JAKARTA: Mitsubishi Motors Corp has started production of the new 2024 Minicab EV, a kei-car (microcar) class electric commercial vehicle in Indonesia.
The Minicab EV (or L100 EV in Indonesia) is produced at the company's factory, namely PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) which is in Bekasi Regency (37 km east of Jakarta).
The Minicab EV is due to go on sale in Indonesia in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q2024).
The Japanese automaker says the Minicab EV will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the last mile of commercial use.
"In 2017, MMKI began production of the Xpander, which is now not only sold domestically in Indonesia, but also exported to support the development of the Indonesian auto industry," said Takao Kato, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors.
"With the start of our first production of EVs overseas, we hope to meet the growing demand for EVs in the ASEAN region and at the same time contribute to the country's environmental initiatives."
Also, as part of its Asean strategy, Mitsubishi Motors plans to partially export the Pajero Sport midsize SUV, which is produced in Thailand and exported to Australia, from Indonesia in 1Q2024.
The 2024 Minicab EV which has a monobox design, will go on sale in Japan on December 21, 2023.
The Minicab EV two-seater is priced at 2.431 million yen (RM78,731), and the four-seater is priced at 2.486 million yen (RM80,512), with 10% consumption tax included.
The new Minicab EV is based on the Minicab-MiEV, which has sold approximately 13,000 units (as at end of October 2023) over the past 12 years.
It has a new generation of electric components including the motor and drive battery.
The cruising range has been extended to 180km (in WLTC mode or or Worldwide harmonized Light duty Test Cycle) per charge, which is an increase of 35% compared to the previous model.
A normal charging at AC200V (15A) takes 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 42 minutes (when the maximum output current of the quick charger is 60A or higher) with quick charging (available as a factory option).
The new electric motor produces a maximum torque of 195Nm instantly, 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.
Moreover, the new motor and inverter have been integrated into a single unit for enhanced quietness, allowing users to drive early in the morning or late at night with no fear of disturbing others.
The price has been kept at the same level as the previous model, while improving the cruising range and enhancing the safety features.
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.
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) - available as a factory option for the two-seater model, which is scheduled to start production in March 2024 - 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 (3A output for Type C, 2.4A output for Type A) 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.
