On August 1, Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) launched a PoC project for car-sharing of electric vehicles (EVs) in Gunma Prefecture (hereinafter, the “Project”), based on an implementation agreement concluded in February 2023, while additionally launching a car-sharing service for public users on weekends and holidays from September 2. 

 

The Project is intended to facilitate the most effective use of the Gunma Prefectural authorities’ 20 EVs. On weekdays, a reservation management system will be used to optimize use of all Gunma Prefecture-owned vehicles by means of allocating vehicles for which reservations have been fielded. On weekends and holidays, EVs will then be made available for rent to members of the public as car-sharing vehicles. EVs will be managed from five locations, with some of these locations to be used jointly with neighboring municipalities in the prefecture on weekdays to further facilitate effective vehicle utilization.

In addition, all locations will use electricity derived from renewable energy or equivalent*¹ sources to charge EVs, towards realization of a Zero-Carbon campaign via zero CO₂ emissions from vehicle operation. A solar carport using recycled panels*² and stationary storage batteries will also be installed on the premises of the Tone-Numata Promotion Bureau being used as an implementation base for car sharing, to facilitate the use of solar power-generated electricity for EV recharging, as well as to enable EV recharging using stored electricity even during power outages.

Marubeni is supporting the Gunma Prefectural authorities’ efforts as part of this project by instituting a scheme inclusive of local businesses, installing solar carports, implementing energy management using EVs, and providing general consultation and advice. Marubeni will continue to contribute to the effective use of official vehicles and the transition to use of EVs by expanding the scope of the Project to other localities, thereby supporting initiatives for the realization of carbon neutrality in local governments.

1 Including certified carbon-offset electricity, etc.

2 Redeployment of used solar panels following inspection.

 

Overview of EV Car Sharing PoC

Usage Times:	Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 2, 2023 (Sat.) to June 28, 2026 (Sun.)* *Some dates within this timeframe are excluded.
Bases of Operation:	Otemachi Parking Lot, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture; Tomioka Joint Government Building, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture; Ota Joint Government Building, Ota City, Gunma Prefecture; Nakanojo Joint Government Building, Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture; Tone-Numata Promotion Bureau Government Building, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture
Vehicles:	Subaru Solterra (20 cars total at five locations)
Website:	https://www.gunma-ev.com/

 

Related Release:
February 10, 2023
Conclusion of Agreement for Implementation of EV Car Sharing Demonstration Project in Gunma Prefecture.
https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2023/release/00018.html