For the first time ever, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will be producing an all-electric kei-car-sized commercial vehicle outside of Japan. Production of the Minicab-MiEV will start at the PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia—the Japanese carmaker’s factory in Indonesia with plans to export them to other ASEAN markets.
Introduced for the Japanese market in 2011, the Minicab-MiEV became the only kei-car class commercial vehicle EV produced by a Japanese automaker 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.
The Minicab-MiEV is equipped with an EV system proven in the world’s first mass-produced EV, the i-MiEV. The single motor generates 41 horsepower from 2,500 to 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque from 0 to 300 rpm. No word on battery specifications, but during its production run in Japan, it was made available in two battery sizes—10.5 kWh and 16 kWh. This enabled it to travel between 100 to 150 kilometers between charges.
In addition, thanks to placing the drive battery under the center of the floor, the EV components are installed without sacrificing capacity, thus ensuring a large cargo space (payload capacity is rated at 350 kilograms). Furthermore, this battery placement gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity, resulting in steering stability and ride comfort.
Mitsubishi says they are targeting “last mile” logistics as potential customers for the Minicab-MiEV.
Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV
- Drivetrain: 2WD
- Overall Length: 3,395 mm
- Overall Width: 1,475 mm
- Overall Height: 1,810 mm or 1,915 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,390 mm
- Front Track: 1,305 mm
- Rear Track: 1,300 mm
- Interior Dimensions (LxWxH): 935 mm x 1360 mm x 1,125 or 1230 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,090 kg or 1,110 kg
- Occupants: 2 or 4
- Maximum Payload: 350 kg or 200 kg
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion (10.5 kWh or 16 kWh)
- Maximum Output: 41 PS @ 2,500 to 6,000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 196 Nm @ 0 to 300 rpm
- Maximum Range: 100 km or 150 km
- Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: 3-Link de Dion
Would be interesting if MMC would take the risk and reengineer this for LHD markets. I wonder if they could justify the costs for that, considering most businesses here would likely rather go with the bigger L300.. unless if the Minicab MiEV is magically priced like those surplus multicab vans, now thst would be a game changer.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible this will be sold cheaply in ASEAN as there were no mention of any on board safety equipment.
ReplyDeleteI wish Mitsubishi would bring the Japanese car of the year The Kei car MPV. It's gonna be selling like hot cake.
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