I love when stories lead me to Japan – a country where tradition and high technology meet in the most unexpected ways. This time, my attention was caught by a particularly charming little car that has quickly won the hearts of the Japanese.
Meet Mibot – a four-wheeler just 2.5 meters long, perfectly suited for navigating the narrow streets of Japanese cities. With a price tag of only one million yen (around $7,000), it’s not only practical but also extremely appealing to a wide range of buyers.
How attractive is it? Well, Japanese startup KG Motors received over 2,000 orders by the end of May 2025. The first deliveries are expected in early 2026, with an ambitious goal of producing 10,000 units annually.
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The company states that beyond technological innovation, they are driven by a desire to inspire change in lifestyle and mindset.
“Enjoyment in driving, we believe, leads to truly sustainable mobility. It’s through that approach that we aim to build a future where anyone can say: ‘Tomorrow is better than today.’ The freedom of movement is deeply connected to human life and aspirations. When that freedom is restricted, it’s not just our daily lives that suffer – but also our hopes and expectations for the future,” KG Motors said in a statement.
A (Not So) Bright Future?
Having had the opportunity to work with the Japanese, I know firsthand how widespread solo living has become – and for many, it’s a serious challenge. In that context, I wonder: is Mibot actually designed for this group – people living alone, by choice or necessity? If so, it’s targeting the majority.
Of course, small and compact vehicles have long made sense in Japan. But a single-seater vehicle? That’s something entirely different. While it has its advantages, one must ask: how practical is it if you’re always destined to travel alone?
Does this concept imply that Mibot owners will also need a second, “real” car – for weekends, trips, family gatherings? If so, Mibot becomes merely a city toy, an add-on, rather than a primary mode of transport.
A range of 100 kilometers doesn’t sound particularly impressive in the context of Tokyo – a city that spans over 2,000 square kilometers. Nor does a top speed of 60 km/h inspire confidence. Let’s be honest – the world is speeding up, and in metropolises like Tokyo, everything moves at a pace we can barely keep up with. Will someone really spend $7,000 to move this slowly?
Still, it’s not all negative. Mibot can be charged from a regular household outlet in about five hours – which is quite practical. And despite its size, it offers decent luggage space – enough to fit two 18-liter canisters.
But the key question remains: is Mibot really worth $7,000? Especially when considering that Japan’s best-selling electric vehicle – the Nissan Sakura – costs about $14,000 and comfortably seats four.
And finally – would I buy it? I can’t say for sure. Mibot is adorable, but is it also a rational choice? That’s something I’m still thinking about.
