Microcar NZ Ltd

10/05/2026

I’m stoked to have been recognised as a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand at the Wellington Ceremony in March 2026, especially for work that challenges long‑held assumptions about how Aotearoa moves: microcars and narrow‑track EVs.

New Zealand still has no regulatory pathway for microcars, despite their ability to reduce congestion, parking space, lower emissions, and offer far greater protection than motorcycles. As outlined in my policy proposal, “New Zealand lacks a regulatory pathway for microcars and narrow-track electric vehicles…” and that gap is limiting our ability to improve transport for all New Zealanders.

I recently had a very constructive meeting with Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. We discussed the idea of a trial to gather real‑world evidence for two new microcar categories L‑Micro Light and L‑Micro Heavy. This is not a commitment, but it is an encouraging sign that the conversation is shifting from “Why bother?” to “Why not?”

Because right now, our cities are choking on congestion while we pretend the only options are a full‑sized car, a motorcycle with no protection, or decades of disruption for more motorways and public transport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, our vehicle fleet keeps getting bigger, utes wider/taller, SUVs heavier, and more road space consumed per person just to move one individual and a laptop. Microcars challenge that trajectory entirely. They’re not anti‑car; they’re pro‑efficiency. And that’s exactly why this debate is overdue.

Twelve years ago we demonstrated the Tango T600 across New Zealand. At just 99 cm wide, we’ve already shown what’s possible: enclosed safety, extreme stability, and full motorway capability, all while halving the congestion footprint. Yet all vehicles like this sit in regulatory limbo, now unbelievably entering a second decade...

If we want safer roads, lower emissions, and less gridlock, we need to stop treating innovation as a threat and start treating it as an opportunity.

This is Real, photographed in front of the iconic Tirau Sheep and Dog shed. Tested. Demonstrated in 2014. Ready for New Zealand, if we choose to modernise our rules.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

18/03/2026

We are still here and it was a very busy 2025 year being recognised for my advocacy work on Microcars by Engineering New Zealand.

There are more Microcar manufacturers world-wide and the need for new microcar class categories across the world is evident.

More to come on this....

Fellowship is an honoured class of membership recognising highly experienced professionals who've made a huge impact on engineering in Aotearoa. Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau welcomes our newest Distinguished Fellows and Fellows – recognised among engineering's most esteemed.

15/05/2024

As cities worldwide grapple with congestion and pollution, the resurgence of microcars offers a promising solution. With governments and local authorities pushing for cleaner, greener transportation options, microcars are gaining traction.
Renault's Twizy and Citroen's Ami are leading the charge, offering compact, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional automobiles. In response to the demand for smaller, more sustainable vehicles, innovative companies like Microlino, Silence, Eli, and Birò are emerging with cutting-edge designs.
These microcars prioritize efficiency, affordability, and adaptability to urban environments. From quick-swap batteries to smartphone connectivity, they're packed with features tailored for city living.
Join the movement towards sustainable urban mobility and explore the future of transportation with microcars!

Big, heavy electric SUVs are out – teeny mobility solutions are in

11/03/2023

Auckland's traffic situation is dire: the Southern Motorway is severely congested, our train network is frequently under maintenance, there is a shortage of bus drivers, and bicycle usage remains low. It's alarming that over $100M has been spent on reports for the Airport Light Rail and Harbour Bridge Cycle Lane, with little improvement in congestion or any concrete plan to tackle CBD traffic. Meanwhile, yet another report has quantified the cost of congestion to Auckland at over $1B per year.

The solution is simple: narrow microCAR EVs that optimize road and parking space usage. We presented and demonstrated this concept to Auckland Council/Govt a decade ago and again at the 2021 NZ Transportation Conference. It's concerning that while significant amounts are being spent on reports, $100M could have established New Zealand's microCAR EV manufacturing industry, making innovative strides in curbing both transportation congestion and carbon emissions.

07/12/2022

Local authorities complain that cars are too large, too dirty and too dangerous for modern cities.

Cities around the world are taking steps to clear their streets of cars. Clean, small and slow, microcars could fill the gap.

23/08/2022

An excellent piece advocating for microCARs on NZ roads.

Despite the fuel emissions crisis, the micro-EVs taking off overseas are forbidden on our roads.

09/08/2022

If eScooters are allowed on our roads WITHOUT helmets surely it is time to allow the full range of microCARs on our roads?

09/07/2022

How microCAR EVs could help reduce Climate change, Traffic congestion and Air pollution deaths.

04/07/2022

Another impressive narrow two seater microcar.

PMV Electric plans to launch its first micro electric car, EaS-E, in India next month. This EV is expected to be priced from Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom, and is claimed to offer a driving range of up to 200 km per charge.

01/06/2022

A very pertinent article which applies to some extent to NZ.

Europe's VW ID.1 will cost $18,000; Japan's Nissan Sakura is just $14,000.