Microlino EV News

[peter-van-achter]

There are many more electric car models on the market in Europe than in the US. I count more than 60 models today here in Belgium, but the Aptera is obviously unique and a lot more interesting than what te “competition” offers. I suppose that an Aptera wil cost approximately 40 % more here than in the US (transport, import tax , i presume IVA costs , sales tax ) but it remains without doubt my first choice even with those extra costs its a great car from a value perspective.

[Titus]

40% that’s steep. I looked at other solar cars like the Sion (Sono Motors) wich promises a max. solar range of 16 – 35 km a day and the Xbus (Electric Brands) wich they say could reach additional 200 solar km a day – a number I do not believe. The Xbus has a modular concept, wheel hub motors and reminds you on the VW T2-bus. It will be build close to my place but I remain doubtful on both projects. The Aptera has the most extreme approach in engineering and function and does not neglect design.

[joshua-rosen]

<div>Kyle O’Connor of Out of Spec Motoring just drove the Sono. He’s trying very hard to be diplomatic about the car’s appearance because their prototype director is with him but I’m guessing that Kyle is not very good at poker because there is no hiding about how he feels about it.</div><div>

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[paul-kirchner]

Speaking of the XBus. Check out their design solution to the good ol’ steering wheel.

https://www.core77.com/posts/116290/The-XBUS-A-Promising-Modular-EV-With-One-Terrible-Design-Decision?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_title

[Knix]

I’m estimating the my Aptera will cost about 46% more than the sales price in the US here in Sweden (shipping cost, import tax and VAT). I guess you need to pay the shipping cost and VAT in the US too, but I doubt it will add 46% to the cost of the car. It’s basically the same for all non-EU cars though. The cheepest Tesla model 3 LR available at the moment is almost 71 k USD here in Sweden.

[joshua-rosen]

We don’t have a VAT in the US. There is a sales tax which is state dependent but even in the worst cases it’s much less than the VAT is in Europe. In my state, MA, the sales tax is 6.25%, next door in New Hampshire there is no sales tax.

[Ronnie]

Meet Arosa, a Supercar of Hovercrafts That Can ‘Fly’ Over Land and Sea

[Biker]

The Microlino made it to production – interesting numbers on production.

The TINY Cheap Electric Car You Actually Want! – YouTube

[Greek]

John Malcom, I have been following Microlino for several years now. You are correct, it is not a direct competitor with APTERA. I do not consider APTERA a true city car though, it is more of a sporty vehicle that is a bit of a jack of all trades. Microlino is a true city car. If I owned both I would definitely use the Microlino to go to or travel within the city. You can’t take advantage of the APTERA driving in the city, you are paying for high tech aerodynamics with witch you truly can’t take advantage of until you start hitting highway speeds. Before I went with electric propulsion I owned as many as 4 smart cars at one time. Parking was a breeze, I would find parking spots almost always near my destination,I spent less time and money looking for a spot…to call it a college town commuter is truly misleading. Typically Americans love large vehicles…that mindset has to change. Cute well handing minimalistic vehicles are more functional in cities. Having extra space to maneuver allowed me to zip through traffic while others are parked weighting for the next behemoth in front of them to move.

I will be a happy camper when my APTERA is in my hands, but if the Microlino is available in the US, I would definitely buy…I do miss my smart cars.

[roger-kroetz]

Makes me think of the Isetta of the 50s. Slightly restyled and electrified.

[jonah-jorgenson]

Agreed! just go to show there is nothing new under the sun.

[Greek]

The actual intent was to capture the spirit of the Isetta. I notice though they didn’t attach the steering wheel to the door as the original. That car is the cutest thing on wheels. I’m waiting now for someone to come up with a modern version of the Messerschmitt

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  John Voules.

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[OZ.]

John, never wait, always search, there are a couple out there, but I think this is the best one.

http://www.messerschmitt-werke.de/

[Greek]

Big bucks for Messerschmitts now. Either way, I’m trying to go all electric. From my yard equipment, my motorcycle, vehicles to the top of my roof (solar). No more changing oil or spark plugs for me.

[OZ.]

I think that is a great goal, I’m working my way towards that too, but a bit slower than I would like. All of my yard stuff is electric, unfortunately my yard guys are still gas (Fills my yard with fumes.) but I believe in CA here they have to change over to electric in the next year or so. If the Aptera stock does well, I might consider the electric version of the Schmitt even with the range penalty.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  OZ (It's OZ, Just OZ).