Micro-cars truly shine in parking lots. In street-side parking spaces across Paris, France, ultra-compact vehicles wedged themselves like keystone blocks into tight gaps where standard passenger cars could never fit. These urban-tailored driving and parking solutions were on prominent display at the "Paris Motor Show 2026," held from the 12th to the 18th (local time) at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. These vehicles are designed for commuting or neighborhood errands rather than high-speed, long-distance driving.

According to the European automotive outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport on the 25th, new registrations of micro-cars in Europe reached 60,775 last year—a 125% increase compared to 2019. The demand for ultra-compact vehicles goes beyond their cute exterior. While urban driving speeds are low and travel distances are short, demand has been fueled by their practicality in navigating scarce parking spaces, lower maintenance costs driven by electrification, and a growing market of teenage drivers.

Above all, urban driving and parking conditions have played a decisive role. Navigating narrow alleys and tight parking spaces to commute to school or work does not require high-speed performance or long-range driving capabilities. A prime example is Paris, which has limited speeds to 30 kilometers per hour on most of its roads, with the exception of certain highways.

Instead, everyday factors such as parking take precedence. While drivers of large vehicles must circle urban areas endlessly to find a parking spot, small cars are relatively free from this hassle. A representative from Micromobility Systems, showcasing the micro-car "Microlino," explained, "The Microlino takes up only about a third of a standard parking space." The vehicle is roughly 2.5 meters long, about half the length of a typical sedan.

Regulatory frameworks are also expanding the micro-vehicle market. Notably, France allows individuals as young as 14 to drive vehicles that meet specific conditions—such as a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour and a two-seater capacity including the driver (voiture sans permis, or license-free cars)—with just a light quadricycle license (AM license).

On October 13 (local time), a pricing board at a Carrefour gas station near Flins-sur-Seine, west of Paris, displayed regular gasoline at 2.253 euros per liter (approx. 3,349 KRW) and diesel at 2.399 euros per liter (approx. 3,567 KRW). Paris | Reporter Oh Dong-wook

The fact that micro-cars primarily run on electricity has also been a major driving factor. On October 13, a Carrefour gas station near Flins-sur-Seine, France, was selling regular gasoline at 2.253 euros per liter (approx. 3,349 KRW) and diesel at 2.399 euros per liter (approx. 3,567 KRW). At these prices, filling up a 35-liter fuel tank for a Kia Morning costs about 117,000 KRW. In contrast, charging a Microlino—which features a 10.5 to 15 kWh battery pack—fully costs roughly 3,100 to 4,500 KRW, based on French electricity rates (approx. 0.2 euros per kWh).

Affordable vehicle prices are another contributing factor. According to the industry, batteries account for 40% of an electric vehicle's manufacturing cost, but the battery capacity of ultra-compact EVs does not exceed 15 kWh. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated the average battery capacity of pure battery electric passenger cars in the EU last year to be around 70 kWh.

Back in South Korea, indicators are emerging that prompt a re-evaluation of the utility of small cars. According to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority and other sources, the daily average driving distance for non-business automobiles last year was 30.8 kilometers. From January to September of this year, new registrations for light cars (gyeongcha) reached 63,925, up 16.6% year-on-year. Registrations for the Morning surged 59.5% to 19,226 units, while 37,911 units of the Ray were registered, placing it 8th in domestic passenger car sales rankings. Conversely, registrations for large vehicles dropped by about 20.8% over the same period. This trend suggests that the demand for vehicles suited for short, everyday trips, combined with high fuel prices and vehicle purchasing burdens, is breathing new life into the competitiveness of small cars.

However, the rise in domestic light car sales does not necessarily translate directly to the commercial success of ultra-compact EVs. While Europe features a distinct light quadricycle market separate from standard passenger cars, South Korea’s market centers on standard light passenger cars like the Morning, Ray, and Casper. Experts point out that to foster an ultra-compact EV market, policymakers and manufacturers must simultaneously address price competitiveness, safety, charging convenience, and relevant regulations.

Even so, some industry insiders view small cars as a vital gateway for securing a new customer base. An official from a European-headquartered imported car brand noted, "While it may not lead to massive immediate profits, there is a clear consumer journey where buyers start with a small car and transition to slightly larger vehicles as they grow older."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]