Japan’s Smallest EV Gets Backing From One Of Its Largest Energy Companies - CleanTechnica

KG Motors, the manufacturer of Japan’s smallest electric vehicle (EV), the single-seat MiBot, delivered its first units on December 30, 2025, after a six-month production delay. Shortly after delivery, Idemitsu Kosan, one of Japan’s largest energy companies and refiners, expressed strong interest in the MiBot, leading to a formal business agreement signed on January 16, 2026. This partnership covers sales support, delivery, registration, insurance, and after-sales services, initially piloted at select apollostation service stations in Tokyo and Hiroshima starting April 2026. The collaboration integrates the MiBot into Idemitsu’s evolving energy infrastructure, which is transitioning from traditional gas stations to electrified energy hubs under the “Smart Yorozuya” strategy, incorporating EV charging, hydrogen fueling, solar power, and renewable energy. KG Motors plans to ramp up MiBot production from 300-500 units monthly at launch to 800-900 units monthly,