Summary
- Japan’s first e-bus operation on public road using pantograph charging is a robust solution for Asian towns and cities
- Toshiba Corporation agrees with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro Technology for a demonstration project on super-rapid charging e-buses
- The project aims to demonstrate commercial operation of an e-bus charged by a pantograph in Japan
- Global e-bus sales were low in 2023 due to long charging times and limited chargers, posing challenges for adoption in urban areas
- Toshiba collaborates with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro to lead in introducing the system into Asia for carbon neutrality and sustainable growth.
Article
Toshiba Corporation has partnered with Kawasaki Tsurumi Rinko Bus Co., Ltd. (Rinko Bus) and Drive Electro Technology Co., Ltd. to conduct a demonstration project for Japan’s first e-bus operation on public roads using pantograph charging. The project is set to start in November 2025 in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, where the bus will operate on a regular route along public roads. This initiative aims to showcase the commercial viability of an e-bus charged by a pantograph, with Rinko Bus operating the service and Drive Electro Technology producing the pantograph charging system. The project will also explore the reuse of Toshiba’s rechargeable battery “SCiB™” to minimize power consumption during peak demand.
While governments in China and Europe are investing in e-buses as an environmentally friendly transportation option, global sales were relatively low in 2023, accounting for only 3% of all bus sales with approximately 50,000 units sold. Challenges such as long charging times, limited chargers, and the need for significant charging infrastructure pose barriers to the widespread adoption of e-buses, especially in densely populated urban areas in Asia where space is limited. Addressing these challenges is crucial to accelerating the transition to electric transportation and reducing emissions in urban centers.
Toshiba, Rinko Bus, and Drive Electro Technology’s collaboration on the demonstration project for an electric bus with super-rapid 10-minute charging aims to leverage the strengths of each company to advance cutting-edge initiatives. By leading the introduction of innovative e-bus technologies in Asia, the partners seek to contribute to the advancement of carbon neutrality and sustainable growth. The project builds on the success of a previous demonstration project in Malaysia, demonstrating the potential for fast-charging electric vehicle buses and showcasing the possibilities for similar advancements in Japan.
The partnership between Toshiba, Rinko Bus, and Drive Electro Technology highlights the importance of industry collaboration in driving the adoption of electric buses and sustainable transportation solutions. By combining expertise and resources, the companies aim to overcome existing challenges and pave the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation systems. With a focus on promoting innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the project sets a precedent for future developments in the e-mobility sector, with the potential to transform urban transportation landscapes in Japan and beyond.
The project’s use of Toshiba’s battery SCiB™ powered by a pantograph charging system underscores the role of advanced energy storage solutions in enabling rapid and efficient charging for electric buses. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, the initiative aims to showcase the feasibility and benefits of super-rapid charging for e-buses, setting a new standard for sustainable urban transportation. As the world transitions towards cleaner and more energy-efficient mobility solutions, initiatives like the demonstration project in Japan play a vital role in shaping the future of transportation and fostering a more sustainable society.
CleanTechnica’s coverage of the partnership and demonstration project highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in accelerating the transition to electric buses and reducing emissions in urban areas. By showcasing the potential of pantograph charging and rapid charging technologies, the project sets a precedent for future developments in the e-bus sector and underscores the critical role of sustainable transportation solutions in achieving carbon neutrality. With a focus on driving positive change and promoting clean energy initiatives, the project represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for transportation in Japan and across the globe.
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