JMS 2023: Isuzu previews premiere BEV flat-floor bus

TOKYO: Isuzu has previewed its battery-electric-powered bus at the opening day of the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2023 to push carbon neutrality further.

To be introduced in Japan not later than March 2025, the newly-revealed flat-floor bus —dubbed the Erga EV — features improved passenger safety and battery electric vehicle technology that makes it environment-friendly.

Serving as the brand’s premiere battery-electric bus, the Isuzu Erga EV comes with a no-step layout for easy ingress and egress for passengers. Seat access is also engineered without steps, making movements inside the bus barrier-free.

Since the vehicle will be powered by an electric motor, those onboard will get to enjoy low noise and vibration. It also boasts smooth acceleration and deceleration, minimizing on board accidents.

In addition, Isuzu also turn the spotlight on the Isuzu Giga Fuel Cell and Elf EV.

Propelling the Isuzu Giga Fuel Cell (commonly known as the C and E Series in the Philippines) is an AC synchronous electric motor that can deliver as much as 429 horsepower (320 kilowatts).

The heavy-duty truck harnesses power from a hydrogen system that has a filling pressure of 70 Megapascal and can carry 56 kilograms of hydrogen with a solid polymer fuel cell stack that came from Honda.

Its lithium-ion battery allows the vehicle to run up to more than 800 kilometers. Thanks to its external output function, the truck can also act as a mobile power station — with a maximum power supply of 530 kilowatt-hours.

Standing 11,980 millimeters (mm) long, 2,490mm wide, and 3,770mm tall with a weight of 25 tons, the Isuzu Giga Fuel Cell showcased at the event has Lowdeck 8x4 rigid truck configuration-designed for inter-city mobility.

The said truck — which is a product of the collaboration between Isuzu and fellow Japanese marque Honda since 2020 — is expected to be potent product that will further carbon neutrality on heavy-duty trucks.

Isuzu said that it is eyeing to introduce the production model to the market in 2027 and has plans to commence demonstration testing on public roads before March 31 next year.

Meanwhile, the battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of the Elf (known locally as the N-Series) — dubbed the Elf EV, the light-duty truck is the brand’s premiere mass-produced battery-electric vehicle. It is anticipated to be part of the Isuzu N-Series lineup soon.

Sharing the same platform as with the diesel version, the Isuzu Elf EV will also be offered in numerous configurations and trims.

According to Isuzu, the Elf EV will allow customers to start the shift to electrified mobility without sacrificing the convenience of diesel vehicles. The vehicle’s rollout to markets outside Japan will be conducted in stages.

To recall, the first-generation Elf made its inception more than 60 years back.

To bolster the Elf EV’s introduction, Isuzu also came up with the EVision solutions program that is meant to aid its clients achieve carbon neutrality through supporting the initial feasibility phase of commercial BEV introduction; addressing issues related to EV introduction; quantifying the benefits of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; and proposing further improvements.

Isuzu noted that the program simulates the feasibility of introducing BEV — together with the selection and management of chargers, electricity plans, CO2 reduction levels.

The Giga Fuel Cell and Elf EV were made in line with the Isuzu Group’s four-fold carbon-neutral (CN) solutions shared during the company’s presentation at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.

The Group’s vision of a carbon neutral world, the firm explained, is supported in four ways: Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050; CN initiatives at the Group’s manufacturing plants; the society of tomorrow and CN vehicle initiatives; and initiatives for CN fuels.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Isuzu

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