Automotive

Limited Pioneer Series Microlino launches ahead of full production

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The Microlino Pioneer Series models are limited to a production run of 999 vehicles
Micro Mobility Systems AG
The Microlino Pioneer Series models are limited to a production run of 999 vehicles
Micro Mobility Systems AG
The Microlino Pioneer Series models will come in exclusive Atlantic Blue (shown) or Torino Aluminium finishes
Micro Mobility Systems AG
All Microlino electric bubble cars will be produced at a facility in Turin, Italy
Micro Mobility Systems AG
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Following the announcement earlier in the month that its new production line in Turin, Italy, is now operational, Micro Mobility Systems AG has launched a limited "Pioneer" edition of its cute little Isetta for the modern electric age, the Microlino city microcar.

Micro Mobility Systems AG began by selling electric scooters in 1999, and decided to expand into other micromobility solutions with the launch of an electric bubble car at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The electric bubble car underwent a complete redesign in 2020, and has been further tweaked on the road to production.

The company's new 3,000 m2 assembly line will eventually produce a Microlino EV every 20 minutes, but for now the focus is on rolling out Pioneer Series models – a limited run of 999 microcars destined for early adopters as a reward for their patient six-year wait.

All Microlino electric bubble cars will be produced at a facility in Turin, Italy
Micro Mobility Systems AG

Micro's two-seater ride is officially classed as a heavy quadricycle under the European L7e vehicle category, putting it in the same e-mobility space as Renault's pioneering Twizy.

Designed for modern city living, the Microlino sports a 12.5-kW motor for 89 Nm (65.6 lb-ft) of torque and a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph), offers 230 liters of trunk space for shopping, and rocks dimensions that could see three of these things squeeze side-by-side into a standard parking spot.

Production Microlinos will be constructed using mostly European components, and offered in three distinct editions plus three battery configurations up to 14 kWh for 230 km (143 miles) of per-charge driving fun. The 515-kg (1,135-lb) Pioneer edition comes with a 10-5-kWh Li-ion battery pack for up to 177 km (110 miles) on a single charge, and can be topped up from a wall outlet at home in under four hours.

Each individually numbered vehicle will be available in a choice of Atlantic Blue and Torino Aluminium finishes that will be unique to this edition. The "premium" interior material palette includes vegan leather and suede, a sunroof comes as standard so drivers can feel the wind in their hair on sunny days, and though the microcar doesn't feature a built-in infotainment system it does come with portable Bluetooth speakers that can be fed tunes from a paired smartphone.

The Microlino has a base price of €12,500 (~US$13k), and is currently open for reservations via the company website. More details on the launch of a vehicle configurator and the production timeline for the three main models, as well as the introduction of a special Pioneer membership tier, are expected later this month.

Source: Micro Mobility Systems AG

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8 comments
MarylandUSA
Before you watch the video, mute the sound so you can watch it without the manipulative music. Trust me, you'll miss nothing.
ScottBaker
When if ever, will this come to America?
Trylon
~US$13,000 might as well be $100,000 since it will never pass FMVSS for automobiles and can't be sold here. Which stinks. Wish they would replace the dual rear wheels with a single centered wheel so it could be sold under motorcycle regulations.
TomLeeM
I think it is both cool and greet and adorable. There were other companies that was supposed to come out with an updated Isetta; even BMW had a design. BMW had a couple of designs but - IIRC - they never got past the design stage. I think it would be an excellent city / town car.

Like ScottBaker, I wonder if itt comes to the USA. being small, it might not. perhaps listed as a neighborhood electric vehicle - NEV, it could come here? Perhaps be used as a 'last miler'? perhaps a rental in resort areas? be used in gated communities? I think it has possibilities.
Mace
The EU has aggressive subsidies to promote electric cars. That’s why I find it funny that the wonderful Microlino mini-EV somehow ended up being more expensive than regular-sized cars because it is actually too small to qualify. A bit more substance might help then. Added benefit: infinitely more deployability.
Ylime Bangoy
@MarylandUSA I take it you were manipulated, so did you buy already?
Personally I found the music over the top dramatic and unsubtle, certainly not what I would expect from a stylish car maker.
guzmanchinky
How I wish I lived somewhere that this was a viable vehicle choice.
Sergius
As metrópoles deveriam exigir a micronização dos veículos elétricos...