Microlino by Micro Mobility Systems debuts in Zurich

After two and a half years, Swiss Micro Mobility Systems has taken the wraps off the pilot production version of its Microlino in Zurich. The company received already more than 4,600 pre-orders for the BMW Isetta based Microlino EV. Now ‘production hell’ is waiting.

Micro Mobility Systems is a family business initially specialised on scooters and founded 20 years ago. The presentation of two pilot production versions took place in front of more than 300 guests. The small 2.40-metre EV provides two seats, which are accessible through moving the front flap. The vehicle is designed to meet needs in an urban environment and takes e.g. just a third of the parking space occupied by usual cars, according to the manufacturer. The trunks volume shall be 300 litres.

Moreover, the Microlino weighs 510 kg (inclusive battery) and features a 15 kW electric powertrain. Within five seconds, it accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h, while maximum speed is at 90 km/h. The vehicle’s standard battery provides 8 kWh, enabling a range of up to 120 km. However, customers have the opportunity to go also for a 14.4 kWh battery providing energy for up to 215 km. It is not yet clear if the charging process will work with type 1 or 2 standard, but in both cases charging time shall not exceed one hour (small battery option), respectively two hours (big battery option). Charging via domestic power socket is also possible but needs four, respectively six hours.

First test drives in Zurich’s city centre are scheduled for spring. But there’s still a lot to do before: The pilot production version corresponds to 90 percent with the serial version, thus 10 percent are still “in construction”. According to the company, it is necessary to adapt some details to reduce costs as the Microlino shall be made available for about 12,000 euros. That’s half of the price of an electric Smart.

The homologation is currently taking place in Italy as cooperation partner Tazzari is in charge of Microlino’s production. The Italian electric mobility pioneer holds half of all shares in the project, hoping for an electric-powered comeback. This is due to the fact that production of Tazzari’s Zero – particularly known in Norway – dropped to a few 100 units per year. In contrast, a five-digit quantity of the Microlino shall roll off the lines sooner or later with first deliveries being expected for spring or summer. Regarding the domestic market in Switzerland, Micro Mobility Systems chose Bosch Car Service as service partner.