Japan has always embraced tiny kei cars (Micro EV) for use in its crowded cities. In fact, they account for about a third of all new car sales in Japan.
By law, Micro EV can be no more than 3.4 meters long, 1.48 meters wide, and are limited to a 660 cc engine. If you think that is small, wait till you hear this.
Idemitsu Kosan, a petroleum refiner in Japan, plans to launch an electric vehicle next year at its 6,400 petrol stations via a joint venture with private automaker Tajima Motor Corporation.
At 2.5 meters long and 1.3 meters wide, this Micro EV will be about two-thirds the size of the already diminutive kei cars. The 4-seater will have a range of 120 kilometers and a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
It is expected to start at $9,491 with a top price of $14,237. Obviously such a small, low performance car will have limited uses. The companies expect it will appeal to individuals and businesses who use cars for shopping and deliveries over short distances.
The companies expect to unveil the car later this year and begin sales in 2022.
The move comes as the company seeks new sources of revenue. Demand for gasoline is falling as Japan’s ageing population drives less and consumes less fuel.
Will it be exported to any other countries? Highly doubtful. But it moves the EV revolution forward and for that we should be grateful.
Reference- Idemitsu Kosan Online Newsroom, Reuters, Inside EVs, Clean Technica, Wikipedia