We test the XEV Yoyo, the new electric quadricycle designed to revolutionise urban mobility

Designed in Italy and manufactured in China, this small urban vehicle has arrived to stay, showing off a very daring look, a maximum range of up to 150 kilometres and an endless catalogue of customisation, since it can be built with 3D printing technology.

With all this, the new XEV Yoyo is a two-seater electric quadricycle from the Italian company XEV. A brand that has decided to bet on the Spanish and Portuguese markets to bring its little star to market, competing with the recently presented Silence S04 or the Citroën AMI.

Very compact dimensions

Sold by the Spanish distributor Elecmobility, this small compact measuring just 2.53 metres long, 1.50 metres wide and 1.56 metres high can boast a very attractive and eye-catching design. We were able to confirm this when the time came to take the wheel, turning heads on every street we drove down.

Its front end, with two light units featuring LED and halogen technology, its bumper with a large opening housing the charging port, and its sloping windscreen are responsible for giving the Yoyo a friendly look full of personality.

Moving around to the side, we find fairly pronounced wheel arches, black door panels and a large moulding with a textured finish of small geometric shapes that runs almost from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. A very distinctive feature, especially on the unit we tested, which was lime green.

At the rear, its LED tail lights and tailgate made entirely of glass give it a fairly premium look when compared with the AMI. In addition, in the lower part of the bumper there is a flap where its three batteries, totalling 10.3 kWh, can be easily removed. This is one of the car’s strong points, as we will not need more than four hours to fully charge its batteries.

In total, up to nine configurations are offered, changing the colour of the bodywork, mirrors and the distinctive moulding we have already mentioned.

Inside the Yoyo

Once inside the cabin, the sense of generous space is quite surprising despite the vehicle’s small dimensions. This is achieved thanks to its panoramic roof, which lets in plenty of light, the absence of a central tunnel and its deep dashboard.

Before analysing the materials used, we must bear in mind the class of vehicle we are talking about, and you will find a austere yet appealing cabin. Its ergonomic fabric seats have a nice design and are quite comfortable. On the doors there are straps for closing them, which help reduce weight and give extra width to the interior.

Well equipped

As for technology, the XEV Yoyo comes with a 7-inch screen with Bluetooth in the entry-level version and, in the Premium version, a 10-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, maps and a standard app package. There are also three USB ports for charging your devices, heating, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, and even a Start&Stop function. Its 180-litre boot is large enough to carry shopping bags or backpacks.

Taking the wheel

The XEV Yoyo has a light kerb weight of just 522 kg including batteries, which we noticed right away when setting off thanks to its agility. Being so light translates into low battery consumption of only 7.4 kWh per 100 kilometres, which allows us to cover up to 150 kilometres in urban driving and around 100 kilometres on the open road, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

On the route we took to test this new vehicle, homologated as an L7, we were struck by the sound its motor made, to which you quickly become accustomed. Power in Eco mode fell a little short in some situations, making it the ideal mode for queues or flat areas. If we activate Sport mode, the 20 CV of its electric motor allow the car to move with complete ease, guaranteeing sufficient power for any situation we might encounter in the city.

The XEV Yoyo’s price starts at 10,690 euros, including the aid from the Moves III Plan and financing through the brand. This is quite competitive given the qualities this small electric city car offers.

Without a doubt, this type of vehicle is an excellent mobility solution thanks to its ease of use, low battery consumption and the many tax advantages it offers, so we are convinced that the XEV Yoyo is a great option if you are looking for a small electric vehicle to get around the city.