It’s true that prices for many leading full-size electric cars have dropped slightly in the last few months. But even a $50,000 Tesla is still much harder to afford than an electric micro-car that can cost a quarter of the price. Those smaller electric tiny cars, NEVs, and LSVs also come with big advantages over their full-size cousins, saving more than just cash.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that electric tiny cars are for everyone. They’re mostly suited to urban areas, beach communities, planned neighborhoods, and other areas without high-speed roads.
If you regularly use your electric car to drive a few states over, an electric micro-car simply won’t cut it for you. But for people who live in a densely populated area or who drive only a few dozen miles per day (i.e., most people in the US), an electric micro-car could do the trick while saving money, energy, emissions, and more.
My own NEV mini-truck that seats two and hauls 800 pounds (360 kg) in back
What are electric micro-cars?
First of all, there’s no good definition that encompasses all of these small format electric vehicles. There’s not even a single good name. Micro-cars, mini-EVs, tiny cars, NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles), LSVs (low-speed vehicles), and other names add to the confusion in this burgeoning industry.
At their core, most of these vehicles are technically LSVs, at least in the US. That’s the only federally defined term for the majority of these vehicles. It puts them in a class of smaller vehicles limited to 25 mph (40 km/h), and sets them aside as a street legal class of motor vehicles, at least if they meet a stringent set of production and manufacturing requirements and remain on roads with speed limits at or below 35 mph (56 km/h).
Terms like NEV (neighborhood electric vehicles) isn’t actually an official vehicle class, but rather just a loosely defined colloquial term for smaller and lower-powered EVs.
The Silence S04 is a two-seater (believe it or not) electric micro-car concept designed for European cities
Many people think of golf carts when they think of NEVs, but those technically aren’t LSVs because they usually can’t reach the minimum required 20 mph to fit into the LSVs class, nor are they produced to LSV safety or manufacturing standards, such as having a VIN on file with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Even so, while golf carts are not federally regulated to achieve street legal status, many US cities have created their own local ordinances to allow them to operate on certain roads. Towns such as Peachtree City, Georgia, have become famous for their thousands of golf carts that share the roads with larger vehicles as well as make use of mixed-use paths where cars aren’t allowed.
The European Union has their own set of electric micro-car rules that classify such vehicles into L6e and L7e categories that allow for higher speeds. These vehicles, which are considered either light or heavy quadricycles depending on their class, are already produced and sold by major European car makers like Citroen, Renault, and others.
Why would someone want an electric low-speed vehicle (LSV)
When it comes to LSVs, tiny cars, or whatever you want to call them, their smaller size offers big advantages.
First of all, they are much more affordable than most full-size electric cars, while still offering many of the major benefits of electric cars. Prices can start as low as $10,000 for an electric LSV, compared to most electric cars that cost several times as much.
The Eli Zero mini-EV
The Eli Zero, a crowdfunded micro-electric vehicle coming to both the US and Europe, is expected to begin EU deliveries soon with a price of around US $12,000.
Despite that low purchase price, the Eli Zero still has a surprising number of features that make it feel like a “real” car, not a souped-up golf cart. The Eli Zero’s accoutrement list includes features such as a 70 mile (120 km) range, 2.5 hour charge time with on-board charger, regenerative braking, keyless start, heating & air conditioning, and optional power steering/power brakes.
I’ve driven an Eli Zero in both the US and Europe, and I can tell you firsthand that it feels much more like a “real” car than you’d expect.
You can take a quick look at it from my test ride last year in the roundup video below (start at the 4:00 mark for the Eli Zero).
While the Eli Zero is a two-seater and would be great for single drivers or couples living in cities, many LSVs are oriented toward families.
New LSV startup Wink Motors offers a lineup of four-seater LSVs starting at under US $10,000. With both coupe and four-door options, the small vehicles still provide enough seating for parents and two kids, plus plenty of cargo space in back. Some models have a fold-down rear bench that provides even more cargo space when only traveling with occupants sitting up front.
As Wink Motors founder Mark Dweck explained to Electrek:
Wink’s vehicles were purpose-built for urban use, meaning that four seats allows an entire family to go out together without needing a much larger car that would be harder to park or even pay for. We made sure to include enough cargo space for grocery shopping or other errands, and we even have solar powered models with roof-mounted solar panels for apartment residents that don’t have a place to plug in to charge at home. In our opinion, Wink’s vehicles are just cuter and more fun than a big car too.
