Combining EV Trucks with Electric Lifts to Advance Eco-Friendly Logistics
Folofly Co., Ltd. (CEO: Hiroyasu Koma, Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), an EV manufacturer developing and promoting Japan’s first 1-ton class EV truck optimized for last-mile logistics, is pleased to announce the launch of the new “Suichoku Gate®” tailgate lift system from ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (CEO: Tatsuo Isokawa, Headquarters: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture), compatible with the folofly F1TS truck model.
Tailgate lifts are hydraulic or electric platforms mounted on the rear of trucks or vans to assist with loading and unloading. Commonly used in the logistics industry, they enhance operational efficiency by allowing workers to handle cargo more easily, safely, and quietly—ideal for nighttime or early morning deliveries. Until now, such systems were mostly found on engine-powered trucks.
The newly launched “Suichoku Gate®” utilizes electric power from the EV itself to operate the lift, allowing for zero-emission operation not only while driving, but also during loading and unloading. This innovation enables completely clean logistics workflows.
folofly remains committed to working with forward-thinking companies in the pursuit of a sustainable society, continuing to enhance support at the time of vehicle introduction and after-sales service while contributing to decarbonization through the development of logistics-optimized EVs and services that balance economy and ecology.
Three Key Features of the folofly F1TS with “Suichoku Gate®”
Developed by ShinMaywa Industries, one of Japan’s top truck body manufacturers, the “Suichoku Gate®” brings together three key innovations:
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Zero-Emission Operation
Powered entirely by the EV truck’s battery, the tailgate lift enables both driving and cargo operations with zero CO₂ emissions. -
Safety Through Misoperation Prevention
An integrated control circuit prevents the tailgate lift from being activated while the vehicle is in motion. -
Battery Management and Overload Protection
The system includes circuitry that limits lift operation to when auxiliary batteries are supplied from the drive battery, preventing battery depletion and ensuring safe, reliable usage.
folofly F1 Series – Supporting Decarbonization in Commercial Vehicles
folofly uses a horizontal division of labor approach—focusing on design and development in Japan while outsourcing production—similar to the smartphone industry. This strategy allowed folofly to develop and launch Japan’s first 1-ton class EV trucks, the F1 VAN and F1 TRUCK, at twice the usual development speed.
Since the F1 VAN received its commercial license plate in September 2022, the series has been adopted across Japan, from the Kanto and Chubu regions to Hokkaido and Okinawa. In 2023, folofly launched updated models with enhanced safety and convenience features. In July, the series was certified as eligible under the Commercial Vehicle Electrification Promotion Program subsidy.
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: ¥1,309,780,000 (including capital reserve and surplus)
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Headquarters: 93 Chudoji Awadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
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Business: Development and sales of electric vehicles; provision of environmentally sustainable infrastructure services
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Contact: +81-78-891-7117 (Main Line)