electric microcar retracts wheels to easily park and ride in narrow spaces like a motorcycle

City Transformer can change its width

It might be hard to squeeze in when the only parking spot available is wedged between two oversized vehicles. The same goes for cruising through tight alleyways, trying to get to the other side of the road. These scenarios might have influenced the design team behind City Transformer, a Tel Aviv-based startup, enough to nudge them to realize an electric microcar named CT-1 whose wheels expand and retract so solo to duo riders can easily maneuver through the city and park and ride in narrow spaces like a motorcycle.

A shape-shifting vehicle is a way to call the electric microcar CT-1. Thanks to its ultra-compact modular chassis, the foldable setting of City Transformer comes to life. The platform is layered into two divisions: the first – called Performance Mode – sets up the city mode which easily expands the wheels for a compact car, and the second – named City Mode – pulls the wheels back into the chassis so they are hidden in the car’s frame. With this, the 1-meter-wide, ultra-light electric vehicle can support multiple vehicle uses from food deliveries to daily commutes.

images courtesy of City Transformer

Electric microcar ‘CT-1’ accommodates two riders

City Transformer might look small – hence its ‘microcar’ moniker – but the Tel Aviv-based startup opens up extra space for the riders. The four-wheel electric microcar – which the design team plans to turn into a two-seater vehicle – can carry goods and other items with its trunk space.

City Transformer claims that the microcar is also fast to maneuver as it speeds through from 0 to 50 km/h in around five seconds. Two 7.5 kW electric motors are installed in the vehicle, helping it achieve a maximum speed of up to 90 km/hr, and its battery can allow the electric microcar to ride up to 180 km on a single charge.

Design-wise, City Transformer follows in the footsteps of hypercars with its gull-winged doors. They swivel open, and as soon as they are lifted, an ergonomic seat awaits the riders. A tablet-sized dashboard sits behind the steering wheel while a real tablet is positioned just beside these two, flashing infotainment and maps for navigation. As of publishing the story, City Transformer states that its serial production and market launch of CT-1 is due to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 with a final price of 16,000 euros, excluding VAT and local taxes.

Performance Mode