Aixam Minauto

Country of production

The Aixam Minauto is produced in France, within Aixam’s industrial hubs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (historical plants in Aix-les-Bains and Chanas, with production capacity expanded over the years).

Market launch date

• 2023: start of the range phase commonly identified as Minauto II (a major product update and lineup rationalization).

• 2024: range expansion and consolidation, including the introduction/strengthening of electric versions (e.g., e-Minauto Chic) and updates to powertrains/equipment packs under Euro 5+.

• 2023–2025: commercialization in Europe with diesel and fully electric versions, all limited to 45 km/h (L6e category).

Facelifts and key updates

• 2023 update (Minauto II): revision of the lineup approach and specifications (dimensions/layout rationalized), with a focus on practicality and load capacity ( 422 L trunk).

• 2024 update: extension of the electric offer with variants such as e Access and e Access Chic, plus the introduction/strengthening of content (equipment and packs) to make the Minauto more “car-like” in daily use.

Short description
The Minauto is a two-seat minicar designed for urban and light peri-urban mobility: compact footprint, simple driving (automatic transmission), and a practical setup prioritizing accessibility and running costs. In Europe it is offered both with a Kubota diesel engine (typical diesel noise on minicars, but good efficiency) and as a fully electric version, quieter and generally more pleasant in comfort. The logic remains that of L6e vehicles: 45 km/h top speed, ideal for city use and short trips, with the bonus of a surprisingly large trunk for the category (422 L).

Powertrain and performance

Dimensions and capacity

Main trims and prices
(Indicative prices; they may vary due to promotions, options, and dealer network.)

Maintenance and early service (indicative costs) (Estimates for minicars/quadricycles: high variability by network, geography, and tires.)

Pros

• Compact format with strong practicality: the 422 L trunk is a standout figure for the category.

• Choice of diesel or electric: the latter greatly improves quietness and perceived comfort.

• “Car-like” equipment available (power windows, central locking, displays, connectivity depending on version).

• Potentially contained running costs versus a conventional car, when used in its intended (urban) context.

Cons

• Structural category limits: 45 km/h and an urban focus, not suited to real extra-urban use.

• Diesel: noise and vibrations typical of diesel minicars.

• Electric range/performance should be read in an urban context (influenced by climate, route, and driving style).

• Purchase price often feels “high” for those comparing it to conventional used cars or scooters.

In summary

The Aixam Minauto is a practical minicar: compact, simple, and surprisingly usable thanks to its 422 L trunk. The electric version is generally the most convincing for comfort and quietness, while the diesel remains an option for those who prioritize quick refueling and frequent short trips without relying on charging. The 2023–2024 updates made the offer clearer (e Access, e Access Chic, diesel Access) and more coherent for everyday city use.

Verdict — Aixam Minauto (model year 2025)

Minicar (light quadricycle L6e) · 2 seats · Front-wheel drive · Automatic CVT · Two choices: Minauto Diesel 480 and e Minauto (full electric) · Diesel: 2-cylinder 479 cc, 6 kW (8 hp), 21 Nm, top speed 45 km/h, claimed consumption 4.3 L/100 km, 16 L tank, cycle range ~350 km · Electric: 6.0 kW (8.15 hp), 40 Nm, 5.54 kWh battery (Li-NMC 48 V), top speed 45 km/h, cycle range 75 km · Boot (load volume) 422 L · Dimensions: 2,759 mm (L) × 1,500 mm (W), wheelbase 1,795 mm · Base prices in Europe: €12,699 (Minauto Access Diesel) and €11,199 (e Minauto Access), €12,699 (e Minauto Chic) · Market launch: Minauto range present at least since 2018; mid-cycle refresh in the 2021–2023 period; current-series technical data confirmed in the 2025 price list

The Aixam Minauto is an “essential but complete” minicar: it is designed to maximize simplicity, practicality, and entry cost in the light-quadricycle world. In 2025, the proposition is especially clear because it offers two identities on the same platform: diesel for those who do not want to depend on charging, electric for those with short, regular trips and reliable charging access (garage, authorized condo socket, or a nearby charging point).

In the city, the strength is not performance (by definition limited to 45 km/h), but the combination of a small footprint, easy driving (CVT), and a surprisingly useful boot for the class. The diesel vs electric choice should be driven by your usage profile: the EV is more coherent for repeatable short routes, while the diesel is more “plug-and-play” for those who cannot charge regularly.

Key technical points:

• Category and usage rules (L6e context)

  • L6e light quadricycle: maximum speed 45 km/h.

  • Drivable with AM licence (available from age 14); for minors there are specific constraints on carrying a passenger (to be considered case by case).

• Powertrains

  • Minauto Access Diesel 480: 2-cylinder 479 cc, 6 kW at 3,200 rpm, 21 Nm at 2,500 rpm.

  • e Minauto (Access/Chic): 6.0 kW electric motor, 40 Nm, 5.54 kWh battery.

• “Project” performance and range

  • Top speed 45 km/h (all L6e versions).

  • Diesel: claimed consumption 4.3 L/100 km, cycle range ~350 km with a 16 L tank.

  • Electric: cycle range 75 km.

• Structure, dimensions, and load capacity

  • 422 L load volume (claimed).

  • Dimensions: 2,759 mm (L) × 1,500 mm (W), wheelbase 1,795 mm.

  • Claimed curb weight 425 kg.

• Mid-cycle updates

  • The Minauto is reported to have had a 2021–2023 facelift (range update), before the current configuration listed in the 2025 technical data.

Who it is for

City and inner-suburban users with short, repetitive trips, prioritising parking, simplicity, and predictable costs. It makes sense as a family second vehicle, a youth vehicle (where permitted), or a dedicated urban runabout.

Who should consider alternatives

If you often need faster extra-urban routes, if you want car-like comfort, or if you need a full city-car replacement (4 seats, air conditioning, performance and M1-level safety), a passenger car homologated as an M1 vehicle is more coherent.

Recommended configuration

• e Minauto Access if the goal is to maximise entry affordability and you do short trips with easy charging (home socket/garage).

• e Minauto Chic if you want the same technical base with more curated equipment and finishes.

• Minauto Access Diesel 480 if you do not have reliable charging at home or work and want the simplest daily usability without relying on infrastructure.