DOKE Unveils Latest Model 'Jo-Car' Ver.0.4: A Foldable Ultra-Compact EV
DOKE Co., Ltd. has revealed the latest version of 'Jo-Car,' an innovative ultra-compact electric vehicle that folds down to the size of a suitcase. Targeting a late 2026 launch, it proposes a new lifestyle without the need for parking fees.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 02:46 (16h 14m after Collected)
DOKE Co., Ltd. (CEO: Kenichi Hiramatsu, Headquarters: Osaka), the developer of the foldable ultra-compact electric vehicle "Jo-Car," has unveiled its latest version, Ver.0.4, today.
### Overview
Jo-Car is a foldable micro-EV built on the concept of "Deconstructing Global Stereotypes." Designed beyond the frameworks of the traditional automotive industry, it complies with Japanese "Minicar" standards, aiming to realize a new form of one-person personal mobility.
The most prominent feature of Jo-Car is its innovative transformation mechanism that combines "driving" and "storing" in one unit. While it drives on public roads as a standard vehicle, it can be folded into a self-standing, suitcase-sized unit with four wheels. It can be brought directly into home entryways or rooms, proposing a brand-new car life that requires no parking space.
Monthly parking contracts and garage certificates are no longer necessary. Jo-Car rewrites the common sense of the "cost of owning a car."
### Key Improvements in Ver.0.4
1. Complete Exterior Redesign: Ver.0.4 fundamentally re-evaluates the exterior design from previous prototypes. It pursues a sophisticated form that blends into daily cityscapes while maintaining functionality. Full LED lights are used for the front and rear to balance visibility and presence at night.
2. Further Compactness and Weight Reduction: Compared to previous versions, the body size has become even more compact, and the chassis weight has been reduced. This achieves both ease of maneuvering in urban areas and reduction in loading and transportation costs.
3. Transitioning to Final Finishing Phase: With the major updates to appearance and mechanisms completed in Ver.0.4, the project now enters the final phase for market release. DOKE will continue to refine the product in terms of safety, practicality, and quality.
### Product Specifications
- Vehicle Category: Minicar (Road Transport Vehicle Act, Article 3)
- Drive System: Electric Motor (Rated 0.6kW)
- Maximum Speed: 50km/h (Target: 60km/h)
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Estimated Price: ¥400,000 - ¥450,000 (Excluding tax)
### Future Initiatives Toward Sales
DOKE will proceed with final development based on Ver.0.4, aiming for a general user release between late 2026 and early 2027. Sales will initially target individual customers, with future expansion into corporate sectors such as hotels, airports, and tourist facilities, starting from Japan.
### About DOKE Co., Ltd.
Established in October 2012. DOKE engages in web production, marketing, app/system development, and original product development. Their unique products include "ViMeCa" (a video message card with a camera) and "To-King" (an interpretation speaker). Their mission is to create new value through technology.
### Overview
Jo-Car is a foldable micro-EV built on the concept of "Deconstructing Global Stereotypes." Designed beyond the frameworks of the traditional automotive industry, it complies with Japanese "Minicar" standards, aiming to realize a new form of one-person personal mobility.
The most prominent feature of Jo-Car is its innovative transformation mechanism that combines "driving" and "storing" in one unit. While it drives on public roads as a standard vehicle, it can be folded into a self-standing, suitcase-sized unit with four wheels. It can be brought directly into home entryways or rooms, proposing a brand-new car life that requires no parking space.
Monthly parking contracts and garage certificates are no longer necessary. Jo-Car rewrites the common sense of the "cost of owning a car."
### Key Improvements in Ver.0.4
1. Complete Exterior Redesign: Ver.0.4 fundamentally re-evaluates the exterior design from previous prototypes. It pursues a sophisticated form that blends into daily cityscapes while maintaining functionality. Full LED lights are used for the front and rear to balance visibility and presence at night.
2. Further Compactness and Weight Reduction: Compared to previous versions, the body size has become even more compact, and the chassis weight has been reduced. This achieves both ease of maneuvering in urban areas and reduction in loading and transportation costs.
3. Transitioning to Final Finishing Phase: With the major updates to appearance and mechanisms completed in Ver.0.4, the project now enters the final phase for market release. DOKE will continue to refine the product in terms of safety, practicality, and quality.
### Product Specifications
- Vehicle Category: Minicar (Road Transport Vehicle Act, Article 3)
- Drive System: Electric Motor (Rated 0.6kW)
- Maximum Speed: 50km/h (Target: 60km/h)
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Estimated Price: ¥400,000 - ¥450,000 (Excluding tax)
### Future Initiatives Toward Sales
DOKE will proceed with final development based on Ver.0.4, aiming for a general user release between late 2026 and early 2027. Sales will initially target individual customers, with future expansion into corporate sectors such as hotels, airports, and tourist facilities, starting from Japan.
### About DOKE Co., Ltd.
Established in October 2012. DOKE engages in web production, marketing, app/system development, and original product development. Their unique products include "ViMeCa" (a video message card with a camera) and "To-King" (an interpretation speaker). Their mission is to create new value through technology.