Isuzu Motors will begin a delivery trial using battery-swapping EV trucks in November with FamilyMart, Itochu Corporation, and the city of Yokohama.
A station has been installed that allows for simultaneous battery replacement from both the left and right sides of a vehicle, a first in Japan. Three modified Elf EV mini-trucks, equipped with this battery replacement system, will be used to deliver goods to approximately 80 FamilyMart stores in Yokohama City. The project will verify improvements in operational efficiency and the continuity of vehicle operations.
The vehicle is equipped with a communication function with battery exchange stations, and when the vehicle enters a station, the battery exchange process automatically begins with a fully charged battery, and the battery exchange is completed in the same amount of time as refueling a conventional diesel vehicle.
■See Truck News for details.
Isuzu/FamilyMart and Itochu begin delivery trials using battery-swappable EV trucks.
