This $7K Japanese EV Is So Small, It Fits Inside A Van — And It’s Outselling Toyota

The Tiny $7K Electric Car Shocking Japan—Meet the Mini EV You Can Fit in a Van

Discover how a $7,000 micro-EV is turning heads in Japan, outselling giants like Toyota and proving less really is more in urban mobility.

Japan’s auto industry just got a massive jolt—from a vehicle that can literally fit in the back of a cargo van.
The Mibot, KG Motors’ one-seat electric micro-car, has become an unexpected sensation, upending Japan’s EV market with its quirky charm, ultra-low price, and pint-sized dimensions.

Most assume China rules the cheap EV market, but a three-year-old Japanese startup has stolen the spotlight.
The Mibot shatters conventions with a body just 98 inches long, slimmer than most sofas, and a battery that hustles 62 miles before needing a recharge.

Q: What Makes the Mibot Different from Other EVs?

While the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan Leaf target mainstream buyers, Mibot is in a category of its own. It’s even tinier than Japan’s famous Kei cars—compact vehicles designed for city navigation.

Weighing less than a fridge and seating just one, this minimalistic EV is custom built for winding alleys and crowded neighborhoods. The company proved just how compact it is by parking it inside a Toyota HiAce van, turning heads online and in real life.

Q: How Is It Selling Compared to Big Brands?

Japan has long been skeptical about fully embracing electric vehicles, partly due to range anxiety and high prices. But Mibot’s disruptive low cost—just under the $7,500 federal tax credit offered on many US EVs—changed the game.

KG Motors has moved 2,250 units since launching in June 2022. For comparison, Toyota only shifted around 2,000 EVs in Japan last year, and even Chinese powerhouse BYD managed just 2,200 deliveries. Mibot’s immediate popularity sent a wake-up call to the industry that smaller, affordable EVs have real demand.

Q: How Can You Get One?

Priced at about $6,900 or 1 million yen, the Mibot sits well below most new car options—and less than many e-bikes and scooters with enclosed cabins. Its simple design means it’s quick to produce and easy to maintain, perfect for city dwellers, elderly drivers, or anyone with tight parking and a tight budget.

Right now, KG Motors can assemble up to 3,300 cars by March 2027. But with skyrocketing demand, the company plans to ramp up, targeting 10,000 units a year.

How to Know If the Next-Gen Microcar Is For You

Ask yourself: Do you mostly drive short city trips, rarely need to go above 37 mph, and want a car you can park practically anywhere? Mibot could be the urban game-changer you’ve been waiting for—goodbye to high costs and parking headaches.

Minimalist design, minimal maintenance, and maximum convenience could make this one of the biggest small cars of 2025. Surprised? Industry insiders aren’t—they see a trend toward smaller, smarter, and cheaper mobility options worldwide.

Want to Join the EV Revolution?

Ready to downsize and electrify your commute? Here’s your action plan:

• Check your city’s EV registration and parking policies.
• Compare models on sites like Cars.com and Autotrader.
• Consult with local dealers or contact KG Motors directly about availability.
• Consider your daily driving needs—urban, short-distance, light-hauling?
• Factor in maintenance, charging access, and insurance costs.