It's not often you hear of a new EV that costs less than the U.S. federal tax credit. But this is exactly what the Mibot—a wacky little EV from Japan—is doing and it has tongues wagging. Produced by a startup called KG Motors, the Mibot is staking a claim to practicality, affordability, and delightful whimsy as one of the most unique electric vehicles on the market, and now, it's poised to win hearts in the U.S., especially amongst city-street-faring drivers who have no desire for an oversized, bulky SUV.
A Car So Small, You May Miss It
So let's talk about size. The Mibot is very small. Measuring in at slightly less than 2.5 meters long (just over 8 feet), it might fit into close quarters in ways that most golf carts can't. You could literally chain this thing up in the corner of your garage or the back of their van, and it's built to help you navigate narrow streets and choked urban alleys. The diminutive Mibot may be tiny, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in utility. There is one seat (yes, one single seat, but looking at the chart you can see why) and that's all one person really needs if your daily life consists of just you, your errands, and your favorite podcast.
Simplicity That Just Makes Sense
Under the hood—or more exactly, at the rear—is a 6.7 horsepower electric motor paired to a 7.68 kWh battery. This ain't meant for highway travel, but for city commuting, it should be a great alternative mode. You'll have a top speed of 37 mph and about 62 miles of range on a single charge. That's ideal for local trips, store runs and cruising around campus. Best of all? Charging is done with a standard household outlet and fully charged in about 5 hours.
Price Point Turns Heads
Here is where it gets interesting: The Mibot in Japan will have a sticker price of only $7,000. That's less expensive than a lot of e-bikes in the United States. After federal tax credits (potentially up to $7,500), it could cost you basically nothing when or if it arrives in the States. Yes, the Mibot has not officially announced in the United States, but the hype and early sales out of Japan have lead us to speculate that KG Motors is working the overseas market.
A Personal Vision With Mass Appeal
KG Motors is not your typical car company. Kazunari Kusunoki started this company just three years ago. He is a previous YouTuber and engineer who was irritated as a youth over how oversized cars would struggle on Japan’s narrow roads. The Mibot was his answer. Something simple, inexpensive, and meant to be used in daily life. It already has 2,250 pre-orders, almost surpassing Toyota's full year EV sales in Japan. This is pretty nuts considering this company initially launched from a small shop near Hiroshima.
Could The Mibot Work in the U.S.?
You might be asking: "Would Americans even drive this?" Perhaps not while on the highway, but for city-dwellers, students, delivery drivers, or retirees - perhaps. It is inexpensive, cheap to maintain, small enough to thread through traffic, and find parking in tight spaces. The Mibot is what EVs should have been and could have been - simple and inexpensive. Not bloated and expensive.
Mibot EV Specifications
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Conclusion
The Mibot is not trying to be futuristic or flashy, but rather useful. In a time where EV prices are climbing higher every day, this little Japanese electric car is a breath of fresh air. The Mibot is not for everyone, but for urban commuters, students, or older drivers looking for a low-cost and no-hassle way of travelling, the Mibot is just right. For the ultra-affordable price, compact format, and simple range, it could inspire a generation of minimalist EVs that fit into the daily lives of everyday people without costing an arm and a leg.
If this is what the future of mobility looks like then let the future be here now.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
