Hot on the heels of the Microlino, the electric powered reimagination of the 1950s bubble car, MOVEmnt is thrilled to discover another electric mid twentieth century retro-iconic microcar that could be on a road near you sometime soon.
A German team Messerschmitt Werke has launched both electric and petrol variants of a microcar closely based on the Messerschmitt Kabinenrollers of the 1950s and 60s.
The original Messerschmitt Kabinenrollers (which literally translates as cabin scooters) were tiny, ultralight three-wheelers with modest engines. And the concept for the new models remains the same, but modern materials mean the microcars are even lighter.
We are mostly interested in the electric variant, the KR-E5000, which offers a 6.7-hp (5,000 watt) output and 56-mph top speed courtesy of its permanent-magnet motor, powered by a small 1.4-kW lithium-iron-phosphate battery that charges in four to six hours when plugged into a standard domestic supply. Range is a relatively modest 50 miles but an optional second battery doubles that. The single battery version weighs under 200kg.
