter stated that Americans will be able to buy the 8-foot vehicle as it is eligible for registration as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle.
While the company is focusing primarily on Europe, Ouboter hopes that the first Microlinos will be available in the US by the end of this year, according to The Verge.
The bubble vehicle is made for urbanites who need a small run-around vehicle in place of a moped or bike.
With 50% fewer parts than a regular car, the Swiss vehicle is compact, light, and eco-friendly.
The Lite model is 8 feet, 2 inches long, 4 feet, 10 inches wide, and 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs less than 600 kilograms.
“Never waste time again in the search for a parking spot, the unique front door concept allows you to elegantly cross park between two cars,” Micro states on its website.
“With the door in the front, you simply exit directly onto the sidewalk when cross-parked.”
The vehicle comes with a unique front-door feature that sees the entire front panel of the car open out revealing the steering column and two seats.
It even comes with a sunroof and a 230-liter trunk “capable of fitting one large check-in and two cabin-sized suitcases,” making the vehicle a “perfect daily driver,” according to its creators.
The fully electric vehicle promises those living in cities an “unmatched driving experience” as it allows those in Europe who have an AM-class moped license the ability to drive it.
Micro adds that the Lite model is “redefining urban exploration” as teenagers as young as 14 will be able to drive the vehicle in some countries in Europe.
However, some drivers may be turned off by the top speed of the vehicle which is just 28 mph, though for busy inner cities, this could be all you need.
In addition to this limiting top speed, the vehicle has a relatively low range.
Drivers who opt for the basic 5.5 kWh battery can travel around 62 miles before needing to recharge the vehicle.
However, this can be increased to can be increased to 109 miles with the larger battery option.
With the basic battery, drivers can plug their vehicles into a standard house socked and can charge their vehicle from 0%-85% in just four hours.
The vehicle which will first be released in Europe and is being built in Turin, Italy, will be available in two colors – blue or anthracite grey.
In France, the Microlino Lite will cost drivers €17,990 which would be around $20,000 in the US.
“In early summer 2024, Micro will start selling the Microlino Lite at an attractive entry-level price of CHF 149/month,” Micro stated.
Prospective buyers shared their thoughts on the tiny car on Instagram.
“If you were to bring this into the USA, I’ll definitely get it as a fun car to go around,” one said.
“Finally. I’ve been waiting for long long time!” another added.
“It’s so innovative! I’ve never seen anything like it before,” a third wrote.
Meanwhile, others asked about the safety of the vehicle and its battery.
“How do the batteries perform in -18 or is this tiny whip going to sleep for the winter?” one user asked.
The Microlino Lite’s predecessor, the Microlino had a reduced range in the winter compared to the summer.
According to Micro, those who opted for the large battery pack had a maximum distance range of 114 miles.
However, in the winter, this same battery size gave drivers a maximum range of 85 miles.
Meanwhile, those asking to see a crash test with the tiny vehicle should be reassured by its steel frame.
“First in its class, the Microlino Lite features a self-supporting steel unibody that improves safety and driving behavior compared to the tubular frame of other vehicles in its class,” according to Micro.
Meanwhile, many hopeful drivers are excited about the future of the industry and the opportunities this new vehicle offers to city drivers.
“This car is the solution for congestion and the environment,” one user said on Instagram.
“We should only see this car, or very similar in towns, or if the big monstrous cars are whizzing around towns, we must only assume that they are only on the road for business purposes if only occupied by the driver. Well done.”
The U.S. Sun has contacted Micro to get an answer to the question of battery life in colder temperatures and when Americans can hope to get their hands on the model.
