Jakarta. Mitsubishi on Thursday introduced the electric microvan Minicab-MiEV to the Indonesian market, with a starting price of Rp 320 million ($20,400).

Assembled at the company’s plant in Cikarang, West Java, the local variant of the microvan is marketed under the brand L100 EV after undergoing an intensive market test.

Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI), the local unit of the Japanese auto giant, aims to pioneer the marketing of EVs for the commercial sector in Indonesia.

Research partners during the market test included the state-run postal company Pos Indonesia and transport and delivery service companies such as Haleyora Power, Gojek, and DHL Supply Chain in Jakarta, in addition to the tourist company Be Sanur in Bali.

“Our logistics and service business partners have recognized that Mitsubishi L100 EV offers product and operational advantages," MMKSI Director Atsushi Kurita said during the product introductory ceremony on the sidelines of the Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta.

He claimed that the L100 EV has a range of 180 kilometers on a full charge, with fast-charging technology allowing for an 80 percent increase in battery charge in 42 minutes.

Pos Indonesia plans to acquire L100 EV fleets for logistical operations in the future national capital, Nusantara, where the company is currently building a new headquarters.

The Indonesian government provides an EV subsidy in the form of a 10 percent value-added tax waiver, applicable to locally manufactured electric vehicles with a minimum of 40 percent locally sourced components.

Mitsubishi said the L100 EV offers significant cost-saving operations, spacious cargo space, an ideal turning radius for cramped streets, better traction, and improved acceleration.

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