Tiny $7,000 EV ‘mibot’ Launches in Japan, Attracts Major Interest

The launch of the compact electric vehicle, mibot, priced at ¥1 million ($7,000), marks a significant moment in the Japanese automotive market. With deliveries beginning on December 30, 2025, this mini EV is generating considerable interest, particularly in a country traditionally slow to embrace electric vehicles (EVs).

Japan has long been associated with small, efficient vehicles known as “kei cars,” which represent over a third of new car sales in the country. Despite this, major manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have been hesitant to fully transition to electric options. The Honda N-Box, Japan’s best-selling vehicle for the past three years, remains powered by gasoline, although Honda has plans for an electric variant by 2027 to compete with the incoming BYD Racco.

While larger manufacturers hesitate, KG Motors is forging ahead with the mibot. The company has indicated that the initial deliveries are occurring during the vehicle’s pre-production phase. Nonetheless, they assure customers that these early models meet the same quality standards as those intended for mass production, which is slated to start in April 2026. Until then, KG Motors will continue to provide a limited number of vehicles.

At a compact size of just 2,490 mm (98 inches), the mibot is similar in dimensions to a golf cart, yet it promises capabilities that extend beyond those limitations. Designed for urban environments, its lightweight structure and low maintenance requirements make it an appealing choice for city driving. The vehicle offers a driving range of up to 100 km (62 miles), suitable for daily commutes despite being lower than many larger EVs that boast ranges exceeding 300 miles.

The one-seater design allows for practical storage, with enough room for two 18-liter kerosene tanks, catering to the unique needs of urban drivers. In addition, the mibot is equipped with over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that the vehicle can evolve and enhance its functionalities over time.

Interest in the mibot has been impressive from the outset. Following the opening of orders last fall, the company received more than 1,000 applications within the first month. By May, this figure had grown to over 2,250 orders, surpassing half of KG Motors’ target of delivering 3,300 units by March 2027. According to Kazunari Kusunoki, CEO and founder of KG Motors, the first 300 mibots are anticipated to be delivered in Japan by March 2026, with plans to export an additional 3,000 units to international markets.

Kusunoki’s vision for the mibot stems from an observation of the challenges posed by larger vehicles navigating Japan’s narrow streets. He noted in a recent interview with Bloomberg, “Seeing so many big cars traveling Japan’s narrow streets – that’s where this all began for me.” As the automotive industry in Japan gradually shifts towards electric solutions, the mibot stands out as a notable contender in the market, capturing the attention of consumers and potentially altering the landscape of urban transportation.