MIKA Meon E, image courtesy of Hall Engineering And Design Ltd

MIKA Meon E: The World’s Lightest Road-Legal EV, Built For Pure Fun


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The MIKA Meon E is definitely not your average electric car. Hand-built in Warwickshire by Hall Engineering and Design, this British-made EV is essentially a reengineered beach buggy with a modern electric heart, and it proudly claims the title of the lightest road-legal electric vehicle in the world, tipping the scales at just 675 kg (1488 lb).

Minimal Mass, Maximum Fun

That light weight pays off. With a 160 kW motor (around 214 bhp) and 310 Nm of torque, the Meon E rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 100 mph, which is plenty when your face is catching the wind in this open-top, minimalist machine.

The chassis, made from a steel perimeter frame with a spine that doubles as a structural battery case, offers torsional stiffness over 11,000 Nm/degree, which is on par with some serious performance cars. Combine that with the rear-wheel drive layout and wide stance, and the result is a go-kart-like EV that’s just as happy on twisty roads as it is on commuter routes in the city.

Meon E specs, courtesy of MIKA

Styled For Smiles

The Meon E takes its inspiration from classic beach buggies, but it isn’t just a retro toy. With its short wheelbase, GRP body panels, and open-air cabin, it has a raw and refreshing look. It’s the kind of car that screams to be driven just for fun. It’s compact (just over 3 meters long), but the two-seat cockpit is roomy enough for full-size adults. Customization is available too: you can spec chrome accessories, metallic paint, LED lighting, and even a Bluetooth stereo system, if you’re feeling fancy.

Range & Charging

Equipped with a 20 kWh battery pack, the Meon E offers a real-world range of approximately 60–100 miles, depending on driving conditions. While not designed for long-distance travel, its range is adequate for weekend drives or local commutes, and its DC fast-charging ability allows for quick top-ups during those outings.

Pricing & Availability

The Meon E is priced starting at £75,000 (~$99,555) due to its bespoke engineering and limited production. Each unit is handcrafted, which means a lot of attention goes into the details and quality. And although its price positions it as a niche offering, this little EV’s unique blend of performance, design, and exclusivity may be very appealing to enthusiasts seeking a distinctive electric sports car.

The MIKA Meon E’s innovative British engineering, combined with its lightweight construction and electric drivetrain performance, looks to deliver a distinctive driving experience. And its homage to classic beach buggies, but built with modern high-tech features, could make it a compelling choice for those looking for an EV that really stands out from all the other mainstream electric cars. It’s light, fast, quirky, and refreshingly different in a world of increasingly homogenized EVs, and if you’re interested, Autocar has a detailed hands-on review of the Meon E here.


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Derek Markham

Derek lives in southwestern New Mexico and digs bicycles, simple living, fungi, organic gardening, sustainable lifestyle design, bouldering, and permaculture. He loves fresh roasted chiles, peanut butter on everything, and buckets of coffee.

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