Mobility

E-Car, Micro-Car and K-Car, what they are and what the differences are

New compact electric cars are poised to usher in a new market niche. We discover the differences with Microcar and Japanese K-car

by Simonluca Pini

20 May 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

E-Car, what are they
Microcars, what they are
K-car, what are they
E-Car, what will change

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

They are called E-Cars and translate into compact electric cars, produced in Europe and affordable. Christened Small Affordable Cars, they aim to offer a mobility solution at a competitive cost but above all to increase car production in the Old Continent. Not to be confused with micro-cars and the Japanese K-Cars, they will provide more safety than heavy quadricycles.

E-Car, what are they

While waiting to discover the first model produced by Stellantis, the E-Car will be a new vehicle category. The difference will not be so much about the product but about a change in the regulatory framework (Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 introducing a new sub-category of passenger cars, the small electric vehicles category M1 (M1E), based on a maximum length of 4.2 metres) and a series of benefits for motorists such as purchase bonuses, scrappage schemes, favourable parking conditions, toll exemptions or reductions and reduced charging rates. On top of this, a maximum price of approximately EUR 20,000 will be added.

Microcars, what they are

So-called microcars fall within the category of light quadricycles, where, according to the Italian Highway Code (Art. 53 h), they are comparable to a moped despite having four wheels and can be driven with an AM licence from the age of 14. Heavy quadricycles for passenger transport, on the other hand, must have an unladen mass with a maximum limit of 400 kg and a maximum load capacity of no more than 200 kg. For the transport of goods, the maximum limit is 550 kg, with a maximum load capacity of no more than 1000 kg. The calculation of mass does not include the weight of batteries for vehicles equipped with an electric motor. Heavy quadricycles with power up to 15 KW can be driven with a B1 driving licence.

K-car, what are they

Kei-cars (from the Japanese keitō jidōsha, 'light car') must be no longer than 3.40 metres, have a width of no more than one metre and 48 centimetres, and a power output of no more than 64 horsepower from an engine with a displacement of no more than 660 cubic centimetres. Characterised by a four-seat passenger compartment, they account for about 40% of the registrations in Japan.

E-Car, what will change

A fundamental point will be to open up to a less restrictive regulation than that for M1 category cars, placing constraints and stakes between traditional cars and microcars and light quadricycles. Starting with M1 cars, reference is made to Reg. (EU) 2018/858 + 2019/2144, which imposes a long series of constraints as basic equipment that includes safety systems such as Abs, Esc, three-point belts, airbags, Isofix, Drl, Tpms, eCall, a long list of compulsory Adas (Isa, Aeb, Elks, Ddaw, Edr, etc.) on new types from 07/2024. on new types from 07/2024), Euro 6e emissions (NOx 0.060 g/km petrol, 0.080 diesel; Pm 0.0045 g/km + Wltp+Rde) and mandatory crash tests (Un R94, Un R95, Un R137 + pedestrian protection UN R127). Much milder limits for L6e/L7e quadricycles, regulated by EU Reg. 168/2013 (L-category), with strong constraints on mass (≤ 425/450/600 kg) and power (4 or 15 kW) but no obligations on ESC, airbags, Tpms, eCall, Adas and crash tests. Emissions are also limited to Euro 4/5.