Which will be our next EV? - Everything Electric London 2024

We went to the Everything Electric London 2024 show to see two particular EVs: the Microlino and the MG Cyberster. Here are our thoughts on those cars and the show.
The crew:
‪@DanEVSolar7‬
‪@SpeakToTheGeekTech‬
‪@GaryDoesSolar‬
Microlino: ‪@microlino_official‬
MG: ‪@MG-Motor-UK‬
Our home system summary:
6.8 kWp solar array split E/W
5 kW Gen 2 GivEnergy hybrid inverter
14.7 kWh GivEnergy batteries
A2A heat pump heating/cooling system
Myenergi eddi hot water diverter
Fiat 500e EV
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Microlino (and Silence S04)
10:56 MG Cyberster
13:07 Closing thoughts
Please note that Tim is not a professional consultant, just an enthusiastic amateur, so cannot reply to requests for advice or opinions on specific systems or green investment opportunities. Thank you for your understanding.
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[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We would like to clarify that we're not considering the Microlino as a replacement for our "main" EV, it would very much be as a second car for the purposes we mentioned in the video. Perhaps we weren't clear enough on that front, apologies. Our long term plan is to get a more conventional "main" EV with the Microlino serving in a supporting role for when we need that second vehicle, hence the small size is entirely the point, it doesn't need to fulfil all the requirements of the primary car.

[@Electrat]

It was lovely to meet you at the show. Thank you for letting us pick your brains about air to air. We are excited to watch your Microlino journey 😊

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

No problem, any time! It's always nice to chat with people about these things. I hope you had a good day at the show.

[@Jaw0lf]

Great to hear you had fun, we are heading to the one at Harrogate! Interesting to hear you considering the microlino. My concerns are more how it works on the country roads. It has already proven itself in towns and cities.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yeah, we're keen to give it a try and see if we can take it on some faster roads as a test. Could be that's the sticking point but we shall see.

[@rufus_mcdufus]

I love the Microlino. The Silence S04 is interesting too, with the removable battery. We have a really old Smart Car and am looking to replace it with something like this one day (for city driving only though).

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Quite a few options coming onto the market soon, which is great news.

[@jonevansauthor]

Yes, what I really want is a Smart EV but the sad thing is they haven't refreshed them with modern batteries from the new company and the existing ones didn't get an engineering refresh to provide a proper EV chassis which would have had more room for batteries and you know, feet and stuff. My petrol Smart was fabulous.

[@lewisdillon8524]

The sun roof is actually classed as a door. if you run into the back of a bus there is a means of escape

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Handy.

[@jonevansauthor]

Good to know. I mean, I definitely can't do a Dukes of Hazard out of any car, but I'm sure the emergency services would get me out fairly easily. :D

[@Joe-lb8qn]

or if you run low of charge, drive onto the bus 🤣

[@avidviewer1]

I've just come across you and really enjoyed this video. Thanks! Also, I'm amazed and impressed by your love of the 500e and would be intrigued to know how you cope with the lack of left-foot space in the driver's footwell. Anyway, liked and subscribed and looking forward to exploring your content when I get the chance. Thanks again and Hello! 🤗

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Hello! Glad you enjoyed the video. The lack of space for the left foot in the 500e is a bit annoying, for sure, but I sort of just bend my knee a bit more and place my left foot closer to the seat than I would usually. It sort of works and is fine for most journeys. We rarely do more than an hour or so, so it's not usually much of a problem.

[@avidviewer1]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Thanks!

[@FoxInClogs]

Maybe Kat could make a cross stitch replica of Sofie's drawing?

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Nice idea. I'll pass that suggestion on.

[@Ben-gm9lo]

I can't believe your channel isn't much, much bigger already. Thanks for being such lovely honest people and sharing your thoughts and journey. This comment is also to just help the channel by being another speck of sand in your channel's statistics.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

That's very kind of you, we really appreciate your comment. Honestly, that makes running the channel worthwhile.

