Mitsubishi to begin production of electric kei van in Indonesia next year

MANILA: The Mitsubishi Minicab-MiEV, a onebox kei-car class commercial electric vehicle, will start production in 2024 at PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI).

The Mitsubishi Minicab-MiEV is equipped with an electric vehicle system that was first used in the i-MiEV, the first mass-produced electric vehicle in the world. The system consists of a drive battery and a compact, lightweight, highly efficient motor. An ample cargo space is guaranteed as the drive battery is placed under the center of the floor. This battery configuration also helps lower the center of gravity of the vehicle, ensuring steering stability and improving ride comfort.

“Automakers are now being required to respond to the rapid, global movement toward a decarbonized society. 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,” Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato stated.

The only kei-car class commercial electric vehicle made by a Japanese carmaker, the Mitsubishi Minicab-MiEV made its debut in Japan in December 2011 with a focus on the delivery industry. Ddespite Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's previous decision to end production, sales of this commercial electric vehicle resumed in November 2022 because of rising demand, particularly from logistics companies and local governments involved in sustainable business practices.

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

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