Mitsubishi Motors to Launch the New Minicab EV Electric Commercial Vehicle in Japan in December

The new Minicab EV is based on the Minicab-MiEV, which has sold approximately 13,000 units over the past 12 years. By leveraging the expertise gained through the development and maintenance of the Minicab-MiEV, the new Minicab EV offers an improved cruising range as well as enhanced safety and convenience features to answer the needs of commercial customers.

The Minicab EV is a kei-car class electric commercial vehicle with a monobox design and is equipped with a new generation of electric components including the motor and drive battery. The cruising range has been extended to 180 km (in WLTC mode) per charge—an increase of approximately 35% compared to the previous model.

A normal charging at AC200V (15A) takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charge the battery, so if the battery is charged after work, it will be fully charged and ready to use when work begins the next day. In addition, up to 80% of the battery can be charged in approximately 42 minutes with quick charging (available as an option).

The new electric motor produces a maximum torque of 195 N·m, so even when the vehicle is heavily loaded with cargo, it retains the smooth and powerful driving performance unique to an electric vehicle, delivering a crisp, stress-free driving. The new motor and inverter have been integrated into a single unit for enhanced quietness. The price has been kept at the same level as the previous model, while improving the cruising range and enhancing the safety features.

Compared to the previous model, the capacity of the drive battery has been increased by 25%. The integrated motor and inverter improve motor efficiency, resulting in a cruising range of 180 km (in WLTC mode) per charge—a 35% increase over the previous model.

Active safety technologies such as the Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic High Beam (AHB), and Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) when driving forward have been adopted to improve safety performance. With the enhanced safety features, the new Minicab EV qualifies for the Safety Support Car S Wide promoted by the Japanese government.

Hill Start Assist (HSA), which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on a steep hill, has been added.

A power outlet (AC100V, maximum 1500W) is provided at the rear of the floor console to allow electricity to be drawn from the vehicle at any time. This allows for the use of electronics and appliances with high power consumption even during disasters or other emergencies.

At the instrument panel, Type C and Type A USB charging outlets are available as factory options, and a smartphone tray has been added for user convenience.

The damping performance of the front and rear shock absorbers has been improved to enhance passenger comfort and decrease cabin sway, thereby reducing the stress placed on the cargo.

Actual power consumption is improved by increasing the regenerative power when in the B position, which makes active use of the regenerative brake.