The Microlino 2.0 is a new style of microcar. Its bubble car-like design is reminiscent of the Iso Isetta (an Italian-designed two-seater manufactured by some carmakers, including BMW) from 1960s Europe. In reality, the vehicle’s design is less that of a car, and more of a motorbike and car hybrid.
 |
| First prototype of Microlino 2.0 electric microcar built and tested. |
The Microlino 2.0 has some significant improvements since its predecessor, the Microlino 1.0. 2015’s Microlino 1.0 model had a tubular frame, whereas the 2.0 consists of aluminum and pressed steel parts, set together in a new integral body structure that does not increase the weight of the vehicle, yet affords much more sturdiness and safety. In fact, the Microlino 2.0 is the first vehicle aside from actual cars to use this type of structure in its composition.
The Microlino 2.0 is just under 8 feet (just shy of 2.5 meters), which means it is easy to fit into any traditional parking spot, as well as to slide in perpendicularly in wider spaces between traditional vehicles for maximum packing efficiency. That means that the Microlino 2.0 only requires a third of the traditional parking spot and three can fit next to each other to fill up one traditionally reserved parking space. The Microlino 2.0 comfortably seats two, with both seats now sporting a more comfortable fit for driver and passenger.
 |
| Microlino 2.0 has space for 2 adults and 3 beer crates |
It has a wider rear axle in order to support independent suspensions in both the rear and front of the vehicle and a super-efficient 15kW synchronous motor that is more powerful than the Microlino 1.0. The increasingly compact battery pack, thinner A-pillar, and the all-over height of the car promotes better forward visibility. The battery pack is denser, allowing it to be chargeable from a typical household electric socket, taking approximately 4 hours for a full-charge completion.
Since the Microlino 1.0, the design of the interior has been altered entirely with the steering column no longer connected to the front door, a major overhaul from the original concept. This allows for the door to open more easily and being able to open it further than ever before. The vehicle’s door opens outward to the front, making entry and exit of the vehicle more natural than coming in from the side. This location also means that several Microlino 2.0s can be positioned next to one another, with drivers and passengers being unimpeded by the vehicle’s proximities to each other.
The features
While some electric vehicles require a special electrical station to charge from, they are a particularly pricey investment for many owners. However, as the Microlino 2.0 is able to charge from a standard house socket, it means that charging the vehicle overnight (with only 4 hours required) is a simple way to assure that the vehicle is fully charged and ready for the morning commute.
The Microlino 2.0 will also fit more than you might expect in its surprisingly spacious rear compartment. The trunk permits 220 liters of volume, with plenty of space for multiple items you may wish to carry back from shopping errands.
The Microlino 2.0 can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/hr in 5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 90 km/hr (55 mph). These speeds are generally atypical of charged vehicles of this type, which is an impressive manufacturer development in its own right. There are also two battery options. The 8 kWh lithium-ion battery affords a range of 125 km (77 mi) in the summer (100 km in the winter), while the optional 14.4 kWh battery allows for as many as 200 km (124 mi) for summer travel (with about 160 km in the wintertime).
The Microlino 2.0 is 100% electric, and considering its speed capability, has an impressive lack of dependency on energy consumption, requiring as little as 65% of any other car. The Microlino 2.0 also requires far less maintenance, correlated to the fact that it uses half of the parts of a traditional vehicle.
Price and production
The Microlino 2.0 starts at a base price of 12,000 euros (about US$14,500). = 329.272.000 đ
Moto show:
