August 21: Flattery and imitation

Tesla seems to be in all sorts of trouble these days or at the very least there are storm clouds on the horizon and blowing in fast. Competition, which had been minimal is getting stronger literally every day. And with the recent questionable comments from Mr Musk, a lot of prospects are going to be headed for the established brands' new EV's. Why go with the "questionable" when you can buy from the established brands and get the added prestige of driving a Porsche or a Mercedes or a Jag?

Or maybe a lesser brand is more to your choosing? Something with a touch less cache', but still with the ability to bring a Tesla to its knees with its attention grabbing factor. This is where that old saw about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery comes in. This is the new, or relatively new Microlino EV.........

Wandering around Zurich, Switzerland last week, in amongst the very high end rolling stock, I came across this micro Microlino. Made by the Swiss company Tazzari, it is a modern day knock off of the 1950's BMW Isetta micro car. Small in size, but huge in character, this tiny urban dweller might not breed fear in Elon Musk, but it shows that EV's come in all shapes and sizes, so Tesla's unique proposition is becoming less unique.

How well does it imitate that vintage BMW? A picture is worth......well, you know the old saying......

There's that strange steering wheel on the door deal, that made the original so, well, strange. A carbon copy in every way, except for its minuscule carbon foot print or any kind of foot print. Park it front in or sideways, the choice is yours with the Microlino, a car that makes the Smart look like a limo. Think about the joy it could bring to your local 'hood, knowing that you are saving the planet, while providing more parking space for those others with normal sized cars.

Tazzari? I'd never heard of them either, but they aren't strangers to the EV market, having other models in their electric range. But the others are originals, copying only the traditional box design......

Zero City

Zero Space

Obviously the City is the local runabout, while the Space is for those folks who need the extra room a panel van like design will give them. Folks who feel it's necessary to carry some things, like a wallet, with them on their outings.

But back to the darling little Microlino. Multiple colour choices to brighten anyone's day........

.......and the ability to cost you almost nothing, while doing your best for mankind. Maybe Elon Musk might be worried about his electric future, but a Microlino owner will be confident of theirs.

Until next time.......