ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Automobiles

Japan auto giants accelerate electric minicar rollout

Experts warn influx of overseas small EVs could upend market down the road

Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato expects 2022 to be 'the first year of electric kei cars.' (Photo by Ryotaro Yamada)

TOKYO -- Japan's top automakers are gearing up to roll out electric versions of the lightweight kei minicars that are so popular with drivers in the country, accelerating the shift to greener transport in the world's No. 3 economy.

Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi Motors are leading the race to electrify the tiny, nippy cars that are unique to the roads of Japan and are almost entirely supplied by local factories. They plan to launch an electric kei car developed by their NMKV joint venture early in the fiscal year starting in April, with a concept version of the vehicle unveiled this month at an auto show near Tokyo.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more