Fukuoka-Based Transport Company Deploys 1-Ton EV for Mail Delivery in Kitakyushu City
Folofly Co., Ltd. (CEO: Hiroyasu Koma, Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), an EV manufacturer that developed Japan’s first 1-ton class EV truck optimized for last-mile logistics, continues to promote its nationwide adoption. Recently, Nishitetsu Unyu Co., Ltd. (President: Eijiro Tanaka, Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)—a member of the “Nishitetsu Group” led by Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd.—has introduced folofly’s F1 VAN and launched commercial operations in Kitakyushu City for mail delivery.
Since receiving its commercial license plate in September 2022, the F1 VAN has been actively used in home delivery services across Japan—from the Kanto region (Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama) to the Kansai region (Nara, Kyoto, Osaka), the Chubu region, and extending from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south. In 2023, new models with enhanced safety and convenience features were introduced. In July, the F1 VAN was certified as eligible for the Commercial Vehicle Electrification Promotion Program subsidy. folofly continues to work with major companies to strengthen support at the time of EV introduction and after-sales service, promoting practical adoption of commercial EVs across Japan.
About Nishitetsu Unyu Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1948, Nishitetsu Unyu Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive logistics company headquartered in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is part of the Nishitetsu Group, which operates businesses in transportation (buses, trains), logistics, urban development, retail, and hospitality. For over 70 years, Nishitetsu Unyu has provided high-quality logistics solutions nationwide.
Fukuoka Prefecture, located at the heart of Kyushu, is increasingly important as a transportation hub due to its strong accessibility and efficient international logistics capabilities. Through the introduction of the folofly F1 VAN, Nishitetsu Unyu will further advance CO₂ reduction and decarbonization efforts in Fukuoka and the broader Kyushu region.
folofly F1 Series – Meeting the Decarbonization Needs of the Commercial Vehicle Sector
folofly follows a “horizontal division of labor” production model—focusing on design and development in Japan while outsourcing manufacturing—similar to the production style used for smartphones. This approach enabled the rapid development and launch of Japan’s first 1-ton class EV trucks: the F1 VAN and F1 TRUCK. As inquiries for adoption continue to grow, it is clear that decarbonization needs vary across industries, transport types, and cargo content.
folofly will continue to work with forward-thinking companies committed to sustainability by developing vehicles and services tailored to diverse logistics demands, contributing to decarbonization that balances both economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.
folofly Company History
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August 2021: folofly Co., Ltd. established at Kyoto University International Science Innovation Building
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October 2021: Acquired registration for Japan’s first 1-ton class home delivery EV via fabless production
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October 2021: Began sales of the EV F1 VAN
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October 2021: SBS Holdings announced plans to introduce 10,000 folofly vehicles
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November 2021: Co-developed battery-swapping system with JEE
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June 2022: Unveiled second model, flatbed EV F1 TRUCK
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July 2022: EV F1 VAN certified under the Advanced Trucks and Buses Introduction Acceleration Program subsidy
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September 2022: EV F1 VAN became Japan’s first 1-ton cargo EV with a green license plate and began operations
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September 2022: Recognized as eligible under the CEV subsidy program
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January 2023: Completed Series A funding round
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June 2023: Launched F1VS, F1VS4, and F1TS models with ESC, parking lock system, and CHAdeMO support
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June 2023: Formed vehicle maintenance partnership with Advance Club, supported by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance
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July 2023: Started in-house Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) operations in Kobe
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July 2023: folofly F1 Series certified under the Commercial Vehicle Electrification Promotion Program
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July 2023: Established official partnership with Intersupport for high-quality vehicle maintenance
Company Overview
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Company Name: Folofly Co., Ltd.
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Established: August 3, 2021
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Representative: Hiroyasu Koma, CEO
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Capital: ¥1,108,990,000 (including capital reserves)
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Headquarters: 36-1 Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto University International Science Innovation Building)
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Business: Development and sales of electric vehicles