electric microlino 2.0 city car reveals cleaner - and cuter

originally inspired by a 1956 BMW ‘isetta’, the small microlino city car has a new and improved sibling: the microlino 2.0. it debuts the second generation of the electric car, bringing back the retro bubble but with better performance and modern accessories.

from its digital debut at the geneva motor show 2020, the launch of the microlino 2.0 is joined by a three-wheeled electric motorcycle called microletta.

all images courtesy of microlino

encased in its bubble body, the mircolino 2.0 is crafted from a completely revised structure that improves quality, safety and handling as you dart along city streets. here, a chassis of pressed steel and aluminum parts have been used, and its rear axle has been widened by 50% to support independent suspension on both its front and back. as well as these technical aspects, the new design debuts a new front, where the smeg-like door handle has been removed in favor for a much cleaner aesthetic. customers are also able to personalize their ride with more customization options, from its wheel rims to seat covers.

internally, the electric car is enhanced by a new synchronous motor that offers 15% higher efficiency and performance. although not disclosed yet, we would expect its speed to be more that the first model, which maxed at 56 mph and zipped from 0-31 mph in 5 seconds. also, 2.0 uses a new NMC battery pack – bolstering a higher energy density – to deliver a greater range of up to 124 miles (200km), that powers your daily commutes.

with its new battery pack – and an increase in vehicle height – the car’s interior becomes more spacious for its two passengers. its steering column is no longer fixed and connected to the door in order to decrease steering forces. an aluminum bar, which references its original design from 2016, acts as the centerpiece of the dashboard. this is where the new display sits, behind the steering wheel and right in front of the driver. other accessories, such as a smartphone and bluetooth speakers, can be clicked on to this bar to create a modular-like set-up.

from its bubbled body to its two-tone color scheme, the microletta is a three-wheeled electric motorcycle that is based on the design language of the electric car. it combines modernity with retro charm, where an organic form is coated in a nostalgic red finish. the design is complete with chrome elements, including its wing mirrors and headlight rim, and a large, circular digital display.

classed as a motorcycle, the microletta’s two front wheels provide grip for improved cornering and an increased braking effect. furthermore, its steering mechanism can be locked when at stand-still to ensure it can stand on its own – without the need for the driver to place their feet on the ground. the bike is then powered by a removable battery with a range of over 62 miles (100km) and a max speed of 50mph (80km/h).

‘the microletta is the little sister of the microlino and is intended to close the gap in our range between the e-scooter and the microlino. the three wheels make the vehicle easy and safe to drive, even for the inexperienced, and should encourage people to switch to electric and light vehicles,’ says merlin ouboter, founder of microlino alongside his brother oliver.