AVWWG: Microlino shows production versions at IAA

From the Another Vehicle We Won't Get files, the almost-ready production versions of the Microlino 2.0 city/bubble car were shown at the IAA auto show in Munich. The Turin-based automaker creates urban and city vehicular solutions with their city cars and scooters. The Microlino 2.0 is a niche automobile that could meet the needs of city dwellers who need inexpensive vehicles to shop, get around town, and other uses that don't require a large range. The top Microlino 2.0 will have a 140+ mile range that should get you around town or to most places you want to go. Vehicles like the Microloni 2.0 due to their affordability allow folks to own multiple vehicles for specific needs or get folks like students access to mobility...plus they're easy to park. The Microlino will enter production later in 2021 and come in three styles, Urban (right) Dolce, (below) and Competizione (top) with additional motor options devoted to range and performance issues and the optional folding sunroof. Prices will be revealed closer to production but Microlino has promised the 2.0 will be affordable. Click on "read more" below to view the release (with version 2.0 updates), an additional pic (from IAA), an intro video, and a technical data chart. Too bad we won't see this one in the US because I doubt the sales numbers would justify the costs to meet regulations. Smart sold quite a few cars here and those who remember BMW's Isettas might be customers. Too bad. So cute.

Source: Microlino - Media release, pics

Volkswagen reveals concept precursor to affordable EV, the iD Life

Volkswagen is showing the iD Life concept at the IAA auto show in Munich that is a forerunner to a production model that will be called either iD 1 or iD 2. Granted some of the styling flourishes like the lighting might change on the production model, but then the lights have a useful purpose...to light the road ahead or warn those behind. The lighting here doesn't seem to fulfill this basic function so we'll see. What you have is a clean retro design with accents in just the right places. Sustainable materials were used whenever possible and that is one area that might change in any production model, although it is good to see a major automaker committed to sustainability. The coating uses wood elements for color. The iD Life is VW Polo sub-compact sized but with an interior that is comparable to a VW Golf. In the US, the EPA determines vehicle class by interior volume, so the iD Life might be categorized as a compact. Of course VW doesn't even bring the iD 3 to the US so chances of the production iD Life hitting these shores is slim (except at auto shows). Of course pricing might change that since the iD Life model is expected to cost in the mid-$20k range. More to come. I have included a video from one of mt YouTube faves Autogefuhl for more information. Enjoy. Click on "read more" below to view the media release and the video. We won't even discuss the removable soft top or the pop-up screen...

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics, and video from Autogefuhl

Mazda announces MX-30 EV pricing and release date

Mazda's first EV, the MX-30, will start arriving at California dealerships in October with a starting price of $33,470 (+taxes, license, fees, options, and destination). This affordable (for an EV) pricing might get a few folks to try Mazda's citycar. The MX-30 shares a platform with Mazda's ICE CX-30 crossover (see rear view pic after the jump) which could help you determine the MX-30's size. Yes, it's a compact. The MX-30's closest competitor is the BMW i3 in terms of size, range, etc. although the little Bimmer has more power, more standard range and a unique design that made the little EV popular. Alas though, BMW no longer sells the i3 in the US (the rest of the world can still get it...for now) so that leaves the MX-30 to carry the little EV mantle in the US. Honda sells the Honda e compact EV and VW sells the Golf-sized iD3 in the rest of the world cuz dealers said they were too small for the US. But really, dealers don't want to sell EVs because they don't require a lot service which is where dealers make a lot of money (search for some of the dealer horror stories that EV buyers have had to put up with). The MX-30's electric motor puts out 143 hp and 200 lbs/ft. of torque so performance will be quick, but not fast. The MX-30 will also feature lots of tech and safety features (read media release) and the Premium Plus trim adds even more good stuff including premium audio, etc. I like the cork on the console which won't show scratches when you store stuff, Several premium paint options exist including the Soul Red Crystal Multi-tome (which is my fave and one of Mazda's best paint options) and there is a tri-color option with silver and black roof on top of the chosen body color (see pic below). There are a few single paint options available as well. In other words, you can spend as much as you like (and can afford) with the MX-30. BTW: prices don't reflect state and federal government EV incentives so take that in consideration when running the numbers. If you use your car to get to work or to run errands around town, this might be a good car for you. Mazda also has the Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program (you can "borrow" another Mazda for long trips) and $500 ChargePoint credit (for charger purchase or charging) included with ownership. What do you think? More choices, the better I say. Click on "read more" below to view the media release.

Source: Mazda - Media release, pics. Previous post.

