Tokyo’s Delivery Gamechanger: 150+ Battery-Swappable EVs and Lightning-Fast Stations Set to Transform Urban Transport in 2025
Mitsubishi, Ample, and Yamato power Tokyo’s next EV leap: over 150 battery-swapping vehicles, new stations, and 5-minute swaps debut in 2025.
- 150+ battery-swappable EVs launch in Tokyo, Fall 2025
- 14 rapid battery swapping stations to go live
- Under 5 minutes: Battery swap time per vehicle
- 100% automated process—drivers stay inside their vehicles
Tokyo is on the fast track to green transport innovation. Mitsubishi Fuso, Mitsubishi Motors, Ample, and Yamato Transport are teaming up for a massive new pilot program, rolling out more than 150 battery-swappable commercial electric vehicles by September 2025. This ambitious project will see the installation of 14 dedicated battery swapping stations throughout the city—unlocking a future where recharging is quicker than ever.
The new initiative comes hot on the heels of Kyoto’s successful 2024 trial. Now, the heart of Japan’s bustling capital will witness swappable EVs—like the Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter light-duty truck and Mitsubishi Minicab EV (Japan’s super-compact kei-class commercial vehicle)—zipping through its streets, making deliveries faster and cleaner.
What Makes Battery Swapping a Gamechanger?
Forget about waiting for your vehicle to charge. These commercial EVs can drive into a station, swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one, and get back on the road—all in just five minutes. The entire process is completely automated, meaning drivers don’t even need to touch a door handle or step outside.
For companies with time-critical, last-mile deliveries—like Tokyo’s logistics leader Yamato, the project’s first customer—this innovation can mean the difference between on-time arrivals and costly delays.
Meet the Power Players
US battery swapping expert Ample brings its compact, modular tech to the Tokyo streets, building and running the new swap stations. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s robust EV platforms will make sure commercial fleets can take full advantage of the faster turnaround times.
Supporting the move, the Tokyo Metropolitan Environment Public Corporation’s energy development program is fueling research and funding for the project. One eye-catching possibility: future swap stations may double as grid-scale battery storage, stabilizing Tokyo’s power grid and soaking up renewable energy.
Q&A: Why Is Battery Swapping Making Headlines in 2025?
Q: How is battery swapping different from traditional charging?
A: Unlike slow plug-in charging, batteries are physically exchanged in minutes using robots. Vehicles are back in action instantly.
Q: Who benefits most from swapping tech?
A: High-utilization commercial fleets, especially those delivering in tight urban spaces.
Q: Is this just for trucks?
A: No—both light-duty trucks and small delivery vans, including Mitsubishi minicabs, will use the system.
Q: Is this a Tokyo-only trend?
A: Not for long. With Kyoto’s success and growing industry interest, expect swapping to expand across Japan and beyond.
How Will Battery Swapping Impact Urban Transport in 2025?
The battery swap revolution will slash vehicle downtime, help logistics companies keep up with rising demand, and reduce emissions across Tokyo. Automated swapping also means less traffic congestion at chargers and improved reliability for commercial EVs.
By providing a template for global megacities, this project could set the pace for cities worldwide looking to decarbonize transport while improving delivery efficiency.
Step-by-Step: How Does a Battery Swap Work?
1. Driver pulls into Ample’s swap station.
2. Vehicle parks in the pre-set position.
3. Robotic arms remove the depleted battery and slide in a fully charged unit.
4. All done—drive away in five minutes or less.
Want More on the Future of EVs and Green Tech?
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