Microlino wants to be included in the emissions accounting system. A large sum of money available, and… an interesting development

The Swiss Microlino has taken legal action against Switzerland’s Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) because it believes four-wheeled vehicles should be included in carbon emission regulations. Although the entire case takes place outside the European Union, a victory for the manufacturer, supported by its persistence, could lead to quite surprising outcomes across the Old Continent.

Microlino vs. SFOE

According to Electrive, Microlino argues that four-wheeled vehicles have been unjustly excluded from the carbon emission accounting system for vehicle fleets. Their emissions cannot be reduced or offset elsewhere, which means their sales are not supported by any direct or indirect financial programs. This is because they fall under category Lxx. Meanwhile, vehicles of similar size in category M1—such as the Dacia Spring, Fiat 500e, or Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric—are normally considered cars.

The result of this unfair exclusion is a situation where “Microlino has failed to achieve market breakthrough.” In other words, larger and likely more expensive vehicles in production are offered with attractive financing options because it makes sense for companies to purchase them. Four-wheelers have been left out; they are not only expensive—Microlino Lite costs 15,990 francs, equivalent to 73,700 zł—but also no one wants to take the risk of purchasing them on a larger scale since they cannot be classified as cars in terms of emissions. They are treated as gadgets. Even Microlino itself cannot lower its price based on emission credits, because... such credits do not exist for four-wheelers.

Although the situation at first glance seems like a request for financial support from the government (i.e., taxpayers), there is logic behind it. Some of the company vehicles could certainly be replaced with four-wheelers, as they are used solely for driving in the city or around the company’s premises. These vehicles would eventually end up in private hands. Additionally, Microlino’s victory in Switzerland could encourage the manufacturer to fight for its rights at the European Union level. If that effort succeeds, our roads could be filled with electric four-wheelers in the next decade.

Microlino Spiaggina, the summer edition of the vehicle (c) Microlino

Editor’s note from Elektrowozu: Given studies showing that an average car in the city carries about 1.3 passengers, a two-seater Microlino could meet the needs of likely over half of car drivers.

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