This Futuristic Tokyo Pilot Makes EV Charging Obsolete: 5-Minute Swaps Are Here
Mitsubishi, Ample, and Yamato unveil Tokyo’s first large-scale, ultra-fast battery swap program for commercial EVs. Discover the future of urban delivery.
- 150+ battery-swappable commercial EVs hitting Tokyo streets September 2025
- 5 minutes—target swap time to fully recharge an EV
- 14 modular battery swapping stations planned for launch phase
- Zero need for drivers to leave their vehicles during automated swaps
Tokyo is about to reinvent urban mobility. Starting September 2025, a powerhouse alliance—Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Mitsubishi Motors, Ample, and Yamato Transport—will roll out over 150 battery-swappable electric vehicles (EVs) and 14 modular battery-swapping stations across the city.
This bold initiative promises to eliminate one of the biggest headaches for electric fleets: recharge time.
How Will Tokyo’s EV Battery Swapping Pilot Work?
Imagine this: A delivery van pulls into a compact, high-tech station. In as little as 5 minutes—without the driver even leaving the cab—the spent battery slides out and a fully charged one glides in. No plugs, no waiting, zero hassle.
The project will deploy two innovative EV models. First, the sturdy MFTBC eCanter light-duty truck. Second, the compact, ultra-efficient Mitsubishi Minicab EV—a kei-car class vehicle perfectly sized for Tokyo’s dense streets.
Yamato Transport, an industry giant, becomes the first major customer, using these swappable EVs for last-mile deliveries. Ample, a pioneering U.S. company, supplies the next-gen battery swapping tech and manages the stations.
Why Is Battery Swapping a Gamechanger?
For commercial fleet operators, downtime kills productivity. Battery swapping shatters existing barriers:
– No more lengthy charging stops
– True 24/7 operation for high-utilization fleets
– Fleet-wide emissions cuts without logistical sacrifices
The Tokyo Metropolitan Environment Public Corporation has backed the project, underscoring its role in the city’s decarbonization push.
What Did the Kyoto Pilot Teach Us?
Last year’s successful battery-swapping pilot in Kyoto set the stage, proving the technology’s speed and reliability. Tokyo’s expansion brings scale—and high stakes—to the game.
How Do Automated Swapping Stations Improve City Life?
Ample’s stations are fully automated and designed for tight urban spaces. Not only do they keep EVs on the road, but future upgrades could add energy storage to these hubs, helping Tokyo balance its green energy grid. That means fewer emissions, smarter power use, and less urban congestion.
Explore more about urban technology at Ample and get industry news at Mitsubishi.
Q&A: What’s Next for Fleet Electrification in Japan?
Q: Will we see more cities adopt this model?
All signs point to yes. The Tokyo pilot sets a blueprint for other major cities coping with the EV-charging bottleneck.
Q: Can private drivers use these stations?
For now, the program serves commercial fleets. But industry insiders expect battery-swapping tech could spread to taxis and ride-share services in the near future.
Q: Could stations power buildings or stabilize the grid?
Absolutely. Future plans include using these battery banks for grid services, maximizing renewable energy and cutting emissions citywide.
How To Get Involved Or Learn More
– Attend the Evertiq Expo on June 5, 2025, in Berlin for firsthand insights on electronics industry trends.
– Sign up for newsletters from leading industry players to stay ahead of EV innovations.
Don’t Miss the Next Urban Mobility Wave—Act Now!
Summary Checklist:
- Mark September 2025: Tokyo kicks off its EV battery swap revolution.
- Follow Yamato Transport and Mitsubishi for commercial EV developments.
- Register for the next Evertiq Expo to connect with industry leaders.
- Subscribe to EV and technology newsletters for the latest trends.
Urban transport is about to change forever. Will your business lead— or lag behind?