Author: Ryo Suzuki

Toyota is developing a new hybrid powertrain based on four-cylinder 1.5-litre engines, with the company targeting a fuel economy improvement of more than 15% compared with its existing systems. The powertrain will be available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged configurations and is intended for future multi-pathway vehicle platforms. The system combines the new engines with smaller, lighter electric motors, power control units and inverters. Toyota is developing the components as an integrated powertrain, with the aim of reducing energy losses and improving packaging efficiency. The company has not disclosed a production timeline or specific fuel consumption figures for vehicles using…

Japan will reduce government purchase subsidies for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles from January 1, 2027, as demand for its Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) incentive programme puts pressure on available funding. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the revised subsidy limits on October 21. The new rates will apply to vehicles registered from January 2027, provided the existing programme is extended beyond that date. The changes are intended to help the remaining budget cover more eligible vehicle purchases. New Subsidy Limits for 2027 The maximum subsidy for conventional battery-electric passenger cars will fall from…

Subaru has unveiled initial details of its first dedicated electric vehicle platform, marking a shift towards developing its own EV architecture after launching several electric models based on technology shared with Toyota. The Japanese automaker expects production vehicles using the new platform to arrive around 2029. The announcement follows Subaru’s expansion of its electric vehicle lineup with models including the Uncharted and Trailseeker, alongside the Solterra. Its upcoming three-row Getaway also forms part of a broader EV portfolio developed through collaboration with Toyota, with the two companies sharing vehicle platforms and powertrain technology. The new architecture could give Subaru greater…

Foxconn will invest ¥115 billion (approximately US$727 million) to acquire a 50% stake in Mitsubishi Electric Mobility (MEM), establishing a joint venture focused on automotive electronics, electric vehicle platforms and autonomous driving technologies. The transaction is expected to close in October 2027, subject to regulatory approval. The deal values Mitsubishi Electric Mobility at approximately ¥320 billion on an enterprise value basis. Following completion, the business will no longer be consolidated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric, which expects to record an impairment charge of around ¥100 billion in the current fiscal year. The agreement builds on a data…

Suzuki has announced Japanese pricing for the e Sky, its first fully electric kei car, with prices starting at 2.12 million yen (approximately €12,000). Sales are scheduled to begin on 16 November, positioning the model below comparable offerings from BYD and Honda. The e Sky will be available in three trim levels: A, G and X. The entry-level A starts at 2.12 million yen, while the G and X are priced at 2.39 million yen (approximately €13,500) and 2.79 million yen (approximately €15,750), respectively. Suzuki will build the A trim to order, with the G and X offered as regular…

Nissan will expand its autonomous mobility service pilot in Kobe, Japan, during fiscal year 2026, building on field tests conducted the previous year. The company has opened applications for participants to experience the service in the city’s Nada Gogo sake-brewing district. The next phase will extend the service area and introduce smartphone-based, on-demand ride booking and vehicle dispatch. The program will use Nissan Serena vehicles equipped with Level 2 driving automation. Nissan plans to use the trial to assess the operation of the service, its potential application to tourist transportation and public acceptance of autonomous mobility. The company aims to…

Suzuki will begin selling the e Sky, its first passenger mini electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, on 16 November 2026. Built on the dedicated Heartect-e platform, the model has a claimed driving range of 310 km and is aimed at motorists considering a switch from gasoline-powered mini-cars. The e Sky was developed under Suzuki’s “Easy to Switch” concept, with features intended to make the transition to electric driving more accessible. The company is emphasising energy efficiency, alongside the quiet operation and smooth acceleration associated with electric powertrains. Suzuki has not yet announced pricing or sales targets. Energy Efficiency Takes Centre…

Honda is developing a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system with Taisei and Taisei Rotec that could charge electric vehicle batteries while they are moving. The partners plan to begin technology demonstrations from the Japanese fiscal year 2027, including potential tests on public roads. Honda has been working on DWPT technology since 2021, focusing on wireless energy transfer for vehicles in motion. The company sees potential applications in logistics and other commercial vehicle operations where continuous energy supply could support vehicle utilization. Honda Develops Wireless Road Charging Technology The DWPT system uses coils installed beneath or within the road surface…

Toyota reportedly plans to begin producing a next-generation Lexus electric SUV at its new Shanghai facility in the second half of 2027, marking a significant shift in the automaker’s approach to developing and manufacturing new electric vehicles for the Chinese market. According to Nikkei, production is expected to begin in autumn 2027 at an initial rate of around 1,000 vehicles per month. Toyota plans to increase annual production to tens of thousands of units from 2028, although a specific target has not been disclosed. Cautious Initial Production Ramp-Up An output rate of approximately 1,000 vehicles per month would correspond to…

Hubject and Japanese charging infrastructure company Plugo are partnering to expand Plug&Charge technology in Japan, aiming to simplify the process of identifying, charging and paying for electric vehicles without requiring drivers to use charging cards or mobile applications. The cooperation combines Hubject’s Plug&Charge technology and technical expertise with Plugo’s presence across Japan’s charging infrastructure market. The companies plan to work with charge point operators (CPOs), electric mobility service providers (eMSPs) and vehicle manufacturers to support deployment. Automatic EV Charging and Payment Plug&Charge is designed to automatically identify an electric vehicle when it is connected to a compatible charging station. Once…

