The cute and compact Eli ZERO electric microcar is “growing up.” At this year’s EICMA Motorcycle Show held in Milan, Eli Electric Vehicles released a new version of this mini electric car that is faster and more powerful, and also introduced a brand-new limited-edition model with a more sporty feel, which even includes a hidden Turbo mode.

The newly announced Eli ZERO MX last week is the company's first L7e class electric vehicle, with a top speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). Compared to the original L6e model's top speed of 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour), this represents a significant improvement, allowing it to be suitable for a wider range of driving scenarios.

And perhaps more importantly, the company managed to fit this additional performance into the same compact body size.

Eli ZERO MX: The same small car, with more powerful performance.

Eli ZERO MX retains the original ultra-compact vehicle length of 2.25 meters (7.4 feet), which is significantly smaller than even the smallest traditional passenger cars.

But beneath this compact appearance, the MX can now provide a peak power of up to 20 kilowatts (27 horsepower), whereas the original Eli ZERO has a peak power of 12 kilowatts (16 horsepower).

The upgraded model is also equipped with a 14.4-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery ( LFP ), and officials claim that the maximum range per charge can reach up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).

For a vehicle designed mainly for short-distance travel in cities and suburban areas, this data is quite impressive.

This rear-wheel-drive microcar offers optional ECO and SPORT driving modes, with a climbing ability of 30% and a turning diameter of just 7.2 meters. In terms of charging, the vehicle is equipped with a 3.3-kilowatt on-board charger, allowing owners to charge at home or use public AC charging stations.

Despite its small size, Eli ZERO MX is still equipped with a long list of features that are usually found only on larger models.

These configurations include air conditioning and heating, panoramic sunroof, soft closing doors, keyless entry and start, power-assisted steering, ABS, front and rear disc brakes, as well as electronic parking brake.

The vehicle is also equipped with an 8.8-inch digital dashboard, a reverse camera with rear radar, and an optional 10.1-inch infotainment display, which also supports Apple CarPlay.

MX offers four colors: Pearl White, Arctic Silver, Graphite, and Champagne.

However, the biggest difference lies in the classification of the vehicles. The original Eli ZERO falls under the category of European L6e light quadricycles, while the new model MX is classified as a L7e heavy quadricycle. This usually implies that a higher level of driving license is required, but it also allows the vehicle to have significantly higher performance.

For drivers who are fond of the concept of small electric mobility vehicles but also need them to keep up with the faster traffic flow in suburban areas, MX might be a more attractive option.

Sporty model with hidden surprises

Eli is not content with just launching faster versions of microcars.

The company has also launched the Eli ZERO Race Edition, which is a limited-production model, while also offering two configurations: the original L6e and the new L7e.

Race Edition features exclusive Turbo Red paint, with racing decalations on the engine hood, roof, and body panels, as well as a rear spoiler and special edition wheel hub markings.

The interior also continues the sporty style, featuring a dual-color Race Red ultra-fine velveteen fabric combined with light gray trim, including exclusive seat covers, decorative elements on the dashboard, and seats with embroidery.

However, the most interesting feature is not immediately apparent at first glance.

Eli has added a hidden Turbo mode, which can be activated by holding down the flashing light button for a long time. After four quick beep sounds, the digital dashboard will switch to Turbo mode, and the vehicle's acceleration response will also become more sensitive.

It is worth noting that this feature does not increase the vehicle's top speed, nor does it exceed the performance limitations stipulated by regulations. What it changes is the way the vehicle responds to input from the accelerator pedal, thereby providing a more sporty driving experience.

For a car model that already has such a distinctive personality, this can be considered an interesting little Easter egg.

Eli has also introduced a new Carbon Aero Kit, which includes carbon fiber front lips, side skirts, and rear wings. This kit is compatible with Race Edition as well as other Eli ZERO models.

Small electric vehicles are finding their place.

Eli has been pursuing its vision for many years: to create an alternative that is smaller, lighter, and more efficient than traditional cars, especially suitable for short-distance driving, which constitutes a large portion of daily travel.

By extending to the L7e category, Eli is addressing one of its biggest limitations from its original design: speed.

The Eli ZERO series is currently being sold in multiple European markets through authorized dealers, including Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands, with the base model starting at 10,500 euros (approximately 12,000 US dollars). The prices for the new models MX and Race Edition have not yet been announced.

Eli is also advancing a pilot project in the United States, but these new vehicle models are currently mainly being launched for the European market.

Eli ZERO MX and Race Edition will both be exhibited at EICMA 2026, which takes place in Milan from November 3rd to 8th.

For a vehicle that occupies less than half the space of a traditional car, Eli ZERO is clearly trying to create a greater presence.

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