KG Motors has secured a strategic partnership with Japanese energy giant Idemitsu Kosan to support the rollout of its ultra-compact electric vehicle, the MiBot. Following the first deliveries in late 2025, the collaboration will utilize Idemitsu’s extensive “apollostation” network to provide sales, maintenance, and insurance services. This agreement marks a significant step in Japan’s urban mobility transition as the affordable ¥1 million single-seater enters mass production in April 2026. By integrating with evolving energy hubs featuring EV charging and solar generation, the MiBot aims to reach an annual sales target of 10,000 units.
The collaboration officially began on January 16, 2026, following a successful evaluation period by Idemitsu Kosan executives. The energy major, one of Japan’s largest refiners and service-station operators, was impressed by the MiBot’s performance during initial testing after the first units were delivered in December 2025. This formal business agreement covers a comprehensive support ecosystem, including delivery handling, vehicle registration assistance, insurance services, and after-sales maintenance. A pilot program is scheduled to launch at select apollostation locations in Tokyo and Hiroshima starting in April 2026.
This partnership aligns with Idemitsu’s “Smart Yorozuya” strategy, which seeks to transform traditional gas stations into multi-functional community hubs. These modernized sites are designed to offer more than just fuel; they are being converted into electrified energy hubs that include lifestyle and shopping options. Many of these locations are already being equipped with EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen filling equipment. Future sites are expected to integrate solar generation and renewable electricity supply directly into their charging systems, creating a sustainable environment for micro-EVs like the MiBot.
The MiBot itself is designed specifically for short-distance urban commuting rather than highway travel. The single-seat vehicle offers a range of approximately 100 kilometers and a top speed of 60 km/h. Its compact footprint and price of approximately ¥1 million (roughly $7,000) position it as a unique alternative to mainstream electric cars, which are often larger and more expensive. To meet its ambitious sales goals, KG Motors plans to begin full mass production in April 2026, starting with an initial output of 300 to 500 units per month before scaling up to 900 units monthly once operations stabilize.
The development of the MiBot involved a rigorous validation process to comply with Japan’s strict minicar regulatory requirements. This included extensive testing for braking, electrical safety, and stability. As the demand for internal combustion engines gradually plateaus, the involvement of a legacy energy company like Idemitsu provides the necessary infrastructure to support widespread adoption. By combining a low-cost, efficient vehicle with a nationwide network of charging and service hubs, the partnership represents a coordinated effort to accelerate transport decarbonization and reduce CO2 emission levels across Japan’s urban centers.