Micromobility devices are not the only new stars of city traffic. Microcars, mostly with electric powertrains and high performance, are also popping up at every street corner, changing the face of urban transportation.
The Swiss Microlino is enjoying great popularity, French giant Citroen launched the quirky Ami micro-car in 2020 and has developed several variants since, while the Renault Twizy released in 2011 is still going strong and is seen by many as the quintessential microcar.
Joining a rapidly expanding field of microcars is Slovakia-based startup Patak Motors, which aims to revolutionize electromobility with an innovative light transporter called the Rodster.
Don't worry; there is no typo in the name there. This is how Patak Motors has baptized its retro-inspired, two-seater electric microcar. The Rodster (not the Roadster) is touted as an "extraordinary vehicle with classy design and contemporary driving qualities" and is designed to be homologated as an L7e-A2 vehicle in Europe, which means drivers as young as 16 years old can hop behind its wheel in certain countries.
With a design that pays homage to classic roadsters from the 1930s, the compact machine embraces the retro aesthetic with an open top and skinny spoked-rim wheels. Describing the microcar on its website, the company claims the "Rodster has all the essential features of a perfect city companion. Flexibility, dynamism, safety, and compact dimensions. And above all, a design that speaks for itself."
In terms of size, it measures just 132.2 inches in length (336 cm), 54.9 inches (139.5 cm) in width, and 53.4 inches (136 cm) in height, dimensions that make it easy to maneuver and squeeze into parking spaces. It is also lightweight and agile, weighing in at 992 pounds (450 kilograms) without the battery.
Photo: Patak Motors
There seem to be two versions of the small two-seater electric car. The so-called Stage 1 iteration of the Rodster features a single rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor with an output of 20 horsepower (15 kW), paired with a 10 kWh battery. In this configuration, the microcar is able to reach a top speed of 80 mph (129 kph) and accelerate from 0 to 31 miles per hour (0 to 50 kph) in 7 seconds. Meanwhile, the driving range is estimated at 62 miles (100 kilometers) on a full charge.
For the Stage 2 version, the only thing that changes is the battery capacity, as this one comes with a 20 kWh unit, which doubles the driving range to 155 miles (250 kilometers). The battery will recharge to 100% in four to nine hours using a regular 220-volt household outlet.
Besides these two electric versions, Patak Motors is also working on an internal combustion engine variant of the Rodster, which will be equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke water-cooled engine that delivers 20 hp. Top speed for this version will be 77 mph (125 kph).
Regardless of the powertrain, the Rodster comes with four-wheel disc brakes, a rain protection cover, central locking, and a tire repair kit. It will also have a classic-looking interior with a three-spoke steering wheel, a wood decor dashboard, and faux leather upholstery.
Some optional features will also be available for those who want extra comfort, including heating, speakers, fast charging, parking sensors, and an analog speedometer.
It's worth mentioning that the Slovak manufacturer hasn't yet started production of the Patak Rodster, but the company has signed a partnership with Evektor, a Czech aircraft manufacturer, to handle the production of the microcar, which is scheduled to begin in August 2024. Deliveries, meanwhile, are expected to begin in November 2025.
In terms of pricing, the ICE version is the cheapest, starting at approx. $17,800 (€16,900). The base electric variant of the Rodster will start at $24,000 (€22,900), while the long-range electric microcar is priced from $26,800 (€25,400).
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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