1960s ‘Bubble Cars’ Return as Electric Models.
Small cars reminiscent of the 1960s “bubble cars” are making a resurgence, as showcased at the IAA motor show in Munich. These compact vehicles resemble microcars of the past, such as the iconic Italian-designed Isetta from the mid-1950s.
While small cars like the Smart car and Fiat 500 have been available in recent years, there is a growing demand for small electric cars, particularly in urban environments where cleaner transportation is increasingly important.
At the IAA event, Swiss company Micro presented its Microlino, a compact electric vehicle powered by a battery. The Microlino boasts a relatively quick charging time of four hours using a standard household plug, a range of approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles), and a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour.
Interestingly, in Europe, it is not classified as a conventional car but rather as a “heavy quadricycle,” a category that falls between motorbikes and cars. This classification results in less stringent regulations and a potentially quicker path to market.
Another electric car featured at the IAA was the Yoyo, created by the Italian-Chinese startup XEV. The Yoyo offers a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles). These compact electric cars are primarily targeted at the European market due to the narrow and historic road infrastructure in many European cities.
However, they may also find appeal in densely populated cities in countries like India and Thailand, where traffic congestion is a significant concern.
These small electric cars have several potential use cases, including serving as a family’s secondary vehicle or a primary vehicle for city and town commuting, where long-distance travel is unnecessary.
Despite their unique appeal, there are still uncertainties surrounding the market potential of these tiny cars. One notable concern is their pricing. The least expensive model of the Microlino starts at 17,990 euros ($19,316).
Moreover, these vehicles are unlikely to qualify for electric vehicle subsidies offered by major countries, primarily because they do not meet the traditional classification of a car.
This pricing could be a significant deterrent for potential buyers, especially when they can purchase a full electric vehicle (EV) at a similar price or even cheaper, thanks to financing options and EV subsidies.
Peter Richardson, research director of tech strategies at Counterpoint Research, pointed out that “microcars don’t attract those subsidies.” This situation raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of these vehicles compared to more traditional EVs like Smart cars, which may be more financially accessible to consumers.
In summary, small electric cars inspired by the retro “bubble cars” of the 1960s are experiencing a revival. These compact electric vehicles offer practical solutions for urban transportation needs, especially in Europe and traffic-congested cities in other parts of the world.
However, their higher pricing and limited eligibility for EV subsidies may present challenges to their widespread adoption in the market. Ultimately, the success of these tiny electric cars will depend on factors such as pricing, consumer preferences, and government incentives for electric mobility.
