Isuzu to test “ERGA EV Autonomous Bus” in Hiratsuka City - World premiere of vehicle exhibited at Japan Mobility Show 2025 -
Isuzu Motors Limited (headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President and COO: Shinsuke Minami; hereinafter “Isuzu”) will be providing its “ERGA EV Autonomous Bus” for autonomous bus demonstration tests to be conducted in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, from October to January next year. The world premiere of the bus will take place at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto Ward, Tokyo) from October 30 (Thursday) to November 9 (Sunday). The vehicle will be displayed as a reference exhibit.
? Wrapping shown in the photo will differ from the vehicle displayed at the Japan Mobility Show venue (reference exhibit).
Participating in the “Collaborative Agreement to Promote Digital Transformation of Regional Transportation Centered on Autonomous Mobility in Hiratsuka City”*1 together with five other parties including Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Corporation, Aisan Technology Co., Ltd., and A-Drive Inc., Isuzu is advancing the testing of autonomous route buses. Operating along the same route as existing bus lines in the Hiratsuka Station South Exit area, Isuzu conducted Level 2 autonomous driving (with a driver on board) tests*2 using its large route bus ERGA (diesel vehicle) in December 2024 and January 2025. In addition to switching to the ERGA EV autonomous bus, the new initiatives planned for the current fiscal year include nighttime operations and cashless fare payment.
The ERGA EV autonomous bus to be tested was developed based on the ERGA EV, Japan’s first large-sized full-flat BEV route bus, by integrating the autonomous driving system technology from Tier IV Inc. (Headquartered in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Shinpei Kato). The bus delivers safe and stable autonomous operation through the recognition of its surroundings using multiple sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and vehicle integrated control technology in a coordinated manner.
Taking advantage of the smooth acceleration/deceleration and quiet ride unique to BEVs, the vehicle provides passengers with comfort and reassurance.
The test runs, including preparatory ones, began in mid-October and are scheduled to continue until late January 2026. General public test rides are also planned during this Level 2 self-driving test period.
- More Information on proof-of-concept test run (Hiratsuka City)
(Japanese only)
- Overview of ERGA EV Autonomous Bus for demonstration tests (*values for reference only)
| Model | ZAC – LV828L1 |
|---|---|
| Overall length × width × height | 10,740 mm × 2,485 mm × 3,330 mm |
| Wheelbase | 4,990 mm |
| Motor type | AC induction motor |
| Maximum output / Maximum torque | 250 kW (125 × 2) / 960 N·m (480 × 2) |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 242 kWh (internal reference value) |
| Charging method | Quick charging (CHAdeMO) |
| Passenger capacity | 68 passengers (20 seats including driver’s seat) |
| Vehicle-borne equipment | Autonomous driving LiDAR: 8 units / Millimeter-wave radar: 6 units / Cameras: 11 units Existing remote monitoring cameras: 8 units (4 outside and 4 inside the vehicle) + multiple additional cameras Other equipment: GNSS/IMU |
The Isuzu Group is actively working with various partners to develop and commercialize autonomous driving technology, toward the implementation of Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses. This effort seeks to address the social challenges surrounding logistics and public transportation.
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