Mitsubishi introduced the EK X EV, an electrically powered kei car, in Japan. The mini mini van travels up to 180 kilometers on one charge.
With the so-called kei cars, which are strictly limited in size and performance, Japan has developed a car segment that is unique in the world. The specifications - shorter than 3.40 meters, narrower than 1.48 meters, lower than two meters, weaker than 64 hp and less than 660 cm³ displacement - bring tax benefits in Japan and an exemption from the parking lot requirement. The tiny ones, which now account for almost half of all new registrations in Japan, are correspondingly popular.
In this segment, Mitsubishi has, among other things, the EK in its range, now in its fourth generation. One of those typical kei car cubes, taller than wide and simply cuddly. The EK, which Mitsubishi also builds for Nissan, has now been presented in an electric version. The Mitsubishi EK X EV is 3.39 meters long, and the width (1,475 mm) and height (1,655 mm) of the electric cube naturally remain within the kei car limits.
The drive is pretty powerful
In the electric version, a 47 kW electric motor with a torque of 190 Nm now replaces the 0.6 liter turbo petrol engine that is otherwise installed. In view of the curb weight of just 1,070 kilos including the battery, this promises a very lively drive. The short Stromer doesn't have to hide when it comes to top speed either, at 130 km/h it runs faster than is permitted on any Japanese road.
The lithium-ion battery, which Mitsubishi has stowed in the middle of the vehicle towards the rear axle, has a capacity of 20 kWh. Because it is small and light, the energy supply is sufficient under optimal conditions for up to 180 kilometers, always enough for a city runabout. As is usual with electric cars in Japan, the Mitsubishi EK X EV also has the option of releasing the stored electricity, for example to supply the house in the event of a power failure.,
With integrated emergency power supply
The battery of the Mitsubishi EK X EV is liquid-cooled and should therefore always be kept within the optimum temperature window, even under high stress, in order to be able to follow up on current without restrictions during quick charging. The Mi-Pilot, which is installed in a Mitsubishi model for the first time, celebrates its premiere. The automatic parking system can park forwards, backwards and parallel autonomously. Otherwise, the dwarf is anything but spartan. It offers a highway assistant that can move the car independently with a combination of distance cruise control and lane keeping assistant.
The new Mitsubishi EK X EV also seems to be an interesting offer in terms of price. Less the Japanese e-car subsidies (around 4,000 euros), the basic model ends up with a final price of around 13,600 euros.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi EK X EV really brings out the advantages of the Japanese kei cars. Such a small car does not require large capacities in terms of electricity storage or machine performance, and can still offer a practical range for traffic in cities and the surrounding area. Of course, this concept also keeps the prices low. Such an offer could definitely be imagined in Germany. But the few attempts by the Japanese manufacturers to make the Kei-Cars palatable to the Europeans have failed in the past.
