Electric, Pedal, and Solar: The TRUE Urban Car?

The goal of the Midipile car? An incredibly low operating cost, thanks to an efficient electric motor, and the help… of human strength, as well as the sun!

Why this strange name Midipile? “The time to invent the world we dream of for our children, in the face of climate challenges. We can no longer wait!” explains CEO Benoît Trouvé, “current solutions do not address this urgency, traditional industrial players are unable to propose disruptive solutions. We understand this and are acting by developing an innovative and sustainable mobility solution.”

Featherweight and Almost Completely Recyclable

The result is a curious car born in Charente (16), a lightweight electric quadricycle falling into the category of the Citroën Ami. It limits its speed to 45 km/h, enough for urban environments. But this Charentais car has a vision, that of efficiency.

Already, by limiting its weight to 240 kg, when the Ami exceeds 400 kg by far. The materials are the most environmentally friendly possible, bio-sourced, such as resin or hemp fiber, and 98% recyclable (more than the Mobilize Duo). Its four large 17-inch wheels with a minimal ground footprint also help reduce consumption.

Inside, designers aimed for minimalism: “a steering wheel, pedals, and a seat.” The driver nevertheless has a screen with essential information including speed, remaining range, and the mode engaged.

The Midipile Combines Electric, Solar, and Pedaling

Its 6 kW (8 hp) electric propulsion is combined with an optional pedaling function. The Midipile is therefore both a microcar and an electric cargo bike at the same time! On the front hood, solar panels further extend the range by about 40 kilometers per day.

Its removable batteries are in 4 modules, of NMC type, with two sizes of 4 kWh (standard) or 7.5 kWh (long-range). In total, they provide 120 or 200 km of autonomy, including pedaling and solar assistance. The Midipile thus offers incredible savings in use: €0.55/km over 100 km, half of the very modest Citroën. For comparison, a Renault Twingo electric requires nearly €3 per 100 km.

Charging takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the version, but solar help can be used during the day to shorten this time (around 60 km or 2.25 kWh over 8 hours in full sun).

Four Versions for the Ultra-Light Vehicle

A small drawback, the Midipile is a single-seater, only 90 centimeters wide. But the quadricycle needs only 4m² compared to 11.5 m² for a parking spot. It primarily targets professionals, offering three versions: pallet, box, and pickup, thanks to its compact size ideal for dense city centers.

The professionals will also appreciate fleet management with GPS positioning and connectivity, the insurance/maintenance/assistance package, and its loading capacity. The mini-vehicle accepts up to 300 kg and has a useful volume of 1.5 m³, compared to the Ami Cargo’s 400 liters and the upcoming Mobilize Bento with 700 liters.

With its total load, the Midipile still offers a maximum of 110 km, and 65 km with standard batteries. Finally, a Duo version with a conventional body allows reaching private individuals, using the rear space with a second seat. After the prototype at the end of 2021, the French company hopes to produce its first units starting in 2023. The first 10 cars are pre-ordered, at a rental price of €300 excluding VAT/month.

Also read: DHL chooses a famous American manufacturer for its electric delivery vans