[@craigknight2764]

Great chat, cheers! I'd love a microlino in the future. Its smallness/safety aspect doesn't really bother me. It's still going to be safer than a bike, motorcycle, or any classic car.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

And you're sure to draw a of attention wherever you go. We used to have a Caterham 7 and that got a lot of gawking as we drove past. I bet a Microlino would get even more!

[@David-bl1bt]

Ahhh!....happy memories for me seeing the microlino. My mother had the car that this is based upon, an Isetta (known as a bubble car in their day) and I spent many years as a child passenger. They were originally made by BMW, the originals adorned the BMW badge.....no badge snobbery back then. It too was left hand drive, and had the xanvas fold back sunroof. As a kid I thought it was "cool" (before the term even existed!). I recall that it broke down.... a lot and my dad spend a lot if time towing it back and forth to the repairers! There were no seatbelts 😱 back then so it was a very dangerous place to be....particularly with my mother driving it! The steering wheel was attached to the front door hatch, so the colunm folded at the bast to hing out with rhe door....is the Microlino the same? My concern with the microlino is the safety aspect as there is very little protection on front of you although i expect there will those new-fangled air bag thingys to cushon the blow! If you do get this I will be very interest in ypur review and ownership experience. Excell is to far for me to travel but I will surely attend a more local event, if thete is one, and check-out the Microlino in he metal. Thenks for the brief overview of the show...I kean, the microlino😁

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yes, that old bubble car is a clear inspiration for the Microlino, I think it's very deliberate! The steering wheel isn't attached to the door though, it's on a sort of column attached to the floor. Still surprisingly easy to get in and out of though. Lots of people have mentioned the safety aspect and although I'm sure larger cars would be safer it looks like they have considered safety in the design of the frame. You're also very unlikely to hit anything with much speed! We're still very much in the early stages of considering options so no firm decisions just yet. We've got a fair bit of time too, so who knows what else might appear in the next couple of years.

[@MrAdopado]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk I've ridden motorbikes so am not as risk averse as many ... however, there is no denying that there is a gulf of difference in safety between a modern "car" and a "Microcar" so that will rightly be a huge factor for many people. It's not necessarily the speed you are doing but the fact that the vehicles around you are larger and can be travelling at considerably higher speeds. Used primarily in the city or on quiet country roads would be acceptable to me but there are other driving environments where I would think twice ... a motorbike is even more vulnerable but at least I would be wearing safety gear and can get out of trouble more quickly (as well as get into trouble quickly!)

[@muddy11111]

Two thoughts, crumple zones and range in winter with the heater on.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

It's passed all the safety standards (much safer than a motorbike for example). And a 22 mile round trip should be no problem, even in Winter. No need for such negative thinking.

[@muddy11111]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Not negative just realistic. It is not a car, it is viewed heavy quadricycle (L7E) and as such is not tested to the same safety standards as a car. Clearly it is going to be safer than a motorbike. Try googling "microlino Euro NCAP", the Microlino is not listed yet but look at the ratings for similar quadricycles such as the Twizzy. Very poor safety ratings, with only 2 out of 5 stars. The Fiat 500E gets 4 stars.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@muddy11111 EURO Ncap is a completely discredited rating system now that a low mark in driver assist features caps your potential score out even if it's five star on everything you actually want. Quadricycles will only go up to 50 in either category, the Microlino is well over a decade more advanced than the Twizzy as well. Plus we have some of the safest roads in the world. Plus, stiff upper lip and all that. If you're afraid to drive one, don't get in one, you might crash it from stress alone but the rest of us are absolutely fine with it.

[@th42]

Apart from the price I’d love a Microlino. Perfect for Bristol - no off-street parking. Lots of Victorian terrace houses in the centre & a decent speed/range.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yeah, it's bit pricey but very handy in a city, for sure. Regardless of whether we get one or not I'll be following the development of microcars with interest.

[@crm114.]

Nice presentation. Personally, I wouldn’t swap the Fiat for something that small if I was at all a nervous driver. Also, you can pick up a used 500e with 5000 miles on the clock for less than £15k.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We're investigating options at this stage. No firm decisions and plenty of time before we need to make one.

