The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Microlino has opined that most automobiles on the roads today are simply too large for their intended use. He starkly affirmed the company's commitment to providing consumers with more compact and accessible alternatives instead. England-based Micro company recently released a production version of the Microlino Lite at the Geneva Motor Show. As a new addition to the electric microcar market, the Microlino Lite delivers a maximum speed of 45km/h (28mph), making it a driveable option for anyone possessing a moped license and aged 14 or above in select European nations. The expected leasing cost for the basic model is roughly €156 or $169 per month starting this summer.
The Microlino Lite is an attractive transportation solution for urban dwellers who are not yet ready to replace their traditional cars with e-bikes but are in search of a more user-friendly and easier-to-navigate option in densely populated city streets. Due to their compact size, around three microcars can be parked in the space required for an SUV parking. The lightweight construction reduces energy consumption significantly compared to regular electric vehicles. The microcars are a perfect fit for small-scale journeys including daily commuting, grocery shopping, dropping off children at school or taking your pet to a park.
The Microlino Lite's diminutive stature is the same as its predecessor—2.5m (8.2 feet) in length, 1.47m (4.8 feet) in width and 1.5m (4.9 feet) in height. Additionally, it weighs under 600kg (1,320 pounds). With its 6kW (9kW at peak) power, it falls into the L6e vehicle category. This means that anyone with an AM-class moped license in Europe can drive it.
The Microcar provides two options for the battery: a 5.5kWh battery that promises a 100km drive before requiring a recharge, and an 11kWh battery that provides a maximum distance of 177km. The charging time for the smaller battery pack is approximately two hours to reach 80% from zero, using a 2.2kW Type 2 charger, while the larger battery pack takes around four hours for the same charging level. The Microlino Lite is a compact, two-seater car fitted with upgraded features like a sunroof and a remarkably roomy 230-litre trunk.
The lease price for this model, offering a 5000km/year use for 48 months, starts at CHF 149 per month (about €156 or $169). This price is about twice that of the Swapfiets e-bike subscription but far less than that of the similarly featured Biro electric microcar, typically starting at €260 per month.
Assembled in Turin, Italy, this electric vehicle is offered in either blue or anthracite gray, with customization options including a basic or premium interior that features vegan leather seats, velour bench, side pockets, a Bluetooth speaker and a smartphone holder. Micro announced that it would begin accepting preorders for delivery in the early summer. Initially, the release of this vehicle is expected to be limited to Europe.
Despite Micro's immediate focus on capturing the European market, the company has not ruled out expansion to the USand Asia . Merlin Ouboter, the co-founder and CMO of Micro, indicated that the Microlino Lite is suitable for registration in the US as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) and plans to launch the first Microlinos in America by the end of 2024.
The iconic BMW M3 is poised to enter its seventh generation, embracing a bold new strategy that blends tradition with innovation. In a move that caters to diverse customer preferences, BMW will offer both petrol-powered and electric variants of the esteemed M3, ensuring the classic driving experience endures while embracing a sustainable future.
Defying industry trends, BMW has chosen to retain the traditional petrol-powered M3, recognizing the timeless appeal of internal combustion engines. This decision will delight enthusiasts who crave the visceral thrill of a petrol engine. The classic M3's continued presence ensures that drivers seeking an authentic driving experience will still have options.
Simultaneously, BMW is forging ahead with an electric version of the M3, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This eco-friendly variant will appeal to environmentally conscious drivers who prioritize sustainability without compromising performance. The electric M3 promises to deliver exceptional performance while minimizing its ecological footprint.
By integrating both powertrain options, BMW offers consumers flexibility and choice, balancing performance with environmental considerations. This innovative approach:
As BMW embarks on this dual-path journey, the question remains: will the traditional allure of a petrol engine compete or coexist harmoniously with its innovative electric counterpart? Only time will tell, but BMW's versatile and dynamic offerings position the brand to lead the way.
BMW's bold move sets a precedent for the industry, demonstrating that tradition and innovation can coexist. As the automotive landscape evolves, the BMW M3's dual-path journey will undoubtedly influence the direction of performance and sustainability in the years to come.
Alpine has made a groundbreaking debut with the Alpenglow Hy6, a hydrogen-powered sports car that embodies the brand's commitment to sustainable and high-performance technology. Premiering at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, this innovative concept showcases Alpine's dedication to merging eco-friendly technology with dynamic performance.
The Alpenglow Hy6 boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, fueled by hydrogen, producing an impressive 740bhp. This twin-turbocharged engine features:
Built on a lightweight LMP3 carbon chassis, the Alpenglow Hy6 balances speed and efficiency. Key design features include:
Alpine's VP of Motorsports, Bruno Famin, emphasized the brand's dedication to hydrogen innovation: "Developing the new Hy6 V6 engine showcases our commitment to hydrogen research, paving the way for high-performance motorsport applications."