Nissan shows the IMk EV Concept city car

Automakers are showing the public what potential cars will look like and be like in the future and it is overwhelmingly electric. Ther Nissan IMk is a small city-car vehicle that is made for urban environs. The boxy shape maximizes interior space with an efficient size for tight city spaces, like Japanese towns and cities. But many folks want a small(er) car and the IMk could be the fulfillment of their dreams. No EV specs were given, but if this reaches production expect more info later. The design is kinda cool but a little heavy-handed in the front. Why not go with a smaller, sleeker grill? The whole front fascia could be lowered and made to look (at least) more aerodynamic. The flanks are nicely sculpted and the roofline and greenhouse are nice and the tail is clean and attractive. The dash is simple and the car is filled (supposedly) with lots of tech including autonomous driving and a "floating" instrument cluster that projects info seemingly into the air. The interior seems quite large due to the IMk's boxy, upright stance. Does it seat six with the bench seats? This is a cool concept that deserves further development and ultimate production. Nissan has lots of EV experience, so why not? Oh and sell them in urban areas of the US. For more info, pics, and a video, click on "read more" below. Enjoy.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and video

Alpha Motor Corporation unveils the new Ace EV Coupe

it seems like another day, another new EV. Of course, that's far from true since the latest crop of new EVs have been in development sometimes for years. The fact that so many have running prototypes and mock ups to introduce says a lot about the electrified-future we are all going to live in. It also says a lot about legacy automakers and the game of catch-up they are going to need to play. It also means that some of these new automakers will be bought up by larger companies, but that's a discussion for another day. 

What you see here is the new Ace coupe, an EV from Alpha Motor Corporation of Irvine, California. The Ace is a small EV with seating for 2 and a pair of jump seats for storage (14 cubic feet) and occasional riders (if Gov. Regs allow). Early specifications (after the media releases) expect a 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds, rear-wheel drive, fast charging, and about 250 miles of range. 16- to 18-inch wheels will be available and premium sound will be standard.  All this may change by production which is expected in 2023. The overall look has Volkswagen hints like the early Golf/Rabbit and the side profile hints of the New Beetle. It's a nice look...very clean. No side marker lights, but they've got time. I'm sure other things will crop up. The Ace Coupe will spawn a number of vehicles including the compact Icon crossover/SUV. Smart move to use the first product for more like the Tesla Model S and X, etc. The interior has a minimalist Tesla look to it as well. I'm sure we'll be seeing more in the future, at least I hope so. Not every one needs a giant sedan or SUV battery-electric vehicle. so the Ace Coupe city car would be a nice addition to the list of available EVs. For more info, check out the 3 media releases, pic, videos, and spec sheet after the "read more" jump. More to come...

Source: Alpha - Media releases, pics, and videos.

Aptera introduces the all-new "never charge" EV citycar

Okay, that title may be a bit of a stretch, but it is possible (depending on driving style of course) with Aptera's new EV. To begin, the Aptera is an electric vehicle that has several different battery sizes in the offing that will provide anywhere from 250 to 1,000 miles of range on a single charge. The never charge kicker is that the Aptera features solar panels to recharge the batteries on the go...so you may never have to stop. The point is that you have options. To charge or not to charge, that is the question. Obviously, this will make the Aptera extremely economical to use and so will the price of entry. The basic 25kWh Aptera two-seater (250-mile range), will start at just under $25K. Stepping up to the top-of-the-line 100 kWh battery pack (1,000 mile range) will set you back about $46K plus the price of any options. The three-wheel, light-weight design in the top configuration will tip the scales at just 2,200 lbs. including batteries and hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds (3.5 seconds with all-wheel drive). We can agree that the new Aptera EV won't be for everyone, with it's size and capacity, but as a city car or a daily driver it could meet many folk's needs. Plus it won't cost much (or anything) to run. Also, the three-wheel design does not require a motorcycle license in 48 of the 50 states. Check with your DMV offices about your state's requirements or give Aptera a holler. For more information, check out the media release, specifications sheet (at the end), and 2 videos after the "read more" jump. The new Aptera EV is expected to meet all NHTSA tests and regulations before the vehicle roll-out in 2021. It's also kinda cool looking in a space-age sort of way. Aptera is taking orders now.

