#Japan #Tokyo #Mitsubishi #Yamato #Ample

Trial of Battery Swapping Electric Vehicles in Tokyo

In a forward-thinking initiative towards sustainable transportation, four prominent companies are set to launch a significant trial of battery swapping electric vehicles (EVs) in September 2025. This collaborative effort involves Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Ample Inc., and Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. The trial aims to assess the practicality of battery swapping technology in the logistics sector.

Overview of the Trial

The trial will employ over 150 battery swapping EVs, alongside 14 battery swapping stations across various locations in Tokyo. The initiative has been supported by Tokyo Metropolitan Government as part of their 2024 fiscal year technology development aid for new energy promotion.

Key Details:

1. Start Date: September 2025
2. Number of Vehicles: Over 150 (to expand during the trial period)
3. Number of Battery Swapping Stations: 14 (plannned to expand)
4. Locations: Multiple sites within Tokyo
5. Roles of Participating Companies:
- MFTBC: Planning, provision, and maintenance of the battery swapping eCanter trucks.
- Mitsubishi Motors: Planning, provision, and maintenance of the battery swapping mini commercial EV, mini cab EV.
- Ample: Installation and operation of the battery swapping stations.
- Yamato Transport: Utilizing the battery swapping EVs for delivery operations.

Verification Focus

The trial will explore several critical areas:

• - Large-scale operation of battery swapping EVs
• - Operation of various vehicle brands and sizes at battery swapping stations
• - Practicality and vehicle performance in delivery operations
• - Economic viability compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and charging EVs
• - Collection of fundamental data regarding the operation of battery swapping EVs

Advantages of Battery Swapping EVs

One of the key benefits of battery swapping technology is the significant reduction in wait times compared to traditional charging methods. The envisioned automated battery swapping process aims for an incredibly quick turnaround of just five minutes per vehicle, thus minimizing downtime in logistics. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also alleviates the physical burden on drivers who would no longer need to manually swap batteries.

Ample's innovative battery swapping stations are designed to be compact and easy to assemble, enabling efficient infrastructure development even in dense urban environments like Tokyo. This presents a promising solution for a successful shift towards practical EV use.

The addition of Mitsubishi Motors—known for their long history in the light commercial EV market—further strengthens this initiative by catering to a wider array of logistical demands.

Aiming for Practicality and Sustainability

Through this trial, the four companies aspire to establish battery swapping EVs as a viable option and enhance the penetration of commercial EVs in the market. Additionally, they will investigate the potential for using renewable energy at battery swapping stations to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Call for Partners

In anticipation of the trial, the participating companies are seeking partners, including vehicle manufacturers and logistics service providers, who are interested in collaborating on this innovative project. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via the provided contact information (fleet@ample.com).

Context of the Initiative

The Japanese government's commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050, along with a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 figures, underscores the urgency of this project. The transport sector accounted for approximately 19% of Japan's total CO₂ emissions as of 2022, highlighting the necessity of electrifying commercial vehicles.

Since 2022, Yamato Transport has been engaged with various vehicle manufacturers to explore the standardization and practical use of battery swapping EVs. Previous collaborations have included tests using Ample battery swapping stations and MFTBC’s eCanter for delivery purposes, reinforcing the project's feasibility and operational efficacy.

Through these partnerships and trials, a robust foundation for battery swapping technology is on the verge of being established, marking a significant step towards efficient and sustainable logistics.