The adorable little Eli ZERO electric microcar is growing up. At this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Eli Electric Vehicles is unveiling a faster, more powerful version of its pint-sized electric car, along with a sporty new limited-edition model that even includes a hidden Turbo mode. First teased last week, the new Eli ZERO MX is the company’s first L7e-class electric vehicle, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). That’s a significant jump from the 45 km/h (28 mph) top speed of the original L6e version that we originally reviewed, opening the door to a much wider range of driving scenarios. And perhaps most importantly, the company managed to squeeze that extra performance into the same tiny package. Eli ZERO MX: Same tiny car, more power The Eli ZERO MX retains the original’s ultra-compact 2.25-meter (7.4-foot) length, making it considerably smaller than even the smallest conventional passenger cars. Advertisement - scroll for more content But under that tiny exterior, the MX now packs up to 20 kW (27 hp) of peak power, compared to the 12 kW (16 hp) of the original Eli ZERO. The upgraded model also features a 14.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a claimed range of up to 200 km (124 miles) per charge. That’s a pretty respectable figure for a vehicle designed primarily for short urban and suburban trips. The rear-wheel-drive microcar features selectable ECO and SPORT driving modes, a 30% climbing capability, and a tight 7.2-meter turning circle. Charging is handled by a 3.3 kW onboard charger, allowing owners to plug in at home or use public AC charging stations. Despite its diminutive size, the Eli ZERO MX also includes a surprisingly long list of features normally associated with much larger cars. Those include air conditioning and heating, a panoramic moonroof, soft-close doors, keyless entry and start, electric power steering, ABS, front and rear disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake. There’s also an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a reversing camera with rear radar, and an optional 10.1-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay. The MX is available in four colors: Pearl White, Arctic Silver, Graphite, and Champagne. The biggest difference, though, is the vehicle’s classification. While the original Eli ZERO falls under Europe’s L6e light quadricycle category, the new MX qualifies as an L7e heavy quadricycle. That means it generally requires a higher-level driving license, but also allows for considerably more performance. For drivers who love the idea of a tiny electric runabout but need something capable of keeping up with faster suburban traffic, the MX could be a much more compelling option. A sporty Race Edition with a hidden surprise Eli isn’t stopping at a faster version of its microcar. The company is also introducing the Eli ZERO Race Edition, a limited-production model available in both the original L6e and the new L7e configurations. Finished in an exclusive Turbo Red paint job, the Race Edition features racing stripes across the hood, roof, and body panels, along with a rear spoiler and special wheel badging. Inside, the sporty treatment continues with a two-tone Race Red microsuede and light gray interior, including special upholstery, dashboard accents, and embroidered seats. But the most interesting feature isn’t immediately visible. Eli has included a secret Turbo mode activated by pressing and holding the hazard light button. After four quick chimes, the digital instrument cluster switches to Turbo mode and the car’s acceleration response becomes sharper. Importantly, the feature doesn’t increase the vehicle’s top speed or exceed its regulatory performance limits. Instead, it changes the way the car responds to accelerator inputs, giving it a sportier driving feel. It’s a fun little Easter egg in a vehicle that already has plenty of personality. Eli is also offering a new Carbon Aero Kit, consisting of a carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts, and rear wing. The kit is compatible with both the Race Edition and other Eli ZERO models. Small electric cars finding their place Eli has spent years developing its vision of a smaller, lighter, and more efficient alternative to conventional cars, particularly for the short trips that make up much of our daily driving. The company has already launched its second-generation Eli ZERO, which shares the same 96V electrical architecture and aluminum chassis as the new MX. By expanding into the L7e category, Eli is addressing one of the biggest limitations of its original design: speed. A 28 mph (45 km/h) microcar makes plenty of sense in dense urban centers, but its usefulness quickly drops off when drivers need to venture onto faster roads. A 50 mph (80 km/h) version, on the other hand, could make the same tiny vehicle practical for considerably more people. The Eli ZERO family is currently available through authorized dealers in several European markets, including Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands, with prices starting at €10,500 (approximately US $12,000) for the base model. Pricing for the new MX and Race Edition hasn’t yet been announced. Eli also has a pilot program underway in the United States, though the new models are being introduced primarily for the European market. Both the Eli ZERO MX and Race Edition will be on display at EICMA 2026 in Milan from November 3–8. For a vehicle that takes up less than half the space of a conventional car, the Eli ZERO is certainly finding ways to make a bigger impression! 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Liked by Evan Wilson, Ethan Johnson
Liked by Evan Wilson, Ethan Johnson
Liked by Evan Wilson, Ethan Johnson