Idemitsu Kosan, T2, Isuzu trial renewable diesel in autonomous trucks

Photo: Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. announced in early July that it has agreed to collaborate with T2 Inc. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. on promoting the adoption of renewable diesel, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in the trucking sector.

Starting this summer, Idemitsu Kosan will supply renewable diesel to T2.

T2 will conduct trial use of renewable diesel in the commercial operation of its Level 2 autonomous trucks—which it operates for major logistics companies and others—on the approximately 500-kilometer expressway route connecting the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan.

Furthermore, Isuzu will provide repair and maintenance services for T2’s autonomous trucks using renewable diesel, applying the same operational standards as those used for vehicles running on conventional diesel fuel.

As efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 gain momentum, the trucking industry is looking toward renewable diesel, which promises to reduce CO2 emissions across its entire lifecycle.

The number of refueling stations for this fuel remains insufficient, however, and current price levels are higher than those of conventional fuels.

“Uncertainties regarding the fuel’s impact on truck performance and durability, as well as the availability of repair and maintenance services in the event of a breakdown, present obstacles to widespread adoption, even among transport companies interested in using it,” Idemitsu Kosan stated.

As a first step toward addressing these challenges, the three companies will collaborate to verify the effectiveness of refueling operations through the continued use of renewable diesel in actual operations involving T2’s autonomous trucks.

Building on this foundation, the companies will work to establish an environment conducive to the adoption of next-generation biofuels—including renewable diesel—by exploring ways to expand the network of refueling stations.

Leveraging this initiative, Idemitsu Kosan will promote the implementation of refueling using portable fuel tanks.

By enabling operations that do not rely on fixed facilities—such as underground fuel tanks—the company aims to create an environment where transport companies can utilize renewable diesel more flexibly.

Furthermore, Idemitsu Kosan said it will explore possibilities such as rolling out service stations dedicated to renewable diesel refueling and developing blended renewable diesel, thereby striving to further popularize the next-generation biofuel.

With a vision of “supporting Japan’s logistics sector through the use of autonomous driving technology,” T2 is preparing for the launch of trunk-route transport using Level 4 autonomous trucks from fiscal-year 2027 onwards.

To facilitate the transition between unmanned highway driving and manned driving on ordinary roads, T2 has established “Transgate” hubs in Kanagawa and Hyogo prefectures, where drivers board and disembark.

Once Level 4 operations begin, the trucks are expected to run continuously without a driver over the long distances between the Kanto and Kansai regions—routes associated with high CO2 emissions.

By installing fuel tanks at these essential “Transgate” stops and enhancing refueling convenience and efficiency, T2 aims to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality.

To achieve carbon neutrality, Isuzu is pursuing powertrain development based on a multipathway, all-encompassing approach.

Alongside electrification, the company views next-generation biofuel as a promising, practical low-carbon solution capable of meeting diverse needs.

Moving forward, Isuzu will collaborate with Idemitsu Kosan and T2 to conduct trial operations of next-generation biofuels through this initiative and actively work to resolve the various challenges associated with its practical implementation in society.