While electric bikes and e-scooters are quickly becoming the dominant alternative personal electric vehicles in cities due to their small size and hyper affordability compared to electric cars, they still have some key drawbacks. Their exposed design means fewer people want to use an e-bike or scooter in the rain or cold weather, and they can be more vulnerable to theft (both the vehicle itself or personal belongings).
LSVs, on the other hand, are usually enclosed and thus can offer heating or air conditioning, and they lock to protect valuables left in the vehicle. It’s also harder to throw an entire LSV in the back of a truck and drive off, unlike an e-bike.
Wink Motors Mark 1 four-seater electric LSV
LSVs offer many other advantages beyond their low purchase price. They use significantly less energy than both electric and combustion engine cars, reducing fuel cost. They take up less space and are easier to park, which is especially important in urban areas with limited parking spaces. They have better visibility and thus make it easier to see pedestrians, curbs, bollards and other obstacles.
And last but not least, they’re often more fun to drive. They easily turn heads due to their novel appearance, and some of the quirkier or wilder designs wouldn’t look out of place at a car show.
The Microlino is a Swiss micro-EV with a single front-opening door that has already entered production
LSVs are great for utility use in addition to personal vehicles
While the Wink vehicles above are more suited for couples or families, some LSV makers are targeting utility industries instead.
Texas-based AYRO recently revealed an electric mini-truck known as the Vanish with the payload capacity of a typical pickup truck, but at a lower cost and easier use for fleet operators.
The company’s CEO Tom Wittenschlaeger explained to Electrek that the Vanish brings the accessibility advantages of LSVs to more work-oriented customers:
AYRO’s latest innovation is built primarily for use in fleets in organizations ranging from university campuses and airports to resorts and golf courses. It is a utility low-speed electric vehicle intended to improve upon the foundation established by other EV-driven products in the fleet management industry today. LSVs, like the AYRO Vanish, are ideal vehicles for supporting last-mile delivery, micro distribution, and other campus or facility needs.
Fleet managers from these types of industries among others are struggling to maintain aging vehicle fleets and manage fuel costs. The AYRO Vanish can replace multiple aging vehicles while also meeting an organization’s sustainability goals. This low-speed electric vehicle fills the gap between full-sized trucks and small utility or golf carts. With the payload capacity of a pickup truck, it’s still compact enough to navigate narrow pathways and double doors. The Vanish also offers multiple payload configurations so not only can it replace aging fleet vehicles, but it also can be a versatile solution for a variety of purposes ranging from flat bed, utility bed, and even van and food box vehicle needs.
The AYRO Vanish electric mini-truck is a US-built LSV
Do electric tiny cars have enough range?
The range of LSVs varies considerably, depending on their battery size and power level.
Generally speaking, most LSVs have a minimum range of at least 30 miles (48 km), though many have 2-3x that range.
According to the DOT, over 50% of personal vehicle trips in the US are less than 3 miles (5 km). That means that a heavy, expensive electric car with 300 miles of range is overkill most of the time.
While a 25 mph (40 km/h) vehicle with 40 miles (64 km) of range probably won’t take you to the next state over (unless you live right on the border), their ranges are usually more than enough for cities and communities where they are designed to operate.
An extension cord from the garage is all I need to charge my electric mini-truck that I keep on my parents’ ranch
Are LSVs and electric micro-cars safe?
Safety is one of the most important aspects of automotive transportation, and rightfully so. Cars are a leading cause of death. Last year 1.35 million people died on roadways worldwide. In the US, cars are often either the first or second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths (when second they come in behind accidental poisonings, be careful out there).
Suffice it to say that cars are dangerous. But they’re not just dangerous for drivers. They’re also dangerous for passengers and pedestrians too.
When it comes to LSVs and other tiny electric cars, there are safety advantages and disadvantages. LSVs have certain safety requirements such as DOT-approved seat belts, visibility requirements such as lighting, backup cameras, and other mandatory equipment. But they are not held to the same stringent safety requirements as full-size cars, such as not requiring air bags or having to pass crash tests. That’s part of how they can be so much more affordable. Building a car that can protect its occupants driving off a 250 foot cliff is impressive, but it results in a two-and-a-half ton $50,000 tank.
