Swiss company Micro has released a retro-style electric car, motorcycle and scooter as part of its vision for near-future micro-transport in cities.
The automaker unveiled four different models – an updated version of its Microlino microcar from 2016, a new e-motorcycle and two new e-scooters, all designed for use in urban environments.
The microcars were set to be debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show but, as the event was cancelled, they were instead presented at a virtual press conference in Zurich via a live-stream on the 4 March 2020.
Measuring at just 2.4 metres-long (7.87 feet), the Microlino 2.0 is small enough that it only takes up a third of a standard parking space. It was designed to combine a modern look and mechanics with "retro charm", resembling the Italian-designed Isetta microcar from the 1950s.
It is able to reach a top speed of 56 miles per hour, or 90 kilometres per hour, with a range of 124 miles (200 kilometres), and is set to be rolled out in 2021.
Micro has updated its original design to address concerns with quality and safety, which were submitted by consumers via an online survey.
"It has always been important for us to be able to integrate the Microlino community as much as possible into the development process," said co-founder Oliver Ouboter. "With the Microlino 2.0 we want to do this much more consistently than ever before."
These updates to the Microlino 2.0 include a chassis comprised of pressed steel parts, and a body made from aluminium and steel instead of plastic.
The car now has independent suspension in both the front and the rear, which required increasing the rear track by around 50 per cent, and by mounting the electric motor on the chassis instead of the rear axle.
The motor is now synchronous with permanent magnets, granting it around 15 per cent more efficiency than the previous asynchronous motor. This means the Microlino 2.0 can have a longer range or smaller battery.
Micro has also switched to new lithium-manganese-cobalt-oxide batteries – the same battery that is used in some Tesla models, which have a higher energy density than average.
The Swiss automaker also debuted a three-wheeled electric motorcycle, the Microletta, which can be driven at a speed of up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometres per hour).
Underneath the bench seat, which is made from "eco-leather" and is able to fit two people, are two swappable batteries that have a range of 62 miles (100 kilometres) and can be charged at the owner's home within four hours.
Beside the batteries is a space for the user to keep their helmet or other belongings, while at the back is a rear LED braking light with integrated blinkers. On the side of the vehicle is a platform with a foot brake, however a hand-brake lever is also built onto the handlebar.
The Microletta also has a digital screen that displays information about the motorcycle including speed, navigation, battery status, range and acceleration. Users can also connect their phone to this screen to check their messages when stopping at a red light, for instance.
Micro also unveiled two new electric scooters – the Micro Commuter and the Micro Explorer. The former is designed to be used in combination with other modes of transport, such as the metro or underground. It is half the size of a normal e-scooter and weighs 30 per cent less, making it easy to carry around.
The Micro Commuter has a swappable power-bank that can be used to charge your smartphone on-the-go and then recharged at home. This grants it a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 kph) and a range of six miles (10 kilometres) on one charge, however if more is needed then the user can pack a second or third battery to extend the range.
The second Micro Explorer scooter is designed to last for longer distances, and has a motor with up to 500 watts of peak power that can go from zero to 15.5 mph (25 kph) in under three seconds.
"This is not a gadget, this is a real vehicle," said the company. The scooter has suspension on both wheels and an "intuitive" twist throttle that, when turned forward, activated the electric regeneration brake and recharges the battery. The Micro Explorer also features an integrated display that shows speed and other information.
Other vehicles that were set to debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show include Renault's all-electric Morphoz concept car, which is designed to physically extend its size to go from a city car to a long-distance vehicle.
Hyundai also revealed its Prophecy concept car, which boasts a smooth and sleek design that the automaker likens to a "perfectly weathered stone".
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