Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) has concluded plans to begin production of the Minicab-MiEV, a onebox kei–car1 class commercial electric vehicle (EV), at its factory in Indonesia.
The Minicab-MiEV, which will be produced overseas for the first time, is equipped with an EV system proven in the world’s first mass-produced EV, the i-MiEV. The system includes a drive battery and a compact, lightweight, highly-efficient motor. In addition, by placing the drive battery under the center of the floor, the EV components are installed without sacrificing capacity, thus ensuring a large cargo space. Furthermore, this battery placement gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity, resulting in steering stability and ride comfort.
“Automakers are now being required to respond to the rapid, global movement toward a decarbonized society,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. “We believe that Kei-car class commercial EVs are the optimal solution to the ‘last one mile problem’ in logistics. In order to meet the growing demand for EVs in the ASEAN region, we have made the decision to produce this vehicle locally outside of Japan for the first time. As well as continuing to support the development of Indonesia’s automotive industry, we hope to contribute to the country’s environmental initiatives.”
In December 2011, Mitsubishi Motors domestically launched the Minicab-MiEV, the only Kei-car class commercial EV produced by a Japanese automaker, mainly for use in the delivery industry.
Although the company once decided to end its production, sales resumed in November 2022 in response to growing demand for such commercial EVs, particularly from logistics companies and local governments that are engaged in sustainable business activities.
Such activities are rapidly increasing also in various fields aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral society.
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