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Microlino

More than 50 years before tiny houses, Smart cars and other mini things on wheels became recent crazes, the BMW Isetta was a trendsetter. It was known as a "bubble car." It was stylish, got great gas mileage and zipped perfectly around narrow European streets. Now, it's modern-day equivalent, electronic vehicle (EV) Microlino, has been approved as street legal by the European Union. Designed by Wim Ouboter, production of the Microlino has started and its debut is expected in early 2019. The company already has several thousand pre-orders. The Microlino is ideally named. It's 7 feet, 10 inches long and weighs 990 pounds. Depending on what battery is installed, the Microlino has a 50 or 134-mile range and can be fully recharged in four hours with a conventional 220-volt power outlet. A “level 2” charger will recharge the two-seat, four-wheeler in one hour. The expected price is $13,990 and each vehicle will include a sunroof and a single touchscreen panel standard. According to the manufacturer: “The goal was to create a vehicle, which was inspired by the bubble cars from the 50’s, but with modern design and technology. In addition, it should be eco-friendly in production and during usage.” Sales will begin for new vehicles in Switzerland by the end of 2018, with sales in Germany opening in early 2019.

Microlino mini-car channeling BMW Isetta debuts in Europe in 2019

More than 50 years before tiny houses, Smart cars and other mini things on wheels became recent crazes, the BMW Isetta was a

August 22, 2018

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