While LSVs are not held to the same stringent safety standards, many LSVs makers go above and beyond the minimum requirements.
I spoke about LSV safety with Paul Vitrano, the SVP and chief legal & policy officer at Waev, the company that manufactures the GEM micro-EV (that you might remember as the Polaris GEM from before it was spun off along with other light EVs into the Waev brand).
As Vitrano explained:
LSVs such as GEM are required to meet a suite of safety standards. When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the LSV class nearly 25 years ago, it recognized both the utility of smaller, lower speed vehicles and the necessity of safety features tailored to the vehicles and use-cases. GEMs are certified to Federal Motor Vehicles Safety standards for lighting, turn signals, mirrors, braking, windshields, rear visibility, seat belts and backup camera.
Waev GEM vehicles in various formats
Perhaps the biggest safety advantage of LSVs though is their speed. Lower-speed travel is safer for vehicle occupants and is significantly safer for pedestrians, which is a major concern in crowded cities that give up most of their public space to cars. According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), “Speeding increases both the frequency and severity of crashes, yet it is both persistent and largely accepted as the norm amongst the traveling public.”
The danger to others is even more pronounced. Figures provided by the USDOT show that a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 23 mph (37 km/h) has just a 10% risk of death, but that increases to a 50% risk at 42 mph (67 km/h) and 75% at 50 mph (80 km/h).
LSVs that can only reach speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h) result in much less energy transfer during a collision, both due to the lower weight of the vehicle and the slower driver speed. That’s safer for both occupants and pedestrians.
Anecdotally, you rarely hear about someone wrapping a golf cart around a tree, but the nightly news is full of grisly-looking car crashes. In fact, every day in the US there are around 7,500 injuries and 100 deaths from car crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
So while micro-cars don’t have the same level of safety equipment as larger cars, their inherently safer speeds means that such safety equipment is less likely to be used.
Do LSVs and NEVs qualify for subsidies, rebates, or tax credits?
While electric cars and trucks enjoy several purchase incentives, there are currently no federal subsidies or rebates for LSVs in the US. There are some subsidies for charging equipment that can be used to charge LSVs at home, though most of these LSVs can also plug into a typical electrical outlet in a garage and thus don’t require larger and more powerful chargers for electric cars and trucks.
There has been some effort to include LSVs and NEVs in local or state tax credits and rebate programs, though I’m not aware of any that have been passed so far. But if I’ve missed any, be sure to let me know in the comments section below this article!
As LSVs gain in popularity in the US, it is likely that they could eventually be included in a growing number of local, state, and federal EV incentive packages.
If massive, costly, and less efficient electric cars are incentivized, then perhaps lighter and more efficient LSVs that travel at safer speeds are deserving of their own purchase incentives.
Micro-EVs like the Citroen Ami are already popular in Europe
Are all LSVs and NEVs street legal?
In the US, LSVs are a street-legal federal classification of motor vehicles. However, several unscrupulous sellers have begun marketing foreign imported electric micro-cars as street legal LSVs when they don’t actually meet federal requirements.
LSVs and micro-EVs are much more popular in Asia, and so there are a growing number of Chinese-produced models popping up in the US. I even bought one myself by ordering it straight from China.
However, these Chinese market vehicles don’t meet US regulations and thus aren’t street legal in most of the US (though they may be legal in certain cities that create more lax restrictions). I bought my electric mini-truck knowing this and use it off-road as a work vehicle on my parents’ ranch. But don’t be fooled by importers offering bargain basement prices on LSVs and claiming that they are “street legal” imports. Truly street-legal LSVs will be registered with the NHTSA and feature approved VINs, not Chinese VINs that can’t be registered in the US.
Golf carts are usually not street-legal as LSVs, though many golf cart makers have produced LSV versions that are essentially golf carts with upgraded parts like mirrors, back up cameras, turn signals, seat belts and other necessary equipment. Golf cart makers like Club Car have popularized this style of street-legal LSV golf cart, though Club Car has also unveiled a GEM-like vehicle that looks even nicer than an upgraded golf cart.
Respected companies like those covered in this article such as Waev, AYRO, Eli, Wink, Club Car, and others have followed NHTSA guidelines to create truly street-legal LSVs for the US market, and others are expected to follow soon.
