Sign up for CleanTechnica’s Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott’s in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and/or follow us on Google News!

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.

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.
Whether you have solar power or not, please complete our latest solar power survey.
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one on top stories of the week if daily is too frequent.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy