WHEN I first sat on the "City Transformer" all-electric, foldable micro-car CT-1 at IFA Berlin, I knew it would win the Mind Shifter award, a stage for startups, innovations and new products at Shift Mobility. This shape-shifting CT-1 electric micro-car was on display at the Shift Mobility exhibition, a mobility special tech event that is part of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin from Sept. 1 to 6, 2022. Too bad I could not test drive it, but I inspected the inside. The driver's side is comfortable with enough legroom to navigate the acceleration and brake. The seat at the back looks cramped for a second person to sit. But then, most of the cars are occupied by only one person — on the way to work, to training, to go shopping, etc.

Parking is made easier. The compact two-seater could reduce its track width from 1.4 meters to 1 meter when it comes to maneuvering into the smallest parking space. CT-1 combines the advantages of a motorcycle with those of a car to create a unique overall concept, without the inherent design-related disadvantages of the respective vehicles in city traffic.

– Proprietary "shape-shifting" technology. Intelligent adaptation of the track width and driving behavior depending on requirements and the traffic situation, even while driving.

– Superior driving experience. Compared to existing micro-mobility solutions, CT-1 represents a viable alternative that does not require drivers to make any compromises in terms of safety and comfort.

– Sustainable. More resource-efficient and environmentally friendly than regular e-vehicles; CT-1 contradicts the paradigm that all e-vehicles are equally sustainable.

– High-modular "skateboard." Adaptable for different urban mobility segments: for fleet and pool vehicles, taxis, or as a mini transport and logistics solution for the "last mile."

– Outstanding serviceability. Ideal for fleets and car sharing.

– Equipped with intelligent sharing functions. Built-in sharing and fleet management functionality, from P2P to large fleets.

When driving, a wide track offers the safety and driving comfort of a conventional car; in tight road conditions and when parking, the CT-1 could reduce its trail by almost half while assuming the agility and maneuverability of a motorcycle. City Transformer's "Transformer" technology, whose core functionality is the "foldable" chassis, turns the tables: the vehicle adapts to people. City Transformer's tenet is that it is not the consumer, but the industry that needs to transform toward a consumer-centric, highly personalized and adaptable industry — much like the software and IT industries. CT-1 could not only adjust its track width individually but also customize the entire driving experience. This ranges from the applications offered to individual driving settings to personal preferences for climate control, navigation and media content. Switching between different driving modes is possible. For example, one could go from normal driving mode to "active noise cancellation for Zoom calls," "mobile office" or "delivery/delivery" modes.

I spot many e-bikes or e-scooters around Berlin. City Transformer's mobility solution fills the niche between bicycles/e-bikes/e-scooters and conventional cars. In terms of operation and handling, CT-1 is accessible. Unlike e-bikes or e-scooters, the CT-1 does not require drivers to undergo a "mental shift" or motor skills training, instead making it easy for them to embrace micro-mobility solutions. Developed as a fully-fledged vehicle for millions of people in the world's metropolitan area, the CT-1 is for those who do not want to or could not do without individual mobility. For them, the CT-1 is an uncompromising yet stylish alternative to inner-city mobility needs.

In an interview with Itamar Meridor, business development manager of City Transformer, pre-order is open at citytransformer.com/pre-order. Serial production starts in 2024, but pilots in the second quarter of 2023 for big business clients.

Founded in Tel Aviv in 2014, the company headquarters and research and development are located here. Their production and sales are based in Germany. However, they don't see themselves as Israeli nor as German because their concern is global. To know more about the CT-1 specifications, visit their website at citytransformer.com