Japan Promotes Electrified Vehicle (xEV) Strategy ahead of 2050

By 2050, every vehicle produced by Japanese automakers will be electrified. These electrified vehicles (xEVs) includes battery electric vehicles, plug in-hybrid electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Japan aims to lead the world in environmental performance across the automotive sector. It aims to realize a “Well-to-Wheel Zero Emission” policy which ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and vehicle travel to zero.

Japan will lead the new era of automobiles

Following the Paris Agreement signed at COP21 in 2015, countries and industries around the world began developing innovative solutions to tackle global climate change. Improving the environmental performance of automobiles, one of the largest global emitters, is a top priority.

xEVs are one of the key technologies making fundamental changes to the automotive industry, in addition to innovations such as connected systems, autonomous driving, and car sharing services. By shifting production to focus exclusively on xEVs, the auto industry can drastically improve environmental performance and help cut global emissions.

In Japan, the market share for xEVs is approximately 30%. This strong presence demonstrates Japan’s high quality in the fields of technology, industry and human resources. Globally, the market share for Japanese xEVs is approximately 30%. Leveraging its strengths, Japan aims to further promote xEVs produced by Japanese automakers to tackle global climate change around the world.

Ultimate goal: Zero emissions

By 2050, Japan aims to realize a “Well-to-Wheel Zero Emission” policy in line with global efforts to eliminate emissions, with a focus on energy supply and vehicle innovation. Replacing all vehicles with xEVs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% per vehicle, including around 90% reductions per passenger vehicle.

Public-private collaboration drives progress

Cooperation between Japan’s public and private sectors has already made progress toward this goal. Examples include collaboration between government, automakers and material suppliers to commercialize a key electrification technology, all-solid-state batteries, international policy meetings hosted by Japan, and the establishment of a framework to make full use of battery such as reuse and recycle of it.

Related Information

• Automobile Industry