In our Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast the lowest annual petroleum consumption in Japan in 2024 since at least 1980, in part due to its aging and declining population. Japan’s reduced consumption is already affecting its refining industry. Japanese refiner ENEOS permanently closed a 120,000-barrel-per-day (b/d) refinery in western Japan in mid-October 2023, … [continued]
The coolest electric pickup truck on the block is not actually a pickup truck, it’s the new Puzzle van from HW Electro.
The MIH Consortium unveiled the Project X and Y — innovative concept urban mobility solutions for people moving and cargo handling, at the Japan Mobility Show. These projects address the changing urban transport landscape by expanding the options for car-sharing, ride-hailing, food delivery, and goods transport. The MIH Consortium is … [continued]
Just before setting up camp at the Japan Mobility Show, Gogoro’s top Jedi Horace Luke led the launch of the Gogoro CrossOver Smartscooter, declaring it the world’s first two-wheel SUV. “The Gogoro CrossOver embodies everything our brand has come to stand for. Highlighted by new functional design features, improved performance … [continued]
The idea of swapping power in little boxes is not new to the Japanese. It is the stuff that makes their anime robot Kuromukuro alive, how spirits are trapped and harnessed, and how food is delivered to the table. Americans are familiar with the bento box — that Japanese lacquered … [continued]
BYD is officially the first-ever Chinese automaker to participate in the Japan Mobility Show. The world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs) made a big splash at the global automotive show formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show. BYD showcased five of its NEV models along with an array … [continued]
A couple of big EV charging stories just popped up across the globe from the United States. From Japan, we’ve got news of a wireless EV charging project in the “smart city” Kashiwa-no-ha that could bring wireless charging to the next level. Then, from China, we’ve got news of Li … [continued]
In a recent set of press releases, Honda and General motors announced a partnership to bring autonomous vehicles to Japan. This builds on both an existing partnership and some controversies GM’s Cruise autonomous vehicles division has faced recently. This Isn’t GM & Honda’s First Rodeo Before we get into the … [continued]
A hydrogen road service vehicle jointly developed by Toyota and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) was recently unveiled in Japan. The two partners say this vehicle will play a key role in creating a “hydrogen society.” The vehicle was designed to assist hydrogen-powered cars in case of emergencies, such as … [continued]
ExxonMobil placed another bet on Texas shale gas last week, but green hydrogen stakeholders are gearing up for a fight.
