World's first influencer car: Single-seater EV from Japan

Japanese influencer-led startup KG Motors plan to mass-produce their tiny one-person EV, Mibot, in 2025.

From Superinnovators 25/06/24

Influencer and CEO Kazunari Kusunoki with two Mibots. Credit: KG Motors.

Showa-era Japan ran from 1926 to 1989 and was characterised by optimism, innovation and rapid economic growth.

Now, the co-founder of KG Motors, Kazunari Kusunoki, says they aim to bring back the spirit of that vibrant time with their ultra-small ‘minimum mobility’ electric vehicles.

The retro design of Mibot is even based on the motif of an 80’s Polaroid camera.

It’s not just a vibe they plan to address though but also the environment and Japan’s declining population.

According to Japan’s Gov. approx. 70% of car usage is with one passenger and 70% of trips are short, 10km or less – it’s a similar situation across the world.

Mibot. Credit: KG Motors.

At 2.5 m long, 1.1 m wide and 1.5 m high, the ultra-compact seeks to minimise energy, materials, and traffic congestion while boosting excitement and comfort.

It offers a 100 km range with a five-hour charge time (100V AC) and an output of 0.59 kW rated and 5 kW peak.

Rounding out the features are a max. speed of 60 km/h, max. cargo load of 45 kg, 23% gradient climbing limit, AC and Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates.

Although the first model lacks driver assist, there are plans for an autonomous version in the future in collaboration with Osaka University.

Production of the debut Mibot is due to start in Sept 2025, with 300 vehicles by April 2026, 3,000 by April 2027, and a retail price of 1 million yen (approx. $6,270).

The low price is accompanied by low annual running costs, estimated at one-tenth of a ‘kei’ car – currently the smallest type of car in Japan.

Mibot. Credit: KG Motors.

Seeing those pint-sized vehicles rolling off the production line will mark an extraordinary five-year journey for Kazunari and KG Motors.

Back in 2018, he sold his shares in CL Link Co. Ltd (Japanese used product shop) and started the “Kussun Garage” YouTube channel, growing to 196k subscribers.

Then, he began releasing videos of a small EV concept project in 2020, later renaming the channel KG Motors in 2022 as the idea gathered momentum.

Their social reach has helped them attract like-minded production partners and recruit a team of 40 so far.

Investors have been noticing the buzz too, with the company raising 380M yen (approx. $2.4M) in pre-series A in March this year, following a 150M yen (approx. $941k) seed round in Oct 2023.

The Mibot is part of a curious recent trend of commuter-focussed mini EVs, joining the likes of Italy’s Microlino.

Could the Mibot overcome the convenience of a bigger car in Japan with affordability, eco, fun and style, and usher in the world’s first influencer car?