EV Truck Debuts in “Seven Anshin Otodokebin” Mobile Sales Service for Customers with Limited Shopping Access
folofly Inc. (Representative Director: Hiroyasu Koma; Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan), an EV manufacturer that has developed Japan’s first 1-ton class EV trucks suitable for last-mile delivery, is pleased to announce that Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. has introduced the folofly F1 TRUCK for the first time. In October 2023, test operations began in the Minamiboso area of Chiba Prefecture, utilizing the vehicle as a mobile sales unit for the “Seven Anshin Otodokebin” service.
Minamiboso City has a high aging rate of 47.2%, resulting in a significant number of residents experiencing daily shopping inconveniences, thereby increasing the demand for mobile sales vehicles. Since 2013, the “Seven Anshin Otodokebin” service has been contributing to enhancing regional convenience and creating opportunities for community interaction, particularly around the Setohama Coast area. With the recent deployment of folofly’s EV TRUCK, the service now offers clean deliveries with zero emissions and noise, integrating environmental consideration with community contribution.
Details of F1 TRUCK in “Seven Anshin Otodokebin”
- Products Offered: Approximately 350 items, including original fresh foods such as rice balls, bento boxes, and sandwiches; processed foods like soft drinks and cup noodles; ice cream, frozen foods, and daily necessities.
Note: The product lineup may vary depending on regional needs.
Seven-Eleven Japan’s Commitment to SDGs
The Seven & i Group has established the environmental declaration “GREEN CHALLENGE 2050,” outlining seven key challenges. To meet the expectations of customers, employees, and business partners, the group engages in dialogue with stakeholders to address diverse social issues.
folofly F1 Series – Addressing Decarbonization Needs in the Commercial Vehicle Industry
By focusing on domestic product development and design while outsourcing production in a “horizontal division of labor” style similar to smartphones, folofly has achieved the development and sale of Japan’s first 1-ton class EV trucks, the F1 VAN and F1 TRUCK, at twice the usual speed. There is ongoing interest in their introduction, as the need for decarbonization in commercial vehicles varies widely depending on industry, transportation methods, and cargo types. Moving forward, folofly will collaborate with forward-thinking companies striving for a sustainable society, developing vehicles and services tailored to diverse needs, contributing to decarbonization that balances economy and ecology.
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
- June 2023: Launched new F1 series models, including F1VS, F1VS4, and F1TS, equipped with standard features such as electronic stability control, parking lock systems, and CHAdeMO compatibility
- June 2023: Entered a business partnership with the nationwide organization of repair shops supported by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, “Advance Club,” for vehicle maintenance
- July 2023: Commenced the company’s first Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) in Kobe City
- July 2023: folofly F1 Series certified as eligible for subsidies under the Commercial Vehicle Electrification Promotion Project
- July 2023: Established an official partnership with Intersupport to ensure safe and reliable vehicle maintenance quality
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