Microlino Spiaggina Debuts as a Stylish Beach Car Blending Retro Vibes With EV Technology

The Swiss company Micro Mobility has brought the production version of the beach-ready bubble car to Paris and touts it as an exclusive summer car destined for Europe's most popular vacation destinations.

"The Microlino Spiaggina is an idea we've had in mind for years, and it's finally become a reality," said Merlin Ouboter, Microlino's co-founder. "It will be the most stylish vehicle for Europe's summer destinations like Portofino, St. Tropez, or Ibiza."

Inspired by 1960s beach cars, such as the Fiat 600 Jolly and Citroën Méhari, the Spiaggina EV boasts an open-air design with a roll-back fabric roof and no side or rear windows. It is essentially designed to be an easygoing beach buggy that can conjure up feelings of nostalgia for the Dolce Vita and carefree seaside holidays, so the open design is perfect for those who want to feel the sea breeze on their faces while driving through the roads of the aforementioned coastal locations.

The color scheme of the "First Edition" Microlino Spiaggina is also a nod to the legendary beach classics, with the recreational vehicle launched in the color of the Greek Flag, reminiscent of the Fiat 600 Jolly, and a white and blue striped canvas roof. The micro-car can also be had in a two-tone Black and Sardinia Sage color scheme.

The matching two-tone interior (blue/white or gray/white) is clad in fancy vegan leather, which was originally developed for use on yachts and will ensure moisture resistance, coupled with a faux wood floor. The interior design is completed by a digital instrument cluster and a three-spoke steering wheel.

The pint-sized EV is just 99 inches (2,519 mm) long and 58 inches (1,473 mm) wide, but offers a generous 8.1 cubic feet (230 liters) of trunk space, which come in handy for hauling beach gear. The reduced dimensions also make it easy to maneuver and park.

In terms of technology, the cute beach car features the same proven powertrain you find in the standard Microlino, demonstrating once again that modern EV technology can seamlessly blend with classic design. This means the light electric vehicle will be powered by a 10.5kWh battery and a 17 hp (12.5 kW) motor, which will allow a top speed of 56 mph (90 kph), putting it in the market segment aimed at urban and recreational use. The battery pack is said to ensure a maximum range of 110 miles (177 km) on a single charge and can be recharged from a household socket in just 4 hours.

Cost-wise, the limited First Edition Microlino Spiaggina comes with a base price of €24,990 ($27,300) in Europe. Pre-orders are already open and deliveries are expected to begin in spring 2025. For now, the model is targeted at European customers, but the carmaker has suggested it has the US in sight for future availability.