Daihatsu e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai

Daihatsu may be late to the EV market, but their first-ever e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai are proof that Daihatsu is embracing the trend of electrification.

2026 Daihatsu e-Hijet Cargo and 2026 Daihatsu e-Atrai

The business-friendly e-Hijet Cargo starts at 3,146,000 Yen, while the casual-oriented e-Atrai begins at 3,465,000 Yen, plus additional costs. Although both models are similar to the standard Atrai and Hijet kei vans that were introduced five years ago, they stand out due to their electric powertrains.

The e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai are equipped with Daihatsu's first-ever e-SMART ELECTRIC system. In this setup, the power supply unit and lithium-ion battery are positioned in the middle of the vehicle, while the e-axle powers the rear wheels. This system generates 47 kW of power, 126 Nm of torque, and provides a driving range of up to 257 km. Charging time is approximately 6 to 12 hours at home, or about 50 minutes at public fast-charging stations.

In terms of drivability, both the e-Atrai and e-Hijet Cargo offer a comfortable riding experience, even when carrying heavy luggage. They are notably quiet, stable, and provide a flat driving feel, enhancing overall comfort and reducing fatigue. Additionally, they come equipped with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability, which can be useful during power outages.

Like their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai feature Smart Assist, which includes 14 advanced active safety features to ensure safety on the road.

With the first-ever e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, Daihatsu has joined the list of carmakers embracing the electrification route, although some say it's a little too late for this. Still, it's better late than never for Daihatsu to showcase to the Japanese public how these kei EV vans can be used for business and leisure. The more you know.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Atrai (S700/10)

The Daihatsu Atrai is a tiny kei multipurpose van that caters to every Japanese person's lifestyle wherever they see fit. Whether it's made for working, outing, whatever floats their boats, the Atrai is the ideal partner they can rely on. Now on its 6th generation, the all-new Atrai is now the best Atrai they'll ever buy because of its added space and better dynamics that made it even more usable than before.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

The all-new Daihatsu Atrai starts at 1,562,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, and it's about time they've regenerated the Atrai after a long time. While it was worth the wait, the all-new Atrai features a more boxy design and larger dimensions compared to the previous model it replaces, becoming a four-door kei van fit for all walks of life. Although bigger than the previous model, the all-new Atrai is still small and easy to squeeze through Japan's tightest hotspots.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai interior

Thanks to its added size, the new interior is roomier than the previous model, although this van is good for four people, which is ideal for families with one or two kids. Although there's nothing special about the dashboard, apart from the fact that you can slap a touch screen on it at an additional cost, the boot is where the Atrai shines. With the rear seats folded down, there are countless possibilities you can think of with the new Atrai. You can turn it into a nice little sleeper, your workplace away from work, a campsite, and so on. There's so much you can do in such a tiny little van.

There's more, the all-new Atrai comes with class-first features such as dual power-sliding doors, keyless entry, and a welcome open function that can open its doors automatically when the owner approaches near the Atrai.

If you want something unique, you can opt for a Deck Van variant, which made its comeback in this new model. It's a pickup-esque variant that is capable of carrying up to 250kg of load at its bed.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

For the first time in an FR kei cab-over van, the all-new Atrai is mated with a CVT gearbox in place of the previous model's 4AT, which sucks for some drivers, but whatever. The 660cc petrol engine and the CVT gearbox delivered an impressive fuel economy of 14.7km/L based on WLTC Mode standards in both FR and 4WD layouts.

Being tiny does have its upsides in Japan's driving conditions, and because of its 4.2m turning radius and its DNGA platform underneath, it feels very easy to drive. However, if you are opting for the 4WD variant, there's so much to enjoy driving the all-new Atrai everywhere because of its three driving modes: 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD LOCK. Handy if you're traversing through dirt while in the woods, hunting, or fishing.

In the issue of safety, the all-new Atrai comes with Smart Assist, which consists of 14 advanced active safety features that will keep it safe everywhere.

The sixth-generation Atrai is now the easiest and most usable Atrai you'll ever buy, despite the CVT gearbox that made it feel regular. With its impressive boot space, the return of the Deck Van variant, bigger dimensions, and the DNGA platform that resulted in better dynamics, it's ready to take on the new normal in an unexpected way for a tiny van. The more you know.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.