# Japanese light electric vehicle market developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-light-electric-vehicle-market-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-19T02:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Japanese automakers are introducing new light electric vehicle (EV) models and updates. Suzuki announced details for its first brand-specific kei-class EV, the e SKY, which is built on the HEARTECT e platform. The vehicle offers a 310km driving range and is scheduled for a November 2026 market release with prices starting at 2,120,000 yen.

In a separate development, Mitsubishi Motors released an updated Minicab EV, a light commercial electric van. The updates focus on safety and connectivity, including the ‘Mitsubishi e-Assist’ system for collision mitigation and traffic sign recognition, alongside new telematics options for fleet management.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Japanese automakers update and launch new light electric vehicles

Mitsubishi has updated its Minicab EV with enhanced night-time safety features and connectivity, while Suzuki prepares to launch the e SKY, a light EV offering improved range and charging speeds.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-automakers-update-and-launch-new-light-electric-vehicles

### 2026-10-02: Suzuki to launch e SKY kei EV in November 2026

Suzuki will launch its first kei-class EV, the e SKY, in November 2026. The model offers a 310km range with prices starting from 2.12 million yen.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suzuki-to-launch-e-sky-kei-ev-in-november-2026

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Cite as: Japanese light electric vehicle market developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-light-electric-vehicle-market-developments