Swedish microcar maker Luvly wants to be the IKEA of tiny electric cars
Luvly, a Swedish microcar company, is gearing up to produce a tiny, ultraefficient electric car for urban living – and distribute it around the world using a flat-pack shipping method, much like another famous Swedish brand.
Luvly derives its name from LUV, or “Light Urban Vehicle,” which really sets the tone for what they’re going after – small cars designed for city use.
Luvly’s first vehicle, the Luvly O, has specs intended to work perfectly for an urban dweller. Which is to say, those specs are not any more than what you need (or more than what European quadricycle regulations limit them to), combined into a cute, affordable, and convenient package.
The whole vehicle weighs just 380kg (837 pounds), about a fifth as much as the standard 4,000-pound passenger car (the Tesla Model 3 weighs around this much), resulting in lower manufacturing emissions. And its light weight means that it’s tremendously more efficient, with energy consumption on the order of 60Wh/km (96Wh/mi), about two to four times better than “full-size” electric cars.
This low energy consumption means the Luvly needs a smaller battery to get around, and the standard battery is just 6.4kWh. But that’s not the best part – the battery is two separate units, each weighing 15kg (33 pounds), and they are removable.
So, sure, you can plug in the car to charge it. But what if you park on the street and don’t have access to a charging point? Well, you can just take the battery with you into your apartment and charge it there. This might be harder if you’re carrying other things or live in a walk-up apartment or have reduced strength or mobility, but perhaps another carrying solution could be designed for people who need that.
The small battery means fast charge speeds as well. On a standard European 220-230V outlet, each battery unit should take about an hour to charge. In the US, due to our slower 120V outlets, it’ll take about two hours. No special charger or high-amperage outlets are needed – just a regular outlet. Quick charging times and potential battery swapping capabilities also give the car the potential to be used for urban car-sharing schemes.
But despite (and perhaps because of) its small size, the car is still capable of the feats that matter most for intracity tasks. Its top speed of 90km/h (55mph) is perhaps a bit slow for interstates but suitable for quick highway jaunts within a city and for any surface road. Its trunk holds 267 liters, a bit over nine cubic feet, which won’t help you haul lumber but should be enough for groceries, bags, or maybe even a small Costco run. It would also be ideal for last-mile/intracity delivery.
Tiny cars are often thought of as being less safe, primarily due to oversized vehicles taking over the road, leading to an arms race of vehicle size. But smaller and slower cars are safer for occupants and for those outside the car. Luvly says they will use a sandwich-structure composite safety shell with additional energy-absorbing foam material to keep occupants safe. (Luvly calls it “slow formula racing tech.”)
And down to the bottom line: Luvly plans to sell the Luvly O for around €10,000, or $11,000. That’s cheaper than any car you’ll find and not even much more expensive than high-end cargo bikes. If it ends up qualifying for EV subsidies in the various regions it ends up being sold, that price could become even more absurdly low.
Most of these specs are subject to change, especially with varying homologation rules in different territories. And Luvly does see opportunities in several markets, both around Europe and around the globe.
The IKEA of tiny electric cars
Luvly says its main innovation is in its production and assembly process, which it intends to license and allow for different cars to be built with its same processes. A sporty model, a small cargo van, or a three-wheeler are all potential configurations.
The IKEA comparison is not just about the shared country of origin but rather about Luvly’s planned production and shipping methods. Rather than assembling cars in one central factory and shipping them around the world fully assembled, Luvly has pioneered a process that allows for flat-pack shipping of vehicle parts.
Unlike IKEA, these won’t be assembled by the end user, but flat-pack shipping will allow a single shipping container to hold the parts required for 20 total cars, rather than needing a pure car carrying ship or loading one to four fully-assembled standard-sized cars in a container.
So parts can be produced in a central factory, and these parts are then assembled in micro factories covering individual sales regions. One 2000-square-meter micro factory could service a territory the size of Sweden.
Each micro factory then has a smaller footprint, deployment timeline, and capital expenditures to set up. Licensees of Luvly’s process could set these micro factories up much more easily than if they had to build the entire process themselves. And at end of life, these parts can be recycled as well.
While Luvly has some stiff competition in Europe from established brands, like Citroen and Renault, and smaller companies, like Microlino, it believes that its flat-pack and sandwich composite methods give it a leg up. But it also believes there is plenty of room for this market to grow and that drivers can be convinced to go smaller.