Source: Aptera - Media releases, pics, spec sheet, and videos

AVWWG - Fiat reveals all-new 500e 3+1 EV

What you see here is another vehicle we won't get (AVWWG). the Fiat 500e 3+1. It's a pity on many levels. Firstly, the 500 and the 500e are small. sub-compact, city cars that are made for the cities and hills of Italy, but don't play well in the wide open spaces of the US's mid-west and other areas. But Fiat had some initial success with the 500 in the US when it was first released mostly in cities and urban areas. But with FCA's handling of Fiat vehicle updates, US customers lost some interest due to the mild updates or evolutions rather than major revisions. While the all-new 500 is changed and you can see it in the pics and video, without a big marketing push by FCA (Fiat/Chrysler Automobiles), most US customers wouldn't notice (evolution not revolution). But the one change that would be welcomed is the new 3+1 model (shown above) that has three doors for vehicle entry and the rear hatch. Sub-compacts are hard to get into, especially the back seat, if you're more than 10, but the 3+1's small rear passenger door takes care of that problem. The rear door is hinged in the back providing a large(er) opening for entry but the front door must be open for the rear door to be activated. This a good idea that many automakers have used to improve on the accessibility of small cars. Just look at BMW's i3 for instance. BMW has sold thousands of its i3 EV city cars and Fiat could as well with this new version of the 500e. We shall see. FCA is going through a tough time right now, so the funds may not be available for the push that the new 500e 3+1 would require for success. It's a shame too because the updates that have been made to all 500s are substantial and bode well for any customers. They'll sell bunches of these in Italy and the rest of Europe. For lots and lots of information about the new 500s and the 500e, check out the informative (Euro) media release after the "read more" jump. Also, enjoy the video below. Who knows, maybe FCA will have a change of heart and bring the 500e 3+1 to the US. Bring that one and the Cabrio, in EV form, and leave the rest at home, Consider it FCA.

Source: Fiat/FCA - media release, video, and pics

Mazda reportedly begins production of MX-30 EV

Mazda has joined the rest of the world's automakers with the start of production of their first electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30.  Since Mazda's "hook-up" with Toyota a few years ago, the company's focus has not been on EVs and technology similar to Toyota's then road forward. Can you say "catch-up time?" First shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, The MX-30 is typically Mazda good-looking and press releases hint at exceptional handling. Of course, many of today's EVs are exceptional handlers in part because of the low-centers of gravity due to in-floor placement of the battery packs.  But the MX-30 has more in common with the BMW i3 than the Tesla Model 3. The MX-30 has a relatively small battery pack with a range of about 150 miles. The MX-30 even has suicide doors like the i3. More like a city car. Of course, many can do well with a "city car" and can survive with a vehicle that's not an "every car." That's why many buy giant SUVs. They might need the SUV's size and utility some day. Of course, they could always rent one for the few times they might need it and save some money, but...

The MX-30 is not a home run...more like a double. It's better for drivers to have more choices and I'm sure that many will be more than happy with their MX-30s. Since production just began, Europe can expect the first vehicles in late summer/early fall. For now the MX-30 will not be available in the US. If you want one, let Mazda know. Brief press releases and pics after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release and pics from Mazda

Yes, the BMW i3 and i3s are around and going strong (ish) - Update

The BMW i3 has been a favorite of mine since it was introduced almost a decade ago. I like the window cutlines on the side, the blue accents, the overall size, and the efficient space utilization. It even has a range extender (optional) for those with EV range anxiety. What is a range extender you ask? A range extender, unlike a hybrid, has a gas-powered motor that only drives a generator to charge batteries. In the i3's case, a small motorcycle engine, tucked away in the back, will provide enough additional juice for about 40 miles if the batteries are drained. This is in addition to the 150-mile range of the current i3. (The i3 started with just 85 miles of range.)

Let's be real here. The i3 and new i3s (more power and range, stiffer suspension, fully loaded) is technically what you'd call a city car.  Could you drive it for long distances? Yes but with lots of stops. The people I've spoken to who drive an i3, love the driving experience, looks, and reliability. It is a BMW after all. Most of those folks used the i3 for around town motoring or the daily commute. Charging is easy at home or at the numerous metro charging stations.

The i3 and i3s aren't cheap although like many cars, you can occasionally find base cars. But this IS a BMW. so why get a base car? The car comes standard with lots of tech and features, but the options list is quite long, like $50k+ long, so shop wisely. The standard motor produces 170 hp and will hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The new i3s adds about 20 horsepower to the mix along with a "sport suspension" and most of the goodies. For specifics check out the press release and specifications table.

State and federal rebates may apply to reduce the sting a bit. Additional pics and the press release from last year announcing the updates and new i3s after the read more jump. This is one of my fav EVs and you won't see them coming and going like you will with Teslas (I live in the LA area remember). The i3 should be around for a little over a year (they still sell a few thousand every year) until BMW's i4 sedan and iX4 crossover are ready. Enjoy! Update - BMW has had to increase production of their little EV due to demand. Cool.

Press release and pics courtesy of BMW.