DET, SBS Holdings, and Toshiba Collaborate to Launch Demonstration of Existing Diesel Truck Electrification and Ultra-Fast Charging for Logistics

Drive Electro Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, hereinafter "DET") has partnered with SBS Holdings, Inc. and Toshiba Corporation (hereinafter "Toshiba") to launch a demonstration experiment starting in late June 2026. The experiment aims to verify the feasibility of an integrated model combining "conversion of existing vehicles (retrofit) into EV trucks," "charging systems utilizing used batteries," and "ultra-fast charging," with the goal of further promoting the adoption of commercial EVs in the logistics sector.

DE Truck

Conversion EV Truck

This demonstration experiment integrates and verifies vehicle, charging, and power supply elements to address various challenges associated with the introduction of commercial EVs. Specifically, it will test the operation of ultra-fast charging within logistics hubs by combining EV trucks converted from existing diesel trucks with stationary storage battery systems that utilize used batteries. This integrated verification approach is an advanced initiative within Japan.

While the adoption of electric vehicles is progressing towards carbon neutrality, the full-scale introduction of commercial EVs faces challenges such as securing space and bearing costs for charging equipment installation, and effectively utilizing used batteries that will eventually become available. In particular, for logistics operations in urban areas, reduced vehicle operational efficiency due to long charging times and space constraints during infrastructure development have become bottlenecks for wider adoption.

To address these challenges, this demonstration experiment will be conducted at a logistics hub owned by the SBS Group in Tokyo. It will involve verifying charging operations by combining EV trucks, converted from existing trucks by DET, with stationary storage battery systems equipped with used Toshiba-made SCiBTM lithium-ion secondary batteries, which are known for their rapid charging capabilities. Additionally, the experiment will assess whether multiple vehicles can be efficiently charged using a single charger, exploring the potential for smaller charging spaces and improved vehicle operational efficiency.

The three companies will accelerate their efforts, aiming to commercialize the integrated model for the widespread adoption of commercial EVs based on the results of this demonstration experiment.

90Kw Charging System

Stationary storage battery system utilizing used automotive batteries, and ultra-fast charging system

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Drive Electro Technology Co., Ltd.

Established: February 2023

Headquarters: 3-chome-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Representative: Hiroyuki Nakagawa

URL: https://drivelectro.jp