2023-06-11 10:00:00
With three registrations in the canton of Fribourg, the Microlino is still a rarity on the roads. But when you see it, you notice it with its retro and futuristic look, which evokes the BMW Isetta of the 1950s. “It’s not a car”, insists the Zurich designer Micro. It is an electric quadricycle.
The 450 kg vehicle is intended to be ecological and economical. In place, in particular: with its 2.5 meters in length, it can double the parking spaces. The cabin accommodates two people. Thanks to its light weight, the four-wheeler consumes 60% less energy than an electric car. Its battery recharges in four hours using a simple mains socket.
So many arguments that seduced Julien Genilloud, owner of a Microlino since February. “A two-seater car with a trunk [de 230 litres, ndlr] Is more than enough for me to do my shopping and go to the recycling center”, explains the 33-year-old Villarois. Driving on the motorway at a maximum of 90 km/h does not worry him, even without an airbag. The safety device is not in effect not necessary for a quadricycle. “With this type of vehicle, we rather stay in town. For longer journeys, I take the train.” A disappointment? The real autonomy, below the promised 175 km.
Alternative to heavy cars
The Transport and Environment Association (ATE) sees innovation in a positive light. “In terms of energy, a Microlino replaces 10 petrol cars”, calculates Luca Maillard, specialist in environmental assessment of vehicles. “The resources used for its production, in Turin in Italy, are divided by four.”
The expert also sees advantages in this compared to standard electric cars. “Unfortunately, they are getting bigger and heavier, even in town. SUVs represent 90% of sales. These two-ton vehicles cause significant impacts in terms of noise, safety and available space.”
The Microlino would be of even greater interest in the canton of Fribourg, where housing is dispersed. “In the countryside, most households have two cars to travel less than 35 km with one person on board. If one of the two can be replaced by a low-energy vehicle, we win.”
The Microlino would have (almost) everything to please. Will she be commercially successful? “The electricity network is developing, people are more sensitive to ecological arguments. All the conditions are good for a revolution of smaller cars. Other models in the mini category, such as the Fiat 500e or the Smart, are interesting”, answers Luca Maillard. The announcement of the marketing of the quadricycle from 15,000 francs has in any case generated enthusiasm: more than 30,000 copies have already been reserved online.
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