For some years now, urban transport has had numerous alternatives to conventional private transport, such as the many micromobility devices that have been appearing. In this new paradigm, microcars are also gaining more and more presence, mostly with high-performance electric propulsion systems.
This rapidly expanding sector that includes proposals such as the French Ami from Citroën, the Swiss Microlino or the S04 from the Spanish company Silence, is joined by the Slovak start-up Patak Motors, which aims to revolutionize electromobility with a groundbreaking light electric car called Rodster. It is an extraordinary two-seater with a retro and elegant design that, at the same time, incorporates the latest driving technology.
With an aesthetic that pays a clear tribute to the classic convertible cars of the 1930s, the Patak Rodster meets all the essential requirements to become the perfect companion for moving around the city: flexibility, dynamism, safety and compact dimensions. And, incidentally, a unique and original line that does not go unnoticed.
It is manufactured to be approved in Europe as a L7e-A2 vehicle, so it can be driven with a B or B1 license (the latter is expected to come into force next year in our country and will allow driving the vehicle from the age of 16 old). In terms of weight and dimensions, the Patak Rodster registers 450 kg without batteries and measures 3.36 meters long, 1.39 m wide and 1.36 m high, making it an agile and easy-to-maneuver vehicle. both on narrow streets and in parking areas.
This dynamic two-seater will be available in two electric propulsion versions. The basic version features a single rear-mounted synchronous motor with a power of 20 HP (15 kW), combined with a 10 kWh battery. In this configuration, the car can reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 7 seconds. A driving range of 100 kilometers is estimated on a full charge.
For the top version, the only thing that changes is the battery capacity, since it comes with a 20 kWh unit, which increases its range to 250 kilometers. It has a type 2 charger and the battery can be fully recharged in a period ranging from 4 to 9 hours depending on the version chosen, using a 220 volt household outlet.
In addition to these two electric versions, a variant with a single-cylinder, four-valve, water-cooled internal combustion engine, with 20 HP of power, will also be available. The maximum speed in this case is 125 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 9 seconds.
Regardless of the powertrain, the Rodster comes with four-wheel disc brakes, central locking, a canvas roof, and a tire repair kit. As for the interior, all versions boast a classic look with a three-spoke steering wheel, a dashboard made of wood and synthetic leather upholstery.
It has a long list of options for those who want greater comfort, such as heating, speakers, fast charging, parking assistance systems, keyless entry or an analog speedometer, among others.
Regarding the price range, the basic electric variant of the Rodster has a starting price of 22,900 euros, while the top version starts at 25,400 euros. For its part, the combustion variant costs 16,900 euros. Serial production of the vehicle is scheduled to begin in August 2024. You can see it in greater detail in the video that accompanies this article.