[@lewisdillon8524]

That car reminds me of the bubble car I used to own. (Heinkel Trojan)

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yup, I believe that was the main inspiration.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Its not a coincidence, it was literally designed to emulate the BMW Isetta which looks v similar to the heinkel.

[@lewisdillon8524]

@@Joe-lb8qn I would say it is the Heinkel design. The Isetta steering came out with the door. the Heinkel is fixed the same as this one

[@briangriffiths114]

I bought a Fiat 500e in December 2021 and have been going through a similar thought process to you regarding eventually changing to a microcar, even though I really like the Fiat. However, when taking into account the price, (you can now buy a new pre-registered 500e with a 40% discount) road tax and insurance as well as servicing and eventual MOT, there appears little to be gained and everything to lose for downsizing.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We're still weighing up the options. Plenty of time before we need to make a decision.

[@RussMBrooks]

I’d be interested to see what the Microlino NCAP test figures are compared to the Fiat 500e?

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Not currently available so far as I can see, but as and when it surfaces that'll become part of the consideration along with all the other factors.

[@tom.jacobs]

Microlino is nice looking indeed, but understand the hesitance for it being the daily driver. Not an idea to buy the (current) Fiat 500, since it seems to tick lots/all of the boxes?

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Buying the current Fiat at the end of the lease is one of the things we're considering. No firm decisions have been made as yet and we've still got plenty of time to consider all the options.

[@paulakehurstdevisme9692]

Microlino is rather expensive. I hope the Squad Solar gets into production. I live in Algarve!

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Expensive but cool.

[@ianrob4760]

the BYD vechile (sorry forgot the name) is talked about at 13-15K for a compact SUV ... the prices due to china are going to be forced down and down and be interesting to see who survives. To declare I have had an MG4 for 6 weeks now and love it !

[@ianrob4760]

I would imagine when you are ready to buy/lease one I expect prices to be much lower in 2 years time.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yeah, pressure from Chinese EVs is sure to shake things up a lot. If MG did a smaller EV than the MG4 we'd certainly be adding it to the list of contenders. We shall see.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@ianrob4760 I hope you're right, that would be nice.

[@lyracian]

I was quite interested when I saw the Everything Electric review of the microline. Unfortunately it is the price that has put me off. I just struggle to see why I would accept it as a second car when you can get a normal car for the same overall price. I do look forward to hearing about your test drive though when it does become available.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

It's the small size that appeals. Even if there was a bigger car for the same price we'd prefer the smaller one, tbh. But yeah, it is a bit pricey. Looks fun though!

[@lyracian]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk I agree the small size was attractive. It was just on reflection I decided having the option of going 70 mph on the motorway once or twice a year would be more worthwhile and overall cost about the same. I still look forward to seeing how your journey pans out; I may even test drive one of them once they are available and see.

[@rodneilson5831]

Have you looked at the Carver?

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

There's no way Kat would go for that!

[@Group51]

MG-E is obvious. Yes.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

I assume they had their reasons for naming it as they did but oh boy.

[@MrAdopado]

I love the idea, size and cuteness of the Microlino and some other micro cars but unless you are not going to leave the environs of a large city the price/practicality/performance doesn't match a slightly larger standard "car" now that they are down to similar price points. Once on the open road the disadvantages are going to stack up. I know Dacia isn't a brand that's necessarily going to impress but ducking below 15,000 for a new EV makes it hard to ignore.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We're not really trying to compare this to a "standard car", they serve very different purposes. This would very much be a second car for us, and it's the small size that appeals. It wouldn't be our "main" EV and therefore wouldn't need to fulfil all the requirements that would entail. Getting another regular sized car, even for a similar amount of money, isn't what we're trying to achieve. But it's good to see that the price of some EVs is becoming more affordable, that's definitely a good thing.

[@geoffreycoan]

How does the Microlino compare price-wise to the Fiat 500E? Personally whilst almost all of the time its short journeys for me and just me in the car, I like the ability to put stuff in the car and the flexibility to be able to go on longer trips so I don’t think a micro car would be for me. As a second car I can see they have their place, but definitely need UK dealer support first. Get another Fiat would be my vote !

