Mitsubishi Minicab-MiEV has been confirmed for production in Indonesia starting next year.
After testing out the viability for use in Thailand and in Indonesia, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) recently announced its plan to produce the Minicab-MiEV, a onebox kei-car class commercial electric vehicle (EV), at PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI), MMC’s factory in Indonesia starting 2024. This marks the first time that the vehicle will be produced overseas. There’s also a chance that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will directly import these Indonesian-made electric vans for sale in Malaysia if the price and demand is strong enough. Right now, the Chinese-made DFSK EC35 is possibly the only electric van choice in Malaysia and it costs RM130,000.
Here’s the Minicab MiEV’s specifications from its original 2011 launch. From what we understand, it’s the 16kWh version that will be made in Indonesia.
The Minicab-MiEV is equipped with an EV system that has been proven in the world’s first mass-produced EV, the i-MiEV. The system includes a drive battery and a compact, lightweight, highly-efficient motor. By placing the drive battery under the center of the floor, the EV components are installed without sacrificing capacity, thus ensuring a large cargo space. This battery placement also gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity, resulting in steering stability and ride comfort.
MMC’s decision to produce the Minicab-MiEV locally in Indonesia is driven by the increasing global demand for electric commercial vehicles in response to the rapid, global movement toward a decarbonized society. “Automakers are now being required to respond to the rapid, global movement toward a decarbonized society,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. “We believe that Kei-car class commercial EVs are the optimal solution to the ‘last one mile problem’ in logistics.”
MMC has been producing the Minicab-MiEV domestically since December 2011. However, the company decided to end production, but sales resumed in November 2022 due to growing demand for commercial EVs, particularly from logistics companies and local governments engaged in sustainable business activities.
The Minicab-MiEV has become popular among businesses that require last-mile delivery. The vehicle’s compact size makes it easier to navigate in congested urban areas, and its electric powertrain offers zero-emission operation, making it an eco-friendly solution for delivery services. Additionally, the Minicab-MiEV’s spacious cargo area offers ample space for packages, making it a practical choice for businesses.
Indonesia’s growing automotive industry is an attractive market for MMC, and producing the Minicab-MiEV locally can help the company support the industry’s development. By manufacturing the Minicab-MiEV in Indonesia, MMC can also contribute to the country’s environmental initiatives.
