Jin Daily Tech Trivia – Microlino: Your Next EV Is Not a Real Car

Jin Daily Tech Trivia – Microlino: Your Next EV Is Not a Real Car

The Microlino is a Swiss-designed, Italian-built, two-seater electric microcar inspired by the BMW Isetta. It features a single front door, an ultra-tiny footprint, and a WLTP range of up to 228 km from a 15 kWh battery. Power comes from a rear-mounted 12.4 kW motor, topping out at around 90 km/h. (Also yes—there’s a screaming motor coil sound once you push past 80 km/h 😛)

My personal test-drive notes: Officially, it’s expected to arrive in early 2026. Legally, however, you can’t take it onto PLUS highways, which makes this thing a 100% urban mobility toy.

Morning and late-evening city runs feel great. Midday? Not so much. There’s no proper climate control—no real air-conditioning, just a fan and vents. Under the Malaysian sun, you’ll be relying on the sunroof and windows as your manual HVAC system.

There’s also no power steering, so tight, low-speed U-turns are a workout. Drivers already comfortable with EV regen will feel right at home, but note that the brakes aren’t assisted either—you really have to step on them when needed.

The bubble-shaped body, unibody micro-EV chassis, and surprisingly usable 230 L boot come together to create a weird but charming mix of retro go-kart energy.

It’s super fun to drive and will definitely turn heads wherever you go. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel that unsafe even when cutting across multiple lanes in busy traffic—especially in Sport mode 🙂