Why smaller is better
Luvly CEO Håkan Lutz, despite being 193cm (6’4) himself, is adamant that cars are too big and need to be smaller. (He says that he and his brother, who is even larger than him, fit in the car together just fine.) He notes that Sweden has the largest cars in Europe. Despite that, Swedes are an environmentally-conscious lot: They live in a spread-out country with few significantly sized cities; they love to bring the whole family out to the Sommarstuga (summer house) for vacation (and tow a 1000kg trailer while doing so – these are ubiquitous in Scandinavia); and many live in small quaint suburbs.
But this gets down to the current predicament with cities, especially in Europe, but really all around the world. Cars are getting bigger, and city centers aren’t. These bigger cars create more pollution, are more noisy, kill more pedestrians, cause more congestion, and take up more parking space. And this is happening when we need to move more people into cities and make them denser, not less dense, in order to make society more efficient in the face of climate change.
Lutz would like to see this trend reversed. He sees the arms race of larger cars as a symptom of humans seeing each other as competitors to distance and protect themselves from. And this attitude will not help us in the fight against climate change or the fight for better cities.
A reversal of the large car trend would lead to myriad societal benefits and could be paired with making cities more human-centric rather than car-centric. With car-centric cities, we surrender so much of our human space to vehicles that only get used for minutes a day. A smaller car is still a car, and it still takes up space and needs roads, but smaller cars fit better into the lives of city-dwellers than the huge land yachts which US and EU automakers are trending toward.
But he acknowledges that the Luvly O is better for intracity travel rather than for living outside a city and driving in. However, for some drivers who live in a nearby suburb/exurb – say, Lund to Malmö, two cities just 20km away – the Luvly could work and would certainly be easier to find parking for. And despite being a low population density country, Sweden still has an urbanization rate of 88% – higher than the US at 83%. So there are plenty of people in each country who could benefit from an urban-focused vehicle.
Lutz thinks that young city dwellers, who are increasingly tired of their cities being overrun by SUVs, are the perfect audience for Luvly. He wants to target cities with high levels of pollution and congestion and with significant numbers of urban commuters. These will largely start in Europe, though Lutz thinks there are young people in every city in the world who could be interested in a vehicle like this.
Yes, even in the US, where the stereotype goes that small cars won’t sell. And here I am, with a 2,800-pound car in the driveway, still wishing it were a bit smaller – so maybe he’s right.
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Enel North America and food and snacks giant Mars have signed a massive clean energy deal that will power up Mars’s operations with Texas solar.
The two companies completed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the full output – all 851 megawatts (MW) – of three Texas solar farms. Together, those plants are expected to deliver 1.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. That makes this Enel’s largest corporate PPA worldwide.
Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America, said the deal “shows how renewables are among the fastest and most affordable solutions to meet the nation’s energy needs. Through these agreements, we’re adding clean capacity to the Texas grid while supporting a leading manufacturer’s sustainability goals.”
For Mars, the move goes beyond just greening its own factories. Kevin Rabinovitch, global VP of sustainability at Mars, explained that this PPA “lets us bring demand for all the electricity used in our value chain to the clean energy market in a highly efficient manner. The more demand we create together, the faster we can build the future we all want.”
All three solar farms will use sheep grazing to manage vegetation, a dual-use practice Enel has scaled through the largest solar grazing agreement in the US.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Lease deals get all the headlines, but 75% of new car buyers still finance their cars, indicating that they want to own their vehicles once the payments are done. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been holding out for relief from sky-high payments, a wave of new EVs are now available with 0% financing — making it one of the best months yet to buy a new EV.
Every month, Electrek readers looking for great deals on a new EV flock to our lease deal posts. Recently, however, the comments have been asking another crucial question: what about EV deals for the people who want to buy, instead of leas?
You asked, we listened. This roundup is for that 75% of new car buyers who choose to finance their cars instead of lease — so here’s a list of all the 0% financing deals on EVs you can get in September, 2025.
As I put this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. In the end, I decided to present these deals in alphabetical order, by brand name (make). And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
New for the 2024 model year, the Acura ZDX uses GM Ultium battery and drive technology, but the styling, interior, and infotainment are all Honda, delivering GM-level parts support with Honda-level fit, finish, and quality. Add in standard Apple CarPlay support, 0% financing for up to 72 months, and $7,500 customer cash through September 30th, and the ZDX becomes easily one of the best sporty crossover values on the market.
Chevy Equinox EV
With an impressive combination of affordability, practicality, and advanced features, the Chevy Equinox is a standout EV. And with an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles and a starting price under $35,000, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealer lots.
For well-qualified buyers, Chevrolet is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months through GM Financial through September 30th. That offer can be paired with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit (which you can claim at the dealer), along with up to $1,250 in additional discounts for Costco members, depending on membership level.
