Despite forecasts to the contrary, small and micro cars could have a future in Germany. However, in a slightly different form than before. And some of the car names may not be so well known in this country.
Every now and then the car media reports about the death of small cars. Margins that are too small and costs that are too high for achieving the Euro 7 emissions standard are cited as reasons. However, the future for small cars does not seem hopeless.
Even though some large car manufacturers have already discontinued their smallest series, the number of dwarf cars, some of which seem strange, for which emission standards are no hurdles because they rely on electric drives, has been growing at the same time. They also do without many of the equipment features that are otherwise usual in new cars because they compete in the lightweight construction classes L6e and L7e. Environmentally friendly, sympathetic, comparatively cheap to buy – a new type of car with not even bad future prospects is rolling towards us.
Microlino 2.0
The Microlino from the Swiss company Micro is one of the new mini electric cars that have been eagerly awaited for many years now. It was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017 as a concept that instantly captured the hearts of many car fans. The design, which is very similar to BMW’s 1950s Mobil Isetta, attracted particular attention. Shortly after the premiere, it was clear: the retro two-seater should be developed to series production. Its market launch was repeatedly announced and postponed.
In the meantime, a few Microlino are on the road in Switzerland, and the first Pioneer Edition models will soon be coming to Germany. In this noble version, the two-seater offers a folding sunroof, a vegan leather interior and portable Bluetooth speakers. In this version, the 12.5 kW/17 hp two-seater with a top speed of up to 90 km/h offers a range of 177 kilometers thanks to the 10.5 kWh battery. This year, the Microlino will alternatively be available in Dolce, Competizione and the basic Urban version. The latter should start at 12,500 euros. The entry-level variant will have a 6 kWh battery for a range of around 90 kilometers.
Evetta
The short history of the Microlino is closely linked to the visually very similar Evetta. There was a rift between Micro and the contract manufacturer originally chosen for the Microlino, which was followed by legal wrangling. In the end, Micro developed the Microlino 2.0 and teamed up with a new partner for series production. The old one retained the manufacturing technology for the Microlino 1.0, which has now been transferred to the German company Electric Brands.
Electric Brands now wants to launch this further Isetta clone as the Evetta later this year. This is also a snuggle ball with a front-opening door. At least that applies to the closed versions Prima Apricot and Prima Blue, which cost just under 20,000 euros, of which 1954 copies each are to be produced. Electric Brands also wants to build 999 copies of the convertible version Openair First Edition, which will cost 33,333 euros. An electric drive with 15 kW/20 hp continuous and 22 kW/30 hp peak power should make the Evetta up to 90 km/h. Thanks to the 14 kWh battery, there should be a range of over 230 kilometers.
XEV Yoyo
Another visually striking L7e vehicle is the Yoyo from the Chinese-Italian company XEV. The mix of Renault Twizy and Smart Fortwo has been available for purchase in some European countries such as Italy for some time. In Germany, it is currently only available through the Wheego company as part of a car subscription at prices starting at 321 euros/month. The 2.53 meter long two-seater in the L7e lightweight class offers electric rear-wheel drive with 7.5 kW/10 hp continuous power and 15 kW/20 hp peak power. The maximum speed is 80 km/h.
The Yoyo’s battery consists of up to four removable elements, which together provide a capacity of 10.3 kWh and thus a range of 150 kilometers. The Yoyo is characterized by a colorfully furnished interior with a large touchscreen as a display and control element. The equipment includes air conditioning, ABS, keyless entry and a panoramic roof.
Opel Rocks-e
Anyone who finds L7e vehicles too expensive, too fast and too inefficient can alternatively climb into the Opel Rocks-e, which competes in the weaker L6e class, since 2021. With its 6 kW/8 hp engine, the 2.41 meter short Rüsselsheimer drives at a maximum of 45 km/h and up to 75 kilometers. The rolling cube is available for around 8000 euros and offers a closed passenger compartment and two doors. Its small battery can be charged at household sockets.
Extreme Bureau
Anyone who has visited the city of Amsterdam in the recent past will have noticed the numerous mini-mobiles in the streetscape. A particularly small representative of this genus is the Estrima Birò from Italy, which has recently also been officially offered in Germany. With a length of 1.74 meters, the Birò is only half the length of a typical small car. The space inside is modest, but offers enough space for two people, who are protected from the weather thanks to large all-round glazing of the tubular steel frame passenger cell.
A 48-volt system with two motors, which together deliver up to 4 kW/5 hp, provides propulsion. The L7e variant of the midget car can thus reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. Alternatively, there is an L6e version that is limited to 45 km/h. Prices start at around 11,000 euros so far.
