KG Motors’ Mibot EV: A Stylish, Single-Seat Electric Car for Just $7,000
Japanese startup KG Motors is shaking up the electric vehicle (EV) market with its latest creation, the mibot – a stylish, single-seat electric car priced at an affordable $7,000. The company has already pre-sold 3,300 units, which it plans to deliver to customers by March 2027. This impressive pre-order figure surpasses the 2,000 EVs sold by Toyota across Japan in all of 2024, according to Bloomberg.
The mibot boasts a limited 62-mile range and a top speed of 37mph, making it ideal for short, everyday rides. KG Motors describes the vehicle as “a small mobility robot packed with surprises and fun in its small body.” The company emphasizes that the mibot can navigate narrow roads with ease, turning mundane short trips into special experiences.
This tiny EV comes equipped with over-the-air tech updates, air conditioning, and a small trunk. It can be charged in just five hours using a standard 100V household outlet, eliminating the need for special charging equipment. At $7,000, the mibot is approximately half the price of Japan’s most popular EV, the Nissan Sakura.
A Brand Packed with Personality
KG Motors’ brand identity is infused with personality, as seen in blog posts about vehicle development. For instance, a post titled “A slightly nerdy story about door design” showcases the designer’s meticulous approach to creating a door that comfortably accommodates passengers despite the vehicle’s compact size.
“Cars are simply too big,” says KG Motors founder and CEO Kazunari Kusunoki. “Seeing so many big cars travelling Japan’s narrow streets – that’s where this all began for me.” Kusunoki’s vision for the mibot is to provide a unique solution for Japan’s narrow roads and parking constraints.
Challenging the Status Quo in Japan’s EV Market
Japan has been slow to adopt EVs, with hybrids dominating the market. In 2023, hybrids accounted for 55% of new car sales, followed by 36% for traditional gas-powered cars. EV adoption stands at just 2% of new car sales, a figure lower than the US’s 8% and significantly below China’s and Europe’s 20%+.
Toyota’s former president expressed skepticism about converting to an all-electric lineup in 2022. Although Toyota launched new EVs this month, it still plans to invest in various powertrains, including plug-in hybrids. Kusunoki comments, “Toyota said EVs aren’t the only solution and, because it’s Toyota, Japanese people assume it must be true. A large number of people in Japan seem to believe EVs won’t become popular.”
Perhaps a cheap, small EV like the mibot can carve out a niche in the Japanese market. The US market, dominated by huge SUVs, lacks similar affordable options. The Fiat 500e, while fun to drive, is not cheap, starting at $34,000. Volkswagen is working on a $21,000 small EV for urban drivers, but it’s launching it only in Europe due to lower demand in the US.
As the EV landscape continues to evolve, KG Motors’ innovative approach with the mibot presents an intriguing alternative for urban mobility. With its affordability, compact design, and fun personality, the mibot is poised to make a significant impact in the Japanese EV market.
