新聞正文
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Norinori Sakai, hereinafter "Idemitsu Kosan"), T2 Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO: Masatomo Kumabe, hereinafter "T2"), and Isuzu Motors Limited (Yokohama, Kanagawa, Representative Director, President and CEO: Masahiro Yamaguchi, hereinafter "Isuzu") today announced their collaboration to promote the adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuel with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in the truck transportation sector.Starting this summer, Idemitsu Kosan will supply its next-generation biodiesel fuel, "Idemitsu Renewable Diesel*1" (hereinafter "IRD"), to T2. T2 will conduct trial use of IRD in the commercial operation*4 of its Level 2*2 automated driving trucks*3, which are provided to major logistics companies for highway transport between the Kanto and Kansai regions, a distance of approximately 500 kilometers. Furthermore, Isuzu will provide repair and maintenance services for T2's automated driving trucks using IRD, ensuring operations are equivalent to those with diesel fuel.T2's automated driving truck trial using Idemitsu's IRD.As efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 expand, next-generation biodiesel fuel, which is expected to reduce CO2 emissions across its entire lifecycle, is gaining attention in the truck transportation sector. However, the number of refueling spots for next-generation biodiesel fuel is insufficient, and its current price level tends to be higher than conventional fuels. Additionally, challenges remain for logistics companies wishing to adopt it, such as uncertainties regarding its impact on truck performance and durability, and the lack of clear repair and service support in case of breakdowns.As a first step to address these challenges, the three companies will collaborate to verify the effectiveness of refueling operations through the continued use of IRD in actual operations of T2's automated driving trucks. Based on this, they will work to create an environment that promotes the adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuels, including IRD, by considering the expansion of refueling spots.Collaboration among the three companies.Leveraging this initiative, Idemitsu Kosan will promote refueling using portable fuel tanks. By enabling operations that do not rely on fixed facilities such as underground fuel tanks, they aim to create an environment where logistics companies can use IRD more flexibly. Furthermore, they will explore possibilities such as developing IRD-exclusive service stations and blended renewable diesel*5, to further promote the adoption of next-generation biodiesel fuel.T2, with its vision of "Supporting Japanese logistics together through the utilization of automated driving technology," is preparing for the start of Level 4*6 automated driving truck trunk line transportation from fiscal year 2027 onwards. To facilitate the switch between autonomous driving on highways and manual driving on general roads, T2 has established "Trans Gates" in Kanagawa and Hyogo prefectures, where drivers can board and disembark from trucks*7. After achieving Level 4, for continuous unmanned long-distance runs between Kanto and Kansai, which are expected to generate significant CO2 emissions, T2 plans to install fuel tanks at these "Trans Gates," which will be essential stops. By enhancing the convenience and efficiency of refueling, T2 aims to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality.Isuzu is pursuing the development of power sources with a multi-pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality. They view next-generation biodiesel fuel as a promising, realistic low-carbon solution that can meet diverse needs, alongside electrification. Moving forward, Isuzu will actively cooperate with Idemitsu Kosan and T2 to advance the trial use of next-generation biodiesel fuel through this initiative and to resolve various issues related to its social implementation.*1 For details, please visit: https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/business/oil/lowcarbon/renewable_diesel/index.html*2 High-function automated driving under specific conditions, performed under driver supervision.*3 Developed by T2 based on Isuzu's "Giga" heavy-duty truck, equipped with various sensors.*4 News release regarding this matter: https://t2.auto/news/2025/0701.pdf*5 Fuel mixed with renewable diesel at a certain ratio with regular diesel fuel.*6 A state where the automated driving system replaces all driving operations within a limited area that meets specific driving environment conditions.*7 News release regarding this matter: https://t2.auto/news/2026/0424.pdf[Company Overview]■ Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Head Office Location: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Representative Director and President Norinori SakaiEstablished: March 30, 1940Business Activities: Petroleum products business, basic chemicals business, high-performance materials business, electricity and renewable energy business, resource businessCompany Website: https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/Official X: https://x.com/Idemitsu_Kosan■ T2 Inc.Head Office Location: Hibiya Kokusai Bldg. 1F, 2-2-3 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Representative Director and CEO Masatomo KumabeEstablished: August 30, 2022Business Activities: Development of automated driving systems, trunk line transportation service business using Level 4 automated driving trucks, related service business incidental to trunk line transportation, and other related service businesses.Company Website: https://t2.auto/Official X: https://x.com/t2_auto Official note: https://note.com/t2_auto■ Isuzu Motors LimitedHead Office Location: Yokohama Gate Tower, 1-2-5 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, KanagawaRepresentative: Representative Director, President and CEO Masahiro YamaguchiEstablished: April 9, 1937Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of automobiles, transportation machinery and equipment, engines, and their parts, as well as related materials and supplies.Company Website: https://www.isuzu-global.com