SBS, Toshiba Start Tokyo EV Truck Trial With SCiB Batteries

SBS Holdings, Toshiba, and Drive Electro Technology (DET) have launched a demonstration project in Tokyo to accelerate the adoption of commercial electric vehicles within the logistics sector. The trial utilizes retrofitted diesel trucks and ultra-fast charging systems supported by stationary energy storage units featuring reused Toshiba SCiB lithium-ion batteries. This initiative is significant for the electric vehicle industry as it seeks to overcome common barriers such as limited depot space and the need for high vehicle utilization in urban environments.

The project, which commenced in late June at an SBS group logistics facility, focuses on an integrated model that combines three core technological elements. Drive Electro Technology is responsible for converting existing diesel trucks into electric vehicles, which are then paired with stationary energy storage systems. These storage units utilize reused Toshiba SCiB lithium-ion secondary batteries, providing a sustainable second-life application for battery technology while supporting the high power demands of ultra-fast charging.

A primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficiency of charging multiple vehicles from a single charger. By testing this multi-vehicle configuration, the companies aim to address the physical space constraints often found at urban logistics sites, where installing individual charging stations for every vehicle is frequently impractical. This approach also targets the reduction of vehicle downtime, as ultra-fast charging capabilities are essential for maintaining the high utilization rates required by commercial fleet operators.

The initiative comes as Japan’s logistics industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with national carbon neutrality targets. While passenger EV adoption has progressed, commercial fleet electrification has lagged due to technical and infrastructural hurdles. The partners describe this demonstration as an advanced domestic example of a holistic system—integrating vehicles, charging infrastructure, and power supply—to create a viable pathway for broader commercial EV deployment.