Mitsubishi Motors starts making kei-class commercial EV in Indonesia

As part of its planned investment of US$375.25 million in Indonesia, Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) has started producing the new Minicab EV (L100 EV) in the country. This is the first time that this kei-car class electric commercial vehicle model is being produced outside Japan. Deliveries of the new EV model will begin during the first quarter of 2024.

The Minicab EV is equipped with the EV system proven in the world’s first mass-produced EV, the i-MiEV. Its battery pack is located under the centre of the floor to allow EV components to be mounted without sacrificing the vehicle’s large cargo space.

Feasibility studies carried out
Prior to committing to a local production program, MMC carried out a study of the feasibility of using EVs for business operations in Indonesia. Joint studies were conducted with the postal services, power suppliers, Gojek and DHL. In Bali, a study was also conducted to evaluate the use of small commercial EVs in the tourism industry.

“In 2017, Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia 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 & CEO of 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.”

Increased annual production capacity
The massive investment will also go into increasing annual production capacity at its factory in the West Java Province from 220,000 units to 250,000 units. This is almost 100,000 units more than the original capacity when the plant began operations in 2017.

In addition, as part of its ASEAN strategy, MMC plans to partially export the Pajero Sport midsize SUV, which is produced in Thailand and exported to Australia, from Indonesia in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 (ending March 31, 2024).

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