Japanese charging infrastructure provider Terra Charge plans to introduce the North American Charging Standard (NACS) across its network from fiscal year 2028, with the company targeting 2,500 NACS charging points nationwide by the end of fiscal year 2033. The charging points will be gradually installed at commercial facilities, along major transport routes and at hotels as Terra Charge prepares for wider adoption of the connector standard in Japan. NACS Expansion Begins in 2028 Terra Charge plans to begin deploying NACS chargers in fiscal 2028. The company reported 1,323 publicly registered NACS charging points across Japan as of August 19, although…

Suzuki Motor is preparing to bring its Vision e-Sky battery-electric kei car to Europe in 2027, marking the first time the Japanese automaker is expected to export a kei car with limited changes from its domestic-market version. The model is scheduled to debut in Japan this autumn, with European markets including the United Kingdom and Italy under consideration. Suzuki Targets Europe With Electric Kei Car According to Nikkei Asia, citing people familiar with the plans, Suzuki intends to produce the Vision e-Sky at a factory southwest of Tokyo before beginning exports to Europe in 2027. https://evmagz.com/suzuki-launches-e-every-electric-mini-commercial-van-in-japan/ The move would expand…

Tesla has expanded its Supercharger network in Japan by opening a charging site at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Kawasaki, marking the company’s 150th Supercharger location in the country. The first 7-Eleven site is located in the Shibokuchi area of Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture and features four Superchargers with a maximum output of 250 kW each. The chargers are available around the clock. Tesla Expands Charging Access Through 7-Eleven Tesla’s charging rates vary according to charging power, starting at 37 yen per minute for output of up to 60 kW. The rate rises to 78 yen per minute for…

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has warned that the company faces mounting pressure to remain competitive in the global automotive market, citing growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and the need to avoid complacency, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK. Speaking during a behind-the-scenes program at Toyota’s development facility for the next-generation Corolla EV, Toyoda said the company recognizes the challenges ahead. https://evmagz.com/toyota-updates-2027-crown-with-fifth-generation-hybrid-system/ “There seems to be a considerable sense of crisis within the company.” He added that losing that sense of urgency could threaten Toyota’s future. “If that happens, it’s over.” Corolla EV Becomes Strategic Test Toyota’s next-generation Corolla…

BYD has officially launched the Racco all-electric kei car in Japan, marking the Chinese automaker’s entry into the country’s largest passenger vehicle segment as it seeks to compete directly with established domestic manufacturers including Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The Racco starts at 2.145 million yen ($13,100). After applying Japan’s 150,000-yen government subsidy, the entry-level model is priced below 2 million yen, offering a WLTC driving range of 210 kilometers. https://evmagz.com/byd-plans-mini-dealership-expansion-in-japan-ahead-of-racco-electric-k-car-launch/ Positioned Against Japan’s Leading Kei EVs The Racco enters a highly competitive segment currently led by Nissan’s Sakura, Japan’s best-selling electric vehicle, which starts at approximately 2.44 million yen and…

Toyota has unveiled the updated 2027 Crown, introducing its fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) across most of the lineup alongside styling revisions and additional standard equipment. THS 5 Expands Across Crown Lineup The latest Toyota Hybrid System 5 (THS 5) is now available on the XLE, Limited, and Nightshade grades, while the flagship Platinum continues to use Toyota’s higher-performance Hybrid MAX powertrain. All four grades retain standard all-wheel drive. https://evmagz.com/toyota-recalls-nearly-21000-electric-vehicles-over-battery-ecu-software-fault/ The THS 5 powertrain combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with two motor-generators and front and rear electric motors. Toyota estimates fuel economy at 40 mpg combined, based on U.S.…

Suzuki has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with transit developer Thoth Infrastructure and autonomous mobility company Glydways to evaluate the deployment of a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system at the Sabarmati Multimodal Hub in Ahmedabad, India. The study will examine whether an autonomous electric transit network can improve first- and last-mile connectivity around the planned high-speed rail terminal, where passenger volumes are expected to increase significantly as the project develops. Partners Begin Feasibility Study The agreement marks the start of a feasibility assessment rather than a commitment to build the system. Under the collaboration, Suzuki will work alongside California-based…

Isuzu Motors has officially opened The EARTH lab., a JP¥40 billion (US$248 million) electric vehicle development facility at its Fujisawa Plant in Japan, creating a central hub for the company’s next generation of commercial electric vehicle technologies. The five-story, 27,000-square-meter facility consolidates research, testing and validation for batteries, motors, eAxles and thermal management systems to support the Isuzu Group’s commercial EV development program. Dedicated Hub for EV Development Originally announced in November 2023, The EARTH lab. is designed to accelerate early-stage verification of both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV) technologies. The facility enables engineers to…

Honda has revised its interim carbon reduction targets and removed electrified vehicle sales as a key management metric in its 2026 Sustainability Report, signaling a slower pace for its decarbonization roadmap while maintaining its long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The updated targets reflect changing market conditions, evolving trade policies and a broader shift toward measuring total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Interim CO₂ Targets Reduced Honda lowered its fiscal 2031 carbon dioxide intensity reduction targets across all three of its major business segments compared with fiscal 2020 levels. The motorcycle division’s target was reduced from 34% to 15%,…

Applied Intuition has expanded its Self-Driving System (SDS) to Japan, introducing advanced driver-assistance capabilities less than a year after launching the platform across North America and Europe. The company announced the expansion during its Intersect 26: Japan event, extending the SDS platform into a third major automotive region. Bringing L2+ and L2++ Capabilities to Japan The Self-Driving System supports L2+ and L2++ driver-assistance functions, including intelligent parking, active safety features, and point-to-point urban driving. Applied Intuition said the platform is designed to support future progression toward Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving capabilities using the same underlying architecture. The…