Mitsubishi Fuso to Begin New EV Battery Swapping Tests on the road in Japan

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has started a new project in Kyoto, Japan. They are working with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. and Ample to test a new way of swapping batteries in electric trucks. This test is taking place on public roads and is a big step forward for electric vehicles (EVs) in the trucking industry.

How the EV Battery Swapping Works

The project uses MFTBC’s eCanter truck, a light-duty electric truck. This truck is fitted with special batteries from Ample that can be swapped out quickly. The swapping takes place at Ample’s fully automated stations in Kyoto City, which were set up with the help of ENEOS Holdings Inc. The entire process is automated and takes just about five minutes, which helps reduce the time trucks need to stop for charging.

Ample first showed off this technology at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023. Now, they are testing it on real roads. These stations are designed to work not only with trucks but also with passenger cars, making them versatile for different types of EVs.

Yamato Transport’s Involvement

Yamato Transport is helping by using these eCanter trucks in their regular delivery routes in Kyoto. They will collect and deliver goods while using the EV battery swapping stations. Their involvement will help show how well this technology works in real-world situations and will also highlight any potential problems.

Expanding the Use of EV Battery Trucks

For MFTBC, this project is important for their plan to get more electric trucks on the road. Since they first launched the eCanter in 2017, MFTBC has been a leader in making transportation more environmentally friendly. With over 12 million kilometers driven by eCanter trucks worldwide, this new battery-swapping system is expected to make these trucks even more appealing to businesses.

The latest model of the eCanter, released in March 2023, offers different battery sizes and can be customized for various uses. The ability to quickly swap batteries could solve common concerns like driving range and downtime, making these trucks an even better choice for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Exploring New Business Models

The project is also testing a new business model for these battery-swapping trucks. MFTBC, together with Daimler Truck Financial Service Asia Co., Ltd. (DTFSA), is looking into a leasing option called “FUSO Green Lease.” This lease would include everything a company needs to operate these trucks, such as maintenance, insurance, and more. The idea is to make it easier for businesses to switch to electric trucks.

Building for a Sustainable Future

This collaboration between MFTBC, Ample, and Yamato Transport is not just about new technology. It’s also about creating the infrastructure needed to support more electric vehicles on the road. The battery-swapping stations are a key part of reducing CO2 emissions and helping to fight climate change. By making electric trucks more practical, these stations could play a big role in creating a more sustainable world.

As the push for carbon-neutral solutions continues, MFTBC is dedicated to offering customers a range of options to help them reduce their environmental impact. This battery-swapping project is just one example of how innovation and teamwork can help move the trucking industry toward a greener future.