Tag Archive: combustion engine

  1. From E-Mobility to Combustion: Microlino’s Groundbreaking Transition

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    In an unexpected twist of events that’s set to shake the foundations of the car industry and perhaps, ignite a spark in the hearts of policymakers across Europe, Microlino has announced a revolutionary change in its production line. Buckling under the pressure of unsupported L7e electric vehicle infrastructure and burgeoning import taxes, the beloved compact EV maker is taking a bold leap – back in time.

    From Electric Dreams to Combustion Realities

    Yes, you read that right. In a move that’s bound to raise more than a few eyebrows, Microlino is saying goodbye to its electric dreams and embracing the age-old combustion engine. “Given the lack of government support in various European countries and the imposition of import taxes, we’ve been pushed to rethink our strategy,” explains Wim Ouboter, CEO & Founder of Micro. “Moreover, being part of the L7e category, which sadly doesn’t play a role in the CO2 calculations, denies us the benefits that giants like Tesla enjoyed in the past, reaping 700 million from the government annually.”

    Innovative Partnership: The New Engine from India

    In an exciting development, Microlino announces that the origin of the new combustion engine will be India – a country globally recognized for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality and premium motorcycles. “For our latest step, we have entered into a partnership with one of the leading experts in the motorcycle industry. This collaboration symbolizes our continuous pursuit of innovation and the highest quality, even as we venture into the realm of combustion engines.” With this move, Microlino underscores its commitment to excellence and the willingness to explore unconventional paths to find the best solutions.

    A Nostalgic Solution to Modern Problems

    The decision, which comes after much deliberation and a hint of desperation, is seen as a pragmatic step back to a time when combustion was king. “It’s simple, really,” continues Ouboter. “If the world doesn’t support our electric ambitions, we’ll save costs where it hurts the most – the battery.”
    This drastic shift not only highlights the financial and regulatory challenges faced by electric microcars but also shines a spotlight on the broader issue of electric vehicle support in Europe. “Our move to combustion is a cheeky nod to the political sarcasm that surrounds the L7e vehicle category in most European countries. A lack of support? Fine, we’ll just save the planet the old-fashioned way.”

    About Micro

    Founded in 1999 by Wim Ouboter, Micro has established itself as a pioneer in urban micro-mobility, notably with the invention of the first kick scooter designed for city travel. In 2013, the company expanded into electric mobility solutions and initiated collaborations with renowned automotive brands. The development of the Microlino, led by Ouboter’s sons Merlin and Oliver, began in 2015 as a PR stunt for the Geneva Auto Show, but due to overwhelming public interest, it evolved into full-scale production. As a family-owned business, Micro is committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability, a commitment recognized through numerous awards.
    For more information, visit www.microlino-car.com.

    Microlino with combustion engine
  2. E-fuels only able to supply 2% of European car fleet by 2035, study claims

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    Source: Euractiv, S. G. Carroll

    A new study claims that the low production levels associated with e-fuels, a hydrogen-derived fuel source advertised as a green solution for combustion engine vehicles, means that the alternative will only be able to cover 2% of the EU’s vehicle fleet.

    The analysis, carried out by clean mobility NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), predicts that e-fuel production will still be in its infancy by the time the draft EU ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars is enacted. Due to the theoretically carbon-neutral status of e-fuels (CO2 is captured for production), fuel manufacturers and automotive industry figures have pushed for the official classification as a petrol/diesel green alternative by European lawmakers.

    Essentially, this would extend the sell-by date of combustion engine vehicles beyond the current 2035 EU deadline. However, as suggested by the T&E study, this is not a viable alternative – just 5 million cars out of the EU’s fleet of 287 million could fully run on synthetic fuel in 2035.

    Yoann Gimbert, an e-mobility analyst at T&E, rejected claims that e-fuels represent a clean solution for cars, calling synthetic fuels a “Trojan Horse for the fossil fuel industry”.

    E-fuels are presented as a carbon-neutral way to prolong the life of combustion engine technology. But the industry’s own data shows there will only be enough for a tiny fraction of cars on the road,” he said.

    On the other hand, the FuelsEurope trade association has referred to the analysis as “disingenuous and deeply misguided“. John Cooper, FuelsEurope Director General, argued that focusing on e-fuels only misses the trade association’s larger point, which is that a range of technologies and feedstocks can be deployed to decarbonize road transport beyond 2035, leading to a broader and more stable approach.

    Negotiations are currently underway between EU institutions to finalize CO2 emission standards for cars and vans, with the next round of discussions set to take place on 27 October, and the role of e-fuels sure to be a hot topic. Read the full Euractiv analysis here.

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