Expanding Decarbonization with Next-Generation Commercial EVs that Achieve Both Economy and Ecology
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 its F1 series has been selected as commercial EVs handled by EVolity Inc., a new company established by Marubeni Corporation and Panasonic Holdings Corporation to provide fleet management services for commercial EVs.
Although subsidy programs have been initiated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Ministry of the Environment to promote the adoption of commercial EVs, the current domestic EV sales account for only 2.1% of all passenger vehicles. The proportion is even lower for commercial vehicles that require long-distance travel. This situation is attributed to the limited availability of EV models that offer long-range capabilities at low costs suitable for commercial use, insufficient knowledge regarding charging infrastructure, operations, onboard battery management, and vehicle maintenance systems, and the significant burden on logistics companies when introducing EVs.
About EVolity Inc.
To address these challenges, EVolity Inc. was established by Marubeni, which possesses expertise and a sales foundation in the mobility and EV sectors, and Panasonic Holdings, which has knowledge and technology related to batteries. Leveraging the insights and resources of both companies, EVolity provides solutions covering the entire process from identifying challenges to efficient operation for businesses managing large fleets of commercial vehicles when introducing EVs. Through collaboration with EVolity, folofly aims to promote the adoption of commercial EVs in Japan by offering its F1 series, which balances economic efficiency and environmental considerations.
folofly F1 Series – Meeting the Decarbonization Needs of 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.
folofly is currently recruiting new team members.
We welcome individuals ready to take on new challenges responsibly and those interested in creating new value.
- Recruitment Information: Recruit | folofly Inc. – EV trucks and vehicle sharing systems
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
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