As Alpine explores adapting this technology for mass production, the Alpenglow Hy6 concept represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in motorsport.
The Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 is a testament to the potential of hydrogen-powered sports cars, blending high-performance technology with sustainable innovation. As Alpine continues to push boundaries, the future of eco-friendly motorsport looks brighter than ever.
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as five popular vehicles prepare to undergo significant generational upgrades. These overhauls promise enhanced comfort, advanced safety features, and sleek designs. Let's dive into the details of the upcoming: 1 Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2 Honda Amaze 3 Hyundai Venue 4 Toyota Fortuner 5 Mahindra Bolero
Cutting-edge design Advanced technological integration Enhanced safety measures Stay tuned for updates as these highly anticipated vehicles hit the market.
Citroen Unveils Next-Gen C5 Aircross Concept: A Glimpse into the Future of SUV Design Citroen has officially unveiled the C5 Aircross concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, offering a tantalizing preview of the next-generation C5 Aircross, slated for release in 2025. This bold new design marks a significant shift towards a more assertive and modern aesthetic in Citroen's popular SUV lineup.
####The upcoming C5 Aircross will be the first Citroen model to utilize the advanced STLA Medium platform, engineered to support:
The new SUV measures 4.65 meters in length, providing ample space for five passengers. Although interior details are still under wraps, enthusiasts can expect:
While specific mechanical details are yet to be released, the current-generation C5 Aircross offers:
In India, the existing C5 Aircross boasts:
The Citroen C5 Aircross concept heralds a new era in SUV design, blending style, sophistication, and advanced technology. With its STLA Medium platform and enhanced dimensions, this next-generation model promises to deliver a superior driving experience. Stay tuned for updates on the production-spec C5 Aircross, slated for release in 2025. Source: 2024 Paris Motor Show
Mini's latest electric powerhouses, the John Cooper Works (JCW) Electric and JCW Aceman, stole the spotlight at the Paris Motor Show 2024. These high-performance models elevate Mini's electric lineup, blending thrilling dynamics with sustainable mobility.
The JCW Electric and JCW Aceman boast a potent 254bhp electric motor, paired with a sporty suspension setup, delivering the signature go-kart feeling Mini fans adore. Both models share a 49.2kWh (net) battery, yielding impressive driving ranges:
Exterior designs prioritize aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal:
Inside, the JCW theme continues:
Mini has announced plans for a petrol-powered JCW Mini Cooper, with technical details forthcoming. Deliveries of the electric JCW versions are slated to begin in international markets by April 2025.
The JCW Electric and JCW Aceman solidify Mini's commitment to electric mobility while maintaining its iconic sporty performance and design. Stay tuned for updates on Mini's latest innovations and the forthcoming petrol-powered JCW model.
The Oilstainlab HF-11, a revolutionary supercar, has made its debut, pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and design. Limited to just 25 units worldwide, this exclusive vehicle is priced at USD 1.8 million (Rs 15.13 crore) for the flat-six engine variant and USD 2.3 million (Rs 19.33 crore) for the electric model.
The Oilstainlab HF-11 is a masterpiece of performance, engineering, and design, poised to make a significant impact in the luxury supercar market. With its pioneering swappable powertrain, advanced features, and exclusive production run, this supercar is a coveted piece for enthusiasts and collectors.
Jeep India has unveiled the facelifted Jeep Meridian, introducing a new 5-seater variant and advanced features to enhance its premium SUV offerings. Bookings are now open with an initial deposit of Rs 50,000.
At the recent 'We, Robot' event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the CyberCab, a revolutionary autonomous self-driving robotaxi poised to transform urban mobility. This futuristic vehicle embodies Tesla's innovative spirit, showcasing a unique blend of sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
Tesla is on the cusp of transitioning from supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) to fully unsupervised version, with deployment anticipated in Texas and California by next year. The CyberCab represents a pivotal move towards achieving completely autonomous driving.
Elon Musk projects autonomous vehicles to achieve safety levels 10-20 times greater than human-operated cars. Operating costs are estimated at USD 0.20 per mile (approximately Rs 16.81), significantly lower than city buses (USD 1 per mile, roughly Rs 84.06).
Tesla is also developing Optimus, a versatile robot capable of performing various tasks, priced between USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 (about Rs 16.81 lakh to Rs 25.22 lakh).
The Tesla CyberCab represents a bold step in redefining urban mobility, prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. As autonomous driving approaches, the implications for traffic congestion and emissions reduction are profound, promising a cleaner, more connected future for city travel.
