Agreement with Federmetano and Reinova for the biomethane hybrid Mole Urbana
The car will be able to carry five people and aims at an innovative powertrain solution in a range extender version
by R.I.T.
strategic partnership between Umberto Palermo Design, Federmetano and Reinova for the development of Malya, the new Mole Urbana concept, a 'compact and sustainable' citiy car designed to meet the needs of urban and suburban mobility. The aim is to create an all-Italian innovation laboratory capable of combining design, technology, energy and manufacturing, inspired by the principle of technological neutrality.
The model will have a thermal/electric hybrid drive, fuelled by biomethane. Presented in embryonic form in November 2025 during the Mole Urbana event in Orbassano, Malya aims to combine compact dimensions - less than four metres in length - with the capacity to transport up to five people. The car features production solutions that simplify the industrial process by using stainless steel tubing for the chassis and aluminium elements, reducing the use of traditional moulds and thus costs.
In terms of technology, Malya is focusing on an electric platform with a possible range extender configuration fuelled by biomethane/methane: a hybrid system in which the thermic engine can recharge the battery during use, alongside traditional recharging from the mains or public columns. "Malya wants to show that in Italia it is still possible to produce cars through a flexible and sustainable nanofactory model, dedicated to specific markets and needs," explains Palermo.
"The project will be able to count on Europe's most developed network of compressed and liquefied natural gas distributors, already capable of delivering 100% renewable biomethane, as well as possible dedicated solutions for domestic gas refuelling," explains Dante Natali, president of Federmetano. The association will also contribute technical expertise on bioCng fuel systems and the after-sales service network.
A central role will be played by Reinova, the technological partner in charge of powertrain hardware and software development. 'For Reinova, participating in the Malya project means contributing to the construction of an innovation chain capable of bringing skills, professionalism and industrial vision back to the centre,' explains CEO Giuseppe Corcione.