Dodge Charger
Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with some extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest muscle car on the dealer’s lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood.
For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger with up to 670 battery-backed horsepower. And if you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with a $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months — and that’s before any dealer discounts.
Ford F-150 Lightning
America’s best-selling electric truck offers V2x technology, a nationwide dealer network, a universe of aftermarket accessories, and a look that blends into the crowd. This month, this proven pickup adds 0% interest financing for up to 72 months. Ford Pro customer can get access to advanced telematics and, in some cases, even get help sourcing additional grants and rebates, too.
GMC Hummer EV
The biggest of GM’s Ultium-based EVs are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration, plus on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members. So, if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
GMC Sierra EV
In addition to offering a solid Powerwall alternative, these big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s “three letter bandit” commercial brand are just as impressive as their Hummer stablemates, but one-up the Hummers with heavy-duty towing prowess and the added capability of bidirectional charging baked in. And, like the Hummer, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of Denali and AT4 model Sierra EVs with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members.
Honda Prologue
Like the Acura ZDX at the top of this list, the Honda Prologue was blends the excellent GM Ultium EV platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the top-selling electric crossovers — and to move out as many as possible before the $7,500 federal tax credit goes away, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 60 plus up to an additional $2,000 in Honda Loyalty or Conquest cash.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
The last of the streamliners, the IONIQ 6 has influences from Ferry Porsche and Raymond Loewy without looking like a copy of either. In addition to being a future classic, it’s efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and (now through the end of the month), can be financed with 0% interest for up to 48 months or $7,500 in customer bonus cash on all trims.
If you’re flexible on color, Hyundai dealers with “aged inventory” will give you an extra $1,000, for $8,500 total incentive dollars on your IONIQ 6.
Jeep Wagoneer S
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with a sloping roof and spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past that minor caveat, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver. With $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months before dealer discounts through September 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best EV deal going.
Kia Niro EV
Kia is doing a phenomenal job moving its supercar-baiting EV6 and ultra-capable EV9 family trucksters, but the under-mentioned and underrated little Niro EV seems like it could use a little help. To that end, Kia is offering 0% interest financing or up to $7,500 customer cash on select examples of the little urban runabout now through September 30th.
Nissan Ariya
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months or up to $10,000 Customer Cash (that’s not a typo) undecided EV buyers could do a lot worse than to give the Ariya a chance to win them over.
Polestar 3
Sleek, Scandinavian, and seriously quick, the Polestar 3 is the lovechild of Swedish brand Volvo and Chinese brand Geely’s billions. As such, it delivers both Scandinavian style and high-tech substance with dual-motor power, a minimalistic, luxurious cabin, and Android Auto baked right in. The Polestar 3 was designed to turn heads while keeping daily driving effortless, and through the month of September, it’s sure to turn even more heads with 0% financing for up to 72 months through Polestar Financial Services and a $10,000 Clean Vehicle Incentive in some markets.
Put it all together, and the Polestar 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium EV SUV deals of the month.
Subaru Solterra
The first-ever electric Subaru had a rocky start (no pun intended), but this off-road-ready sibling of the Toyota bZ4X seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and left-leaning granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your inflatables out to the pond. Add in 227 miles of range, some big discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.
Volkswagen ID.4
One of the most popular legacy EVs both in the US and Europe, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and zippy around-town handling. Everyone I know who has one loves it, and VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,000 customer cash. You’ll need to do some math to see which offer works best for you.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 15SEP2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard lines of “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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EV charging networks SWTCH Energy and FLO have signed a roaming agreement that lets drivers charge on either network with just one app, removing the need to juggle multiple accounts or payment methods.
One of the biggest frustrations for EV owners is charging network fragmentation. Using multiple apps and memberships makes it clunky and time-consuming for drivers to plug in, especially on road trips. This new agreement gives drivers access to tens of thousands of chargers on SWTCH and FLO’s networks.
If you’re using the SWTCH or FLO app, you can now see and use chargers from both networks. Your existing payment method works across the board, and expanded charger visibility makes trip planning easier. That should mean a smoother, more consistent experience.
SWTCH CEO Carter Li said, “SWTCH users now have access to more than 70,000 chargers across North America. We’re creating the seamless, integrated charging ecosystem that drivers deserve.” FLO CEO Louis Tremblay added that FLO’s roaming agreements already give its members access to more than 110,000 public chargers, and teaming up with SWTCH further strengthens that coverage.
Both companies already have roaming deals with other charging networks in Canada and the US.
Read more: FLO’s new Ultra DC fast chargers can charge EVs to 80% in 15 minutes
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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