Idemitsu Kosan, T2, and Isuzu Motors Collaborate to Promote Next-Generation Biodiesel Fuel in Trucking for Carbon Neutrality

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Norimasa Sakai, hereinafter "Idemitsu Kosan"), T2 Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO: Masatomo Kumabe, hereinafter "T2"), and Isuzu Motors Limited (Yokohama, Kanagawa, Representative Director, President and CEO: Masanori Yamaguchi, hereinafter "Isuzu") today announced their collaboration to promote the adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuel with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in the truck transportation sector.

Starting this summer, Idemitsu Kosan will supply its next-generation biodiesel fuel, "Idemitsu Renewable Diesel*1" (hereinafter "IRD"), to T2. T2 will conduct trial use of IRD in the commercial operation*4 of its Level 2*2 automated driving trucks*3, which are provided to major logistics companies for highway transport between the Kanto and Kansai regions, a distance of approximately 500 kilometers. Furthermore, Isuzu will provide repair and maintenance services for T2's automated driving trucks using IRD, ensuring operations are equivalent to those with diesel fuel.

[Image: T2's automated driving truck trial-using Idemitsu's IRD]

As efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 expand, next-generation biodiesel fuels, which are expected to reduce CO2 emissions across their entire lifecycle, are gaining attention in the truck transportation sector. However, challenges remain for widespread adoption, including an insufficient number of refueling stations for next-generation biodiesel fuels and higher price points compared to conventional fuels. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the impact on truck performance and durability, as well as unclear repair and service responses in case of malfunctions, hindering logistics companies from readily adopting these fuels.

As a first step to address these challenges, the three companies will collaborate to verify the effectiveness of refueling operations through the continuous use of IRD in actual operations of T2's automated driving trucks. Building on this, they will work to create an environment that facilitates the widespread adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuels, including IRD, by exploring the expansion of refueling station networks.

[Image: Collaboration between the three companies]

Idemitsu Kosan aims to promote refueling using portable fuel tanks as a result of this initiative. By enabling operations that do not rely on fixed facilities such as underground fuel tanks, they aim to create an environment where logistics companies can use IRD more flexibly. Furthermore, they will explore possibilities such as developing dedicated service stations for IRD refueling and developing blended renewable diesel*5, to further promote the adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuels.

With a vision to "support Japan's logistics together through the utilization of automated driving technology," T2 is preparing for the commencement of Level 4*6 automated driving truck trunk line transportation from fiscal year 2027 onwards. They have established "Trans Gates" in Kanagawa and Hyogo prefectures, which serve as transfer points where drivers board and alight trucks to switch between unmanned driving on highways and manned driving on general roads*7. After achieving Level 4, with the expectation of continuous unmanned operation on long-distance routes like Kanto-Kansai, which are expected to have high CO2 emissions, T2 plans to install fuel tanks at these "Trans Gates" to enhance refueling convenience and efficiency, thereby contributing to carbon neutrality.

Isuzu is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to power source development for carbon neutrality. They view next-generation biodiesel fuels as a viable low-carbon solution that can cater to diverse needs, alongside electrification. Moving forward, Isuzu will actively cooperate with Idemitsu Kosan and T2 to advance the trial use of next-generation biodiesel fuels through this initiative and to resolve various challenges related to its social implementation.

*1 For details, please visit: https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/business/oil/lowcarbon/renewable_diesel/index.html

*2 High-function automated driving under specific conditions, with driver monitoring.

*3 Developed by T2 based on Isuzu's heavy-duty truck "Giga" equipped with various sensors. *4 News release regarding this matter: https://t2.auto/news/2025/0701.pdf

*5 Fuel blended with renewable diesel at a certain ratio with regular diesel fuel. *6 A state where the automated driving system completely replaces driving operations within limited driving environments that meet specific conditions.

*7 News release regarding this matter: https://t2.auto/news/2026/0424.pdf

Company Overview

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

Head Office: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director and President Norimasa Sakai

Established: March 30, 1940

Business Activities: Petroleum products business, basic chemicals business, functional materials business, electric power and renewable energy business, resource business Corporate Site: https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/

Official X: https://x.com/Idemitsu_Kosan

T2 Inc. Head Office: 1F, Hibiya Kokusai Building, 2-2-3 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director and CEO Masatomo Kumabe

Established: August 30, 2022

Business Activities: Development of automated driving systems, trunk line transportation service business using Level 4 automated driving trucks, related services incidental to trunk line transportation, and other related services.

Corporate Site: https://t2.auto/

Official X: https://x.com/t2_auto Official note: https://note.com/t2_auto

Isuzu Motors Limited Head Office: Yokohama Gate Tower, 1-2-5 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Representative: Representative Director, President and CEO Masanori Yamaguchi

Established: April 9, 1937

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of products such as automobiles, transportation machinery and equipment, engines, and their parts, as well as related materials and supplies. Corporate Site: https://www.isuzu-global.com