The Journey of Ygdrasil MC: A Micro Car Born from Passion and Perseverance

On January 10th, 2023, I embarked on an ambitious journey to build my own micro car, the Ygdrasill MC—a name that reflects my personal alter ego in our Video Game "The lsle of Eline" . The Ygdrasill MC is the first vehicle to emerge from this world, a tangible manifestation of what was once purely a digital dream.

A Humble Beginning

With a modest budget of €5,000, I set out to create an entry-level, low-budget micro car that could navigate urban environments with ease, similar to the Biro or Opel Rock-e. My initial work began at the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum (OSCAM) in  SouthEast Amsterdam, a place that generously provided me with the space and some resources to bring this project to life. I am incredibly grateful to OSCAM and its wonderful team for giving me four months to kickstart the project, a time during which I was full of hope and determination to complete the car within this period.

Challenges and Setbacks

However, as with any ambitious project, the road was not without its obstacles. Despite my best efforts, the first four months at OSCOM proved more challenging than anticipated. Due to delays in receiving the car's frame—an essential component for building the sub-systems—I was unable to make the progress I had planned. This significant delay meant that the initial four-month timeline was no longer feasible, and the dream of completing the Ygdrasill MC within that window slipped further away.

Adding to the challenges, a previous project’s legal complications left me in a financial bind. I was unexpectedly required to repay €10,000, depleting the budget I had set aside for the car. This financial strain forced me to take on additional projects to make ends meet, further delaying the car’s development.

Relocation and Continued Development

When my time at OSCAM came to an end, I relocated the project to The Extra Mile, where I currently continue to work on the Ygdrasill MC. In this new space, I’ve set up a small office equipped with 3D printers to produce the car’s components. While the final version of the car will utilize durable aluminum components, we opted to 3D print the first draft of these components in plastic to keep production costs low during the prototype phase. This approach allowed us to refine the design and ensure that all dimensions were accurate before committing to the more expensive materials needed for the final product.

The process has been arduous, stretching on for nearly two years, but every setback has been a lesson, and every delay has been an opportunity to refine the car further. Yet, I’ve reached a point where continuing in the current manner is no longer sustainable. The need to establish a more robust business infrastructure is clear, one that will allow me to secure the necessary funding and resources to complete the Ygdrasill MC and future projects without constant financial strain.

The Purpose Behind the Ygdrasill MC

The Ygdrasill MC is not just a car—it’s a solution to a growing problem in urban transportation. Today’s electric vehicles are often heavy, weighing in at over two tons, which requires significant energy to move, especially when transporting just a single person. The Ygdrasill MC tackles this inefficiency head-on by offering a lightweight, agile alternative specifically designed for city living.

Weighing just 300 kilograms with a driver onboard, the Ygdrasill MC is engineered for maximum efficiency. It features two small electric motors, each powering a rear wheel, delivering a combined six horsepower and 16 newton meters of torque. This setup allows the car to reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour, making it perfect for use on bicycle lanes, private properties, and other urban environments.

The car’s design includes 3D Printed body components, a robust frame, and a chassis with suspension that ensures a smooth ride. The low weight and compact design make it not only energy-efficient but also fun to drive. The driver sits in a low, Formula 1-style bucket seat, emphasizing the sporty nature of the vehicle. While it may not be suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility challenges—it offers a unique and exciting experience for those who enjoy driving and have a passion for innovative transportation.

The Ygdrasill MC is initially intended for the streets of Amsterdam, but its design is versatile enough to be adapted for use anywhere in the world. Whether navigating through dense urban environments or cruising on private roads, this micro car represents the future of efficient, sustainable transportation.

Looking Ahead

As I work on setting the foundation for a more sustainable future for my projects, the excitement and potential of the Ygdrasill MC remain as strong as ever. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been deeply rewarding. I am now focused on building an audience around this and other projects, which will enable me to revisit the Ygdrasill MC with the resources and time it deserves.

Support Our Vision

To help bring this innovative micro car to life, I’ve created scale models of the iGDRAZIL-MC, available for purchase. These 1:40 and 1:27 scale models are not just collectibles—they represent the passion and perseverance behind this project. By purchasing one, you are directly supporting the continued development of the iGDRAZIL-MC and contributing to the future of sustainable urban transportation.

Explore our scale models here and be a part of our journey towards revolutionizing urban mobility. Your support will help us overcome the final hurdles and drive the Ygdrasill MC from concept to reality.