AI Storm Signs Agency Agreement for Commercial EV Trucks

AI Storm Inc. (formerly Jexceed Inc., HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Toshio Imai, Stock Code: 3719) announced the signing of an agency agreement with ZO MOTORS Inc. (HQ: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Hideyutaka Teranishi), a fabless manufacturer of new energy commercial vehicles established in July 2023. This agreement addresses the dual pressures of rising fuel costs and decarbonization in the logistics industry. AI Storm aims to support the business stability and decarbonization efforts of transport operators, contributing to its mid-term goal of 50 billion JPY market capitalization. The Japanese logistics sector faces a structural crisis, with a projected 34% shortage in commercial truck transport capacity by 2030 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism estimate). Bankruptcies in road freight transport in FY2024 approached levels seen during the Lehman Shock. ZO MOTORS' commercial EV truck "ZM6" is an electric 3-ton truck with a 180km range (WLTP・UN-R154) and an 81.14kWh battery. It features advanced safety functions and operability similar to engine vehicles. Support includes a maintenance network via JARWA and 24/7 roadside service. AI Storm's Mobility Initiative Fund offers a new option for EV truck procurement. The fund holds vehicle ownership, and operators use them via a lease model. This, combined with government subsidies, allows small and medium-sized businesses to adopt EVs without high initial investment. The fund has achieved a 100% close rate for all seven funds, with cumulative funds exceeding 4 billion JPY and over 300 operating vehicles. The goal is to reach 1,000 EV trucks by the end of fiscal year 2026.