ITOCHU and Tsukuba City to Launch Joint Demonstration of Low-Carbon Transportation System

ITOCHU Corp., a major Japanese trading company, and its partner companies announced on November 27, 2009, that together with Tsukuba City, they will launch a joint demonstration of a low-carbon transportation system using clean energy in March 2010.

This is the first such project in Japan to use a smart grid, and is a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to demonstrate a low-carbon transport system, which involves Japan's unique infrastructure, such as convenience stores and gas stations, and relies on a combination of electric vehicles (EVs), quick electric chargers, grid storage (battery energy storage system for stationary applications), photovoltaic power generators and a car-sharing model.

For research on the secondary use of EV batteries, the project is expected to utilize data on charge/discharge, and abrasion and deterioration of in-vehicle batteries and grid storage by remote surveillance and data acquisition with ICT. Furthermore, by recording the status of EV battery use and establishing the system for performance evaluation and product assurance, the initiative aims to promote the market for the secondary use of EV batteries and to reduce battery prices.

Car Sharing Service Starts at Convenience Stores (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/029563.html
Lawson to Introduce EVs for Store Visits in Major Cities (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/029426.html
Joint Demonstration Project on Low Carbon Transportation System Using Clean Energy
http://www.itochu.co.jp/en/news/2009/091127.html

Posted: 2010/03/02 06:00:15 AM

TAG Energy , Local government , Non-manufacturing industry , Transportation