XEV makes new version of Yoyo microcar available in Belgium

The XEV Yoyo, imported in Belgium by VJB Motors in Hasselt, is available to order in its latest model year. To address the growing competition in the microcar class, the Yoyo receives a more efficient battery for more range, some new options, and a revised line-up.

The irony is more than subtle. At the time that Smart, the inventor of the microcar class, is abandoning its iconic urban two-seater, a wave of similar mobility concepts is flooding the European market.

The Yoyo, developed by XEV from Turin with 3D printing technology but made in China, last year joined the category, which the Citroën Ami and its spin-offs revived. Not long after, it was followed by Microlino and Silence.

No swapping yet

Similar to the latter, the Yoyo battery is swappable but also chargeable, which takes away the burden of downtime due to extended charging. This is exceptionally comfortable for business customers, but the swap service is not yet available to Belgian customers because it needs critical mass.

Next to charging headaches, the Yoyo also solves the pain point of the high pricing threshold. The base version starts a little under 17 000 euros, a small price for a 100% electric four-wheeler and competitive within its class, but a steep one for a car that measures only 2,5 meters.

Sales and marketing manager at VJB Johnny Roosen told Newmobility.news: “There’s still much work to be done, but after a year of selling the previous version, I can say that demand has surpassed our expectations.”

XEV has revised its planned distribution network of five Belgian dealers. The brand has found one more partner in Heist-op-den-Berg and one in Roeselare. “This should cover our servicing needs in Flanders,” concluded Roosen.

Now, in four trims

At the Brussels Motor Show, XEV showcased the MY23 edition of the Yoyo, which has now become available to order. The Italian microcar gains some comfort, as it can be equipped with a larger 10-inch infotainment screen and power steering for easier maneuvering in parking spots, while four trims (Easy, City, Tech, and Premium) make up the range.

According to Andrea Campello, CEO of XEV, the new Yoyo also covers more distance between charges: “The more powerful battery increases the range by more than 30%.”

XEV has found a new battery supplier, which managed to provide a higher efficiency from the retained capacity of 10.3 kWh. First experiences uncovered that the theoretical range of 150 kilometers was roughly 20 to 30 kilometers less in real life. That compromise should be resolved with the new pack.

A matter of colors

The Easy versions cost 16 990 euros, come in two colors (but temporarily, the choice is broader), and aim at the fleet market and customers choosing affordability. Its 7-inch infotainment screen is replaced by the new and bigger 10-inch version in the City (€17.680) and offers more exterior options.

The two above-positioned versions, Tech (€18.070) and Premium (€18 510), are very similar and provide the comfort of power steering, with the latter adding some design details like 15-inch wheels and exclusive colors.