folofly Co., Ltd. (President: Hiroyasu Koma, Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), an EV manufacturer specializing in Japan’s first 1-ton class EV trucks for last-mile logistics, announced a partnership with the nationwide maintenance network Advance Club (AC), supported by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd. and its group company AC Planning Co., Ltd.
As part of this initiative, a training session was held on March 13 at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance’s Chiba Training Center to qualify Advance Club members as certified maintenance facilities for folofly vehicles. Around 50 participants, primarily members of ASKnet, the research arm of Advance Club, attended the session, which included classroom and practical training.
The Advance Club is one of the largest maintenance networks in Japan, with 2,186 members as of March 2023. Through this partnership, folofly aims to further enhance its EV maintenance network, ensuring customers can purchase vehicles with confidence and supporting decarbonization efforts.
Advance Club’s Commitment to Environmental Activities
The Advance Club, with its headquarters at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance’s main office, is composed of 52 regional branches, each supported by Mitsui Sumitomo’s local offices. Its group company, AC Planning, supports the aftermarket with seminars, technical consultations, and sales coordination, while its research institution ASKnet actively works on CO2 reduction initiatives, environmental certification programs (e.g., Eco Action 21), and other solutions to societal challenges.
folofly F1 Series: Addressing Decarbonization Needs in the Commercial Automotive Industry
folofly employs a “horizontal specialization” model similar to the smartphone industry, focusing on domestic design and planning while outsourcing production overseas. This approach enabled the rapid development of Japan’s first 1-ton class EVs, the F1 VAN and F1 TRUCK. Despite significant inquiries and demand for these vehicles, the needs of decarbonization across industries vary widely depending on transportation modes and cargo types.
folofly remains committed to contributing to a sustainable society by collaborating with forward-thinking companies to develop customized vehicle models and services that balance economic efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Company History
- August 2021: folofly Co., Ltd. established at Kyoto University International Science Innovation Building
- October 2021: License obtained for Japan’s first domestically fabless-produced 1-ton class EV truck
- October 2021: Sales of EV F1 VAN commence
- October 2021: SBS Holdings announces plans to adopt 10,000 folofly vehicles
- November 2021: Battery exchange system jointly developed with JEE
- June 2022: Announcement of the flatbed EV F1 TRUCK
- July 2022: EV F1 VAN certified for Green Advanced Truck and Bus Introduction Subsidy Program
- September 2022: EV F1 VAN becomes the first 1-ton cargo EV in Japan to obtain a green license plate and begins operations
- September 2022: EV F1 VAN certified for subsidy programs
- January 2023: Completion of Series A funding
Company Overview
- Company Name: folofly Co., Ltd.
- Established: August 3, 2021
- Representative: Hiroyasu Koma, President
- Capital: ¥1,108,991,000 (including capital reserves)
- Headquarters: Kyoto University International Science Innovation Building, 36-1 Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
- Business: Development and sales of electric vehicles and provision of eco-friendly infrastructure services