The Club Car Cru is a new luxury take on the golf cart-turned-LSV model of micro-EV
Will electric micro-cars catch on?
It’s not a matter of if these tiny EVs will catch on, but rather when. Electric quadricycles are already popular in many European cities where their numbers are growing each year.
In the US, LSV numbers have only recently started to grow. The two biggest impediments to LSV adoption in the US seem to be a combination of availability and US driving mindset.
I spoke to Eli founder and CEO Marcus Li about what it will take to accelerate this shift toward smaller EVs in the US.
As he explained, changing drivers’ mindsets about the value of size is part of the equation:
Within the different avenues of transportation, micro-EVs should not be a niche. They should be the norm in high-density cities where urban space is limited, and where being convenient, agile and efficient are important to the health of the urban system as a whole. Facing increasing urban environmental challenges, we believe a mindset shift is long overdue. A shift to where the consumer perspective of being bigger and faster might one day no longer equate to being better. Instead, being compact, energy-efficient, easy to park will be the decision-making factors on choosing a vehicle for cities and communities.
And that shift couldn’t come quickly enough. Some studies that have followed the size of cars in the US are projecting that US parking spaces could need to grow in just a year and a half to accommodate the new, larger vehicles hitting the road.
Combined with the safety impacts of massive cars and the environmental ramifications of such inefficient forms of transportation, small LSVs and micro-EVs could be the best alternative for drivers that can’t depend entirely on public transit, walking, or cycling.
And they’ll be a heck of a lot easier on their wallets, too.
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Renewables and nuclear provided 40.9% of the world’s power generation in 2024, passing the 40% mark for the first time since the 1940s, according to a new global energy think tank Ember report.
Renewables added a record 858 TWh in 2024, 49% more than the previous high in 2022. Solar was the largest contributor for the third year running, adding 474 TWh to reach a share of 6.9%. Solar was the fastest-growing power source (+29%) for the 20th year in a row.
Solar has doubled in just three years, providing more than 2,000 TWh of electricity in 2024. Wind generation also grew to 8.1% of global electricity, while hydro – the single largest renewable source – remained steady at 14% of global electricity.
“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition,” said Phil MacDonald, Ember’s managing director. “Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force. As the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical in meeting the world’s ever-increasing demand for electricity.”
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Ember’s sixth annual Global Electricity Review, published today, provides the first comprehensive overview of the global power system in 2024 based on country-level data. It’s published alongside the world’s first open dataset on electricity generation in 2024, covering 88 countries that account for 93% of global electricity demand, as well as historical data for 215 countries.
What drove the rising power demand
The analysis finds that fossil fuels also saw a small 1.4% increase in 2024 due to surging electricity demand, pushing global power sector emissions up 1.6% to an all-time high.
Heatwaves were the main driver of the rise in fossil generation, accounting for almost a fifth (+0.7%) of the increase in global electricity demand in 2024 (+4.0%), mainly through additional use of cooling. Without these temperature effects, fossil fuel generation would have risen by only 0.2%, as clean electricity generation met 96% of the demand growth not caused by hotter temperatures.
“Amid the noise, it’s essential to focus on the real signal,” continued MacDonald. “Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we’re very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025.”
Aside from weather effects, the increasing use of electricity for AI, data centers, EVs, and heat pumps is already contributing to global demand growth. Combined, the growing use of these technologies accounted for a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024, double what they contributed five years ago.
Clean power will grow faster than demand
Ember’s report shows that clean generation growth is set to outpace faster-rising demand in the coming years, marking the start of a permanent decline in fossil fuel generation. The current expected growth in clean generation would be sufficient to meet a demand increase of 4.1% per year to 2030, which is above expectations for demand growth.
“The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand,” said MacDonald. “It’s clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed.”
Beyond emerging technologies, the growth trajectories of the world’s largest emerging economies will play a crucial role in defining the global outlook. More than half of the increase in solar generation in 2024 was in China, with its clean generation growth meeting 81% of its demand increase in 2024. India’s solar capacity additions in 2024 doubled compared to 2023. These two countries are at the forefront of the drive to clean power and will help tip the balance toward a decline in fossil generation at a global level.
