In a country known for tight streets and a slow shift to EVs, a tiny newcomer is making a big impact. Meet the Mibot, a one-seat electric microcar from Hiroshima startup KG Motors. Priced under $7,000, it’s already outselling Toyota’s entire EV lineup in Japan.
With over 3,300 pre-orders, the Mibot has surpassed Toyota’s 2024 EV sales, which hovered around 2,000 units. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and practicality. Measuring just 2.5 meters long and 1.5 meters high, it’s designed for urban life. The range is 100 km, the top speed 60 km/h—modest, but well-suited for city commutes.
Inside, it offers essentials: AC, a bit of trunk space, and a five-hour charge via a standard outlet. No frills, just functional design aimed at solo drivers, elderly users, and anyone navigating tight streets or short trips.
While Japan has trailed globally in EV adoption—only about 3.5% market share—the Mibot sidesteps major hurdles like high costs and infrastructure. It falls under Japan’s LSEV (lightweight electric vehicle) category, meaning fewer licensing and insurance barriers.
Production kicks off this fall, with deliveries starting by March 2026. KG Motors aims for 10,000 units annually. And others are watching—BYD is developing a similar kei-style EV for Japan, though at nearly triple the price.
The Mibot may not be flashy, but its success suggests a shift: in Japan’s evolving EV landscape, small, affordable, and practical might just be the future.
Great for navigating Japan’s narrow streets.
The Mibot is so small, it can fit inside a Toyota van.
Images © Copyright KG Motors.
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