Microcars the green future for commuting

As cities move toward a high-density, low-speed, low-impact model, a new type of EV like the ‘microcar’ could be an answer.

So says IDTechEx which sees a need to scrap the “highway-centric” model of urban development and prioritise the ease and convenience of local trips.

“Most car trips are short trips carrying just one person,” says IDTechEx’s latest report which includes about 25 microcar models.

“Most of the energy is wasted on carrying the vehicle’s own weight. Oversized vehicles are the root cause of urban congestion, pollution, waste of energy, material, and public space.”

The report suggests microcars are “the smaller, greener future of urban commuting”.

Microcars are the smallest size of four-wheeled EVs and have an average weight of 100-500kg when unoccupied, says IDTechEx.

“Depending on the vehicle type and local regulations, their maximum speed varies from 25 to 90km/h.

“From a technical standpoint, these cars are easy to make, which explains why they have often been produced by small firms which have small factories.

“However, some larger OEMs like Renault and Citroen have also shown interest by launching their own models.”

IDTechEx sees microcars fitting between electric cars and electric moped, adding other terms which may be used to describe a microcar regionally include quadricycles (EU and UK), Neighbourhood EVs (US), and Kei cars (Japan).

In China, passenger cars of different sizes are divided into six levels: A00, A0, A, B, C, and D, with A00 describing micro-sized models with a wheelbase of two metres  to 2.3m each and A0 describing small-sized models with 2.3-2.5m wheelbases, IDTechEx adds.

It points out the Mini EV has become the second best-selling electric car in China.

Common concerns about microcars include safety, vehicle design, and regulations, says IDTechEx, adding many of these microcars are considered legal motorised vehicles but lack the standardisation and regulations that car manufacturers must adhere to.

“In addition, some microcars do not require a driver’s licence.”

IDTechEx says many microcar manufacturers see their vehicles offering an autonomous shuttle service in future transportation.