- The trial covers a 440-km route from Kanagawa to Osaka, scheduled for four runs between September 2025 and April 2026.
- T2 plans to launch Level 4 autonomous truck services in 2027, having started with Level 2 models in July 2025.
- The trial involves transporting Toray's TOYOLAC acrylonitrile butadiene styrene from Chiba to Ibaraki.
- Carbon-neutral fuels will be used, supplied by Usami Koyu, Sanwa Energy, and Itochu Enex.
Autonomous Truck Trial
Toray Industries and T2 Inc. are set to begin a trial of autonomous trucks on September 16, 2025. The trial will cover a 440-kilometer route on expressways connecting eastern and western Japan, from Kanagawa Prefecture to Osaka. This initiative aims to address Japan's driver shortage by testing the feasibility of using autonomous trucks for long-haul petrochemical transport.
Timeline and Goals
The trial is scheduled for four runs between September 2025 and April 2026. T2 plans to launch Level 4 autonomous truck services by 2027, having already commenced commercial operations with Level 2 models in July 2025. The trial will specifically involve the transportation of Toray's TOYOLAC acrylonitrile butadiene styrene from the Chiba Plant to Shibusawa Logistics Corporation's Ibaraki center.
Carbon-Neutral Fuels
Another objective of the trial is to expand the use of carbon-neutral fuels. T2 has partnered with seven petroleum companies to supply these fuels. Usami Koyu Corp. and Sanwa Energy Co., Ltd., will provide B5 diesel, a blend of 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum-based diesel. Itochu Enex Co., Ltd., will supply renewable diesel fuel made mainly from waste cooking oil and animal and vegetable fats, which is essentially carbon dioxide–free.
Support and Future Collaboration
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected this trial as part of its efforts to accelerate the growth of green industries. T2 will use this support to experiment with these fuels and streamline refueling operations. Insights from the trial may lead to future collaboration between Toray and T2 in commercializing long-haul Level 4 autonomous truck transportation.
