Higashihiroshima City Sees Positive Results in Mibot Mini EV Pilot Program
Higashihiroshima City and KG Motors recently concluded a study evaluating the leverage of the Mibot, a small electric vehicle, for government operations. The pilot program, conducted from January 19 to February 6, 2026, demonstrated the vehicle’s suitability for short-distance, individual travel within the city, aligning with Higashihiroshima’s goal of becoming a zero-carbon emission city by 2050.
Mibot Pilot Program Details
The pilot program involved 11 city government employees utilizing the Mibot in their daily work, focusing on tasks requiring short-distance travel. The evaluation focused on the vehicle’s practicality for field work and its maneuverability in urban environments.
Positive Employee Feedback
Results from the pilot program were largely positive, with 82% of participating employees reporting they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the Mibot as an operational vehicle. Key factors contributing to this satisfaction included excellent visibility and ease of control. Respondents too highlighted the Mibot’s advantages over other small electric vehicles, with 91% considering it superior due to its air conditioning, secure door structure, and confidence-inspiring range.
Areas for Improvement
While generally well-received, the pilot program also identified areas for improvement. Employees noted that access to the luggage compartment was limited to when the vehicle’s power was on, and suggested enhancements to the user interface display for improved ease of understanding.
Future Implementation Plans
Looking ahead, 73% of respondents expressed a desire to use the Mibot again, while 18% indicated they would adapt its use based on weather conditions and specific task requirements. This indicates a strong overall positive intention towards continued use of the vehicle. Future testing will focus on assessing costs, environmental impacts, and operational considerations to facilitate wider adoption of the Mibot as an environmentally friendly service vehicle.
About KG Motors and the Mibot
KG Motors, established in June 2022 and based in Hiroshima, specializes in the development and manufacture of ultra-compact battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for single users. KG Motors’ Mibot is designed for short-distance travel, particularly in areas with limited public transportation. The vehicle measures 2,490mm in length, 1,130mm in width, and 1,465mm in height, and boasts a range of 100 km (62 miles) at a steady speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) with a 7.68 kWh battery pack that charges in five hours on a standard 100-volt AC plug. InsideEVs notes the Mibot is small enough to fit inside a Toyota Hiace van.
Toyoda Gosei Investment
In July 2025, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. invested in KG Motors through its Corporate Venture Capital Dept., recognizing the potential of compact mobility solutions. This investment aims to deepen Toyoda Gosei’s knowledge in the field of compact mobility and contribute to the realization of modern mobility solutions, aligning with their 2030 Business Plan focused on societal safety.