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

This would be a second car for us, it would only be needed for short trips and Kat's commute. But price wise it's a lot cheaper than a new Fiat 500e, although probably similar to a second hand one. We're definitely not thinking this would be our "main" car!

[@jonevansauthor]

The Silence is definitely more practical than the Microlino and I love the removable battery packs you can charge in the house (ideal for flat dwellers). It doesn't look as funky though. The Fiat is currently top of my car list, but only because the Smart ForTwo has outdated battery tech/chassis design and so very small range. My issue as a singleton with the Fiat is it has two seats for children in the back which I've zero use for. If they did a 2 seat, massive boot version I'd be happier with that though a shorter one of Smart length would be ideal. End of the day, I'm not ready to buy, will almost certainly go second hand so if the Microlino or Silence is available second hand when I do buy, it'd probably be one of those. Years from being a choice though. The City Transformer looks great but I doubt it'll come out. Oh and the Squad Solar would be really interesting but again, I'm not sure it'll get built and won't be until its available to buy.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

There are certainly lots of interesting options coming along in the near future, it's great to see. I like your idea of a (possibly smaller) Fiat 500 with no rear seats, that'd suit us fairly well too.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Anything with solar in the name will fail.

[@johnb7644]

A updated bubble car 👍

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Yes, indeed. About time.

[@richarddixon6354]

Great video. The Microlino is a very interesting car, great for short trips as you say. My concerns range from what happens if the car manufacturer does a Fisker, getting spare parts could become a nightmare. If you have a small bump at the front it could damage the hinge and you might not be able to get out! If you had a crash the crumple zone appears to be your legs. Finally a new sport of car tipping might start if left parked on public roads! Sorry to be so negative. The Cyberster looks amazing but with a suspected UK price of £50k you only need 1000 new Octopus referrals, sorry already with them.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

There are always risks with new products. Of course one must consider the possible negatives (all extremely unlikely imo) but there are many benefits too.

[@jonevansauthor]

The first thing to remember when comparing Microlino/Ami/Silence/Squad Solar is that they're quadricycles not cars. A moped is a better comparison. I don't see anyone tipping them over, that's just fairly paranoid and if people want to, they can easily flip your Land Rover with a surprisingly small number of idiots. Yes, the Cyberster does look fun, but why they didn't just call it something like, I dunno, Roadster, is beyond me. And I'd rather have the Smart Roadster level of 2 seater 'sports' EV personally. It's a pity they didn't do one and have stopped making real EVs entirely.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@jonevansauthor I love small lightweight sports cars (we owned a Caterham 7 for three years) but no one seems to be doing EV versions. I was hoping the Cyberster was going to fulfill that niche but it's way too big, really. If Mazda brought out an electric MX5 that'd be much closer to what I'm after but sadly they seem to be very behind the curve on EVs generally. An electric Smart roadster would also fit the bill nicely. Maybe one day.

[@richarddixon6354]

Hi Tim, I am so disappointed with the end of your original reply. I have supported your channel for sometime taking an interest in all you do and sharing with friends. I have been following a US channel were a man has just got his Fisker Ocean and he sadly is left with a vehicle that no one wants and in his own words it will be a massive issue if he needs parts. I know we are talking a massive difference $50k to £15k but wouldn’t want you to end up out of pocket. Of course safety is down to the individual and you have great car in the Fiat 500e. @jonevansauthor It is a shame you presume I have a Land Rover. I don’t currently have a car but my next one will be electric, it is the way forward for both me and the environment. I think the Cyberster looks fantastic and £50k is an excellent price and hopefully when it is launched there will be some great lease deals available.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@richarddixon6354 I'm sorry you feel disappointed, Richard, perhaps I didn't word that the best way. What I meant was I'm not put off by those (valid) concerns you raised. Although I appreciate your concerns we are currently in the research phase and no firm decisions have been made and we're a long way from having to commit to anything. I'll bear in mind what you said, but if we do ultimately decide to go for a Microlino we'll accept those risks. (I've now removed that last sentence in my original comment, btw, I clearly misjudged the tone and regret writing it).