Professor Xunpeng Shi, president of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS), said: “The future of the global power system is being shaped in Asia, with China and India at the heart of the energy transition. Their increasing reliance on renewables to power demand growth marks a shift that will redefine the global power sector and accelerate the decline of fossil fuels.”
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The next-gen LEAF is almost here, and it’s looking better than ever. This isn’t the electric hatch you are used to seeing. Nissan’s new LEAF EV has more range, a fresh crossover design, and yes, it can finally charge up at Tesla Superchargers with an NACS port. With the official reveal just around the corner, someone already spotted the new LEAF at a Tesla charger in Canada.
Nissan is launching the new LEAF in the US and Canada
A little over a week ago, we finally got our first look at the third-generation LEAF. Nissan’s iconic electric hatch has grown into a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover.”
The US and Canada will be the first to see the reimagined LEAF later this year. It will join the Ariya in Nissan’s North American EV lineup as it looks to spark growth in one of its most important markets.
Based on the CMF-EV platform, the same one underpinning the Ariya, Nissan promises the new LEAF will have “significant range improvements.” Although no other details were revealed, Nissan’s vehicle programs chief, Francois Bailly, told TopGear.com that it’s expected to have WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles (600 km).
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It will likely be lower on the EPA scale, but anything even close to 300 miles would be a major improvement over the current 212 EPA-estimated miles offered on the 2025 LEAF SV Plus.
Nissan’s new LEAF EV (Source: Nissan)
The next-gen LEAF will also be Nissan’s first EV to feature an integrated NACS charging port. With its official debut later this year, the new model is out for testing and was just caught testing at a Tesla Supercharger in Canada.
Nissan’s next-gen LEAF charging at a Tesla Supercharger in Canada ahead of its debut (Source: KindelAuto)
If you didn’t know what vehicle it is, the LEAF is hardly recognizable. The new image from KindelAuto gives us a closer look at the new crossover design. It almost looks like a Tesla sitting in front of the charger.
The new LEAF is one of 10 new and refreshed Nissan vehicles set to launch in the US and Canada. It will arrive later this year, followed by the fourth-gen Rogue in 2026, which will be available as a PHEV for the first time.
Nissan’s upcoming lineup for the US, including the new LEAF EV and “Adventure Focused” SUV (Source: Nissan)
Nissan also plans to build a new “adventure-focused SUV” at its Canton, Mississippi, plant in late 2027. The teaser shows what appears to be a rugged electric Xterra. We’ll have to wait for more details on that one.
Nissan will reveal additional info about the upcoming LEAF mid-year. Check back soon for more updates.
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The Port of Barcelona launched the Ecocat Tres, a highly efficient, all-electric commuter ferry powered by Molabo’s ARIES i50 electric motors.
Ecocat Tres is the latest zero-emission ferry in Bus Nàutic’s growing electric fleet, providing clean transportation between the Drassanes and Llevant wharves. In just its first three months, the Bus Nàutic service logged over 125,000 sustainable trips. Operated by ALSA and backed by the Port of Barcelona, the initiative offers locals and visitors an eco-friendly way to travel, cutting down on road congestion and air pollution in the bustling city.
Built by Spanish shipbuilder Metaltec Naval, Ecocat Tres is a 15-meter aluminum catamaran that carries up to 84 passengers. It even includes a rooftop deck, offering extra seating and a breezy ride across the port. The ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes for at least 12 hours each day, with the entire trip taking about 10 minutes.
Under the deck are two powerful 48V Molabo ARIES i50 motors, enabling the electric ferry to hit a top speed of 12 knots. Cruising at its regular operational speed of 5 knots, Ecocat Tres can run efficiently for up to 21 hours on a single charge, making it highly reliable for daily commuters.
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Molabo’s motors have a low-voltage setup, which makes them safer to maintain compared to traditional high-voltage electric systems. Passengers also enjoy a smoother, quieter ride thanks to significantly reduced noise and vibrations onboard. Azimut Marine supplied the full propulsion and energy system, which includes two ARIES 50 kW electric drives, 36 batteries providing a total of 216 kWh, fast chargers, and integrated solar panels. Impressively, solar power alone can cover up to 40% of the ferry’s energy needs.
Ecocat Tres will cut around 90 tons of CO2 emissions each year, making a positive impact on Barcelona’s ambitious climate goals.
Port of Barcelona president José Antonio Carbonell said, “This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonization of our operations.”
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