Jaden Emery
Japan’s Bold Electric Truck Revolution: 150 Battery-Swapping EVs Launch in Tokyo — Speeding Up Deliveries & Slashing Downtime
Mitsubishi, Ample & Yamato partner to deploy 150+ battery-swapping trucks and 14 swap stations across Tokyo by September 2025.
- 150+ battery-swappable commercial EVs hitting Tokyo by September 2025
- 14 modular battery swapping stations to launch across the city
- 5 minutes promised to swap batteries, slashing downtime for fleets
- 100% automated process—drivers stay in the cab
Is Tokyo about to lead the world in lightning-fast, fully automated electric truck charging? An ambitious new partnership between Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Mitsubishi Motors, US-based battery swapping pioneer Ample, and logistics giant Yamato Transport says yes.
Starting in September 2025, these industry leaders will roll out over 150 commercial electric vehicles engineered with swappable battery tech—and deploy 14 high-speed modular battery swap stations across central Tokyo. This cutting-edge initiative is the next step after their successful pilot in Kyoto, and it’s about to reshape how city deliveries are powered.
Why Tokyo Chose Battery-Swapping Trucks
Urban logistics runs on speed and reliability. While traditional EV charging can take hours and fill up city streets with idle vehicles, this new system swaps out batteries in just five minutes. And thanks to Ample’s fully automated solution, drivers can swap batteries without even leaving their trucks.
For Japan’s iconic urban fleets—like Yamato’s delivery vans—this spells massive reductions in downtime. More deliveries, less gridlock, and a clear pathway to scaled-up electrification. The project draws key support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Environment Public Corporation as part of Japan’s “Technology Development Support Project for Promoting New Energy.”
What Vehicles Are Included?
This pilot will feature:
– MFTBC’s eCanter: A nimble, light-duty electric truck built for city streets
– Mitsubishi Minicab EV: A compact, kei-class commercial EV designed for tight urban routes
Both vehicles are tailored for last-mile logistics—an area where battery swapping delivers outsized benefits versus traditional charging.
The New Face of Urban Charging: How Does Automated Battery Swapping Work?
Q: What exactly happens during a battery swap?
Technicians aren’t needed and drivers stay inside. The truck pulls into a compact Ample station. Robotic arms quickly remove the depleted battery and slot in a fully charged one. The whole operation takes about five minutes—less time than a coffee break—and the vehicle returns to the road.
Q: Can these stations do more than just swap batteries?
Yes! As battery swapping infrastructure grows, the modular stations are expected to double as grid resources—storing excess renewable energy, balancing demand, and making Tokyo’s power system more resilient.
How Japan’s EV Battery Swapping Stacks Up Globally
Japan’s move signals a broader trend: electrified fleets demand truly rapid, scalable, and space-saving charging solutions, especially in dense metro areas. By leapfrogging slow, plug-in stations and deploying modular swaps, Tokyo’s program is setting a new standard for cities worldwide.
Major manufacturers and logistics leaders—from Mitsubishi Motors to Ample and Yamato—see battery swapping as a game-changer for commercial operations. Their collaboration may have global implications, and others are watching closely.
What’s Next for EV Battery Swapping?
Following Tokyo, further expansion is on the table—both within Japan and potentially in overseas markets hungry for advanced fleet electrification solutions. Stay tuned to Evertiq for continued coverage on tech developments and industry trends.
How to Get Involved—And Why It Matters
Want to see this revolution up close? Attend the Evertiq Expo in Berlin on June 5, 2025. It’s a must for industry players and curious minds looking to be part of the next wave in electronics and sustainable transport.
Don’t Miss the Future—Take Action:
- Watch for Tokyo’s first battery swap stations opening September 2025
- Sign up for the latest updates via your favorite tech newsletter
- Visit the Evertiq Expo in Berlin for hands-on networking and insights
- Follow Mitsubishi Motors, Ample, and Yamato for live project progress
Tokyo is set to spark a new era in urban transportation. Want to stay ahead? Bookmark this story and subscribe for all the pulse-pounding updates on battery swapping, commercial EVs, and the future of clean city logistics!
