T2 and Isuzu Motors test Idemitsu Kosan’s biodiesel
Starting this summer, Idemitsu Kosan will supply T2 with its next-generation biodiesel fuel, “Idemitsu Renewable Diesel. T2 will test IRD in the commercial operation of its Level 2 autonomous trucks, which it provides to major transportation companies and others, on approximately 500 kilometers of expressways between the Kanto and Kansai regions.
Furthermore, Isuzu will provide repair and maintenance services for T2’s autonomous trucks using IRD with operations equivalent to those for diesel fuel. T2’s autonomous trucks will test Idemitsu’s IRD.
As efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 expand, the trucking sector is seeing increased interest in next-generation biodiesel fuel, which is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions throughout the entire lifecycle. On the other hand, the number of refueling stations for next-generation biodiesel fuel is insufficient, and currently, prices tend to be higher than conventional fuels. In addition, there are still challenges to widespread adoption, such as the impact on truck performance and durability, and the lack of clarity regarding repair and service support in the event of a breakdown.
As a first step in addressing these challenges, the three companies will collaborate to verify the effectiveness of refueling operations through the continued use of IRD in actual operation by T2’s autonomous trucks. Starting from this point, we will work to create an environment that will lead to the widespread adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuels, including IRD, by considering ways to expand refueling stations.
Category: Fuels
