Research and Study on Widespread Use of Electric Vehicles in Hokkaido

More widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) is formulated as a national policy, leading to numerous environmental advantages such as the use of petroleum alternative energy and the reduction in CO2 emissions in the transportation sector, as well as no exhaust gas emissions and least vibration and noise. Conventional electric vehicles are prone to many technical problems such as decline in cell function and loss of heating energy, particularly in cold and snowfall regions. In this regard, it was believed that much time would be required for the introduction and widespread use of electric vehicles. However, recent technological development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and motors can achieve EV development at a more practical level.

Under the circumstances, the Research & Development Department introduced new-generation electrical vehicles. Then, the department obtained data and technological methods in verification test runs to examine the feasibility of widespread use of EVs in cold and snowfall regions.