A simple observation: our cars have become too heavy for our needs
Whether you live in the city or in suburban areas, the reality is the same :
we move around every day in cars that are far too heavy, too powerful… and too expensive.
And no : the shift to electric doesn’t solve everything!
A few numbers that speak for themselves1
- Since 1990, the average weight of new vehicles in France has increased by nearly 30%.
- Between 2019 and 2024, new car prices rose by 41%.
- 74% of French people travel an average of 46 km per day, across 3 daily trips, all within 80 km of their home.
- Individual transport accounts for 22% of greenhouse gas emissions in France, up 3% since 1990. For lower-income households, 20% of the budget is spent on cars.
- The very small vehicle segment (A-segment) has almost disappeared: 4 models in 2015 (C1, 108, Aygo, fortwo)… 0 in 2025.
- Local authorities spend €15 billion per year on road maintenance, driven by increasing traffic and heavier vehicles.
The problem is no longer invisible : the car has become disproportionate.
Nearly 2 tons to travel just a few kilometers… often alone in the car.
In urban and suburban areas alike, this oversizing leads to :
- A lack of parking,
- High running costs,
- Strong energy dependence,
- Significant environmental impact
Faced with this reality, one thing becomes clear :
It’s time to rethink everyday mobility. Lighter. Simpler. More logical.
The Arsène micro-vehicle: a third way
Since COVID-19 and the rise of hybrid work, as well as the emergence of neo-rural lifestyles, our territories have changed.
Urban and suburban households are now looking for an affordable and clean alternative to the “second car.”
And new generations are demanding more meaning, sustainability and elegance in their choices including in mobility.
Between the overly exposed scooter and the overly heavy car, the micro-car opens up a coherent path finally suited to everyday life.
In recent years, habits have been changing: electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards… alternatives are multiplying.
The need has never been clearer : compact, affordable, and responsible solutions.
This is where the Arsène micro-car naturally comes in :
- More compact for the city,
- More economical for peri-urban areas,
- More eco-responsible.
What does Arsène really solve?
A small, lightweight micro-car designed to meet real everyday needs :
Compact : 290 cm × 145 cm × 135 cm
Weight : under 350 kg
- 80–150 km of range,
- Seats 1 or 2,
- Designed for urban and peri-urban areas,
- Up to 10× lower running costs than a combustion car,
- With an enclosed cabin for comfort and safety.
What about charging?
Simple : a standard home outlet is all you need.
Less than 2 hours to go from empty to full.
No fast charger. No costly installation. No complexity.
Range designed for real life!
In short : a clear problem. A logical solution.
All of it with style, character, and sensation.
Because moving should feel good again.
Current challenges
- Short trips in heavy cars
- Pollution & urban restrictions
- Difficult parking
- High running costs
- Need for a second vehicle in peri-urban areas
- Range & charging
The Arsène solution
- Lightweight electric vehicle
- Low-carbon eco-design
- Ultra-compact format
- Energy consumption reduced by 10×
- Simple & sustainable alternative
- 80–150 km range + home charging in under 2 hours
Discover more
Discover our eco-design approach : www.arsene-manufacture.com
Follow the Arsène adventure on LinkedIn, Facebook et Instagram.
Join the CLUB.
- http://automobile-propre.com, http://reseauactionclimat.org, http://Caradisiac.com, Le Monde, Insee / SDES, Parlement européen / ADEME, observatoire-map.org, Parlement européen / ADEME,
http://carlabelling.ademe.fr/chiffrescles/r/evolutionMasseMoyenne ↩︎
Hero image © Photo by [Stephen Leonardi] / Pexels