[@B0jangle5]

If you can, I'd wait for more of the next generation cars hitting the market, ~2025. Lots of smaller and cheaper cars like the Renault 5 and BYD Seagull, which even if you're not hot on those will only help push the price down of existing cars.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We didn't say we were going to get this immediately as it becomes available. We're doing research. There are always better things on the horizon and we'll be looking at those too as and when.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk yes - these vehicles take years and years to come out, then longer to reach the UK. And whether its EVs, graphics cards or TVs, the new hotness is inevitably released within six months of your purchase. You have to bite the bullet at some point if you're going to. The reason to wait longer would be a vehicle that is massively better for your needs - I suspect if you picked Silence or Microlino and it works for you, either would fulfil 90% of the criteria you might set. A vehicle in six months from that point, won't suddenly be that much better. I do look forward to the day when our quadricycle options are ten or twelve good vehicles in different niches though. Except that it'll make picking one harder :D

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@jonevansauthor quite right, I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@michaeledwards8079]

as you have another 2 years left on your lease with the fiat, isn't it a bit early to look at changing, in 2 years the EV's that will come out in the next 2 years will be cheaper and better battery technology, have you checked out the Dacia spring for the same money and seems a superior car

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

We didn't say we were going to change it immediately. This is research.

[@jonevansauthor]

I think the Dacia is a great vehicle but it's massive compared to the Fiat 500, which is massive compared to the Smart/Silence/Microlino. Its really a different beast, and for the same money as a new one, you could obviously get a second EV at a much better standard. The difference with the quadricycles is that there is literally no option you can choose instead of Silence/Microlino. The Dacia is the equivalent of telling someone planning to go from a bicycle, to an ebike, to get a moped instead.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@jonevansauthor once again, absolutely nailed it.

[@ia24680]

I think micro cars are an interesting idea and definitely have appeal. Not for me though on UK roads - the safety aspect rules them out - too many other idiots there driving 2 tonne death machines vs minimal protection compared to standard EV (especially Teslas)

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

The Microlino seems to have passed all the relevant safety requirements and is definitely a lot safer than a motorbike, for example.

[@ia24680]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Our safety test standards not probably the yardstick I would necessarily use - riding a motorbike is definitely not the yardstick (though i guess in some instances at least you can accelerate your way out of trouble)! My yardstick is would I lose sleep if my daughter was driving it…Perhaps if I lived in a city and the intended use was within the city.

[@SheepShearerMike]

Would your choice of car be anything to do with today's date? 😂

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Not at all. I did wonder if people might think that but no, this is a genuine consideration for us.

[@radiotowers1159]

Just like the old BMW Isetta Bubble car. Wait till the safety reviews come out before considering

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

That was a significant inspiration, for sure. Still in the early stages of research so will be considering all the options before deciding.

[@steveyoung8376]

the micro cars are pretty expensive for £16k., you can get decent full EV for that price. I was selling vectrix high performance electric scooter in 2008 for £5.5k with top speed 62mph and range 40 miles

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Just because you can get a bigger car for the same money doesn't mean you should get the bigger car if it's the smaller car you'd prefer.

[@curmudgeon_OG]

April fool I hope. Driving the 500e at 100 mph would give Kat a good representation of how the microlino would feel at 50 mph.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

You've done both then I take it?

[@joshuarosen465]

Cute but terrifying. There is no way i'd drive a Microlino on a public road if you hit anything you're going to die.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

Much safer than a motorbike and you see loads of people riding them all over the place 😉. Or indeed walking literally anywhere on a pavement 🤷‍♂️

[@joshuarosen465]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Safer than a motorbike is a pretty low standard. That's like saying a wolf makes a better pet than a crocodile. Thanks, I'll stick with my cats and my Tesla.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@joshuarosen465 you don't walk anywhere ever? I'm glad you're happy with your Tesla. I don't think you're the target market for micro-cars.

[@joshuarosen465]

@@TimAndKatsGreenWalk How is walking dangerous. You don't walk on a street you walk on a sidewalk. As long as you obey the lights and look both ways before you cross a street the risks are minimal.

[@TimAndKatsGreenWalk]

@@joshuarosen465 you know cars could easily mount the pavement, right? (That's UK for sidewalk)