The number of electric vehicles sold in Japan
In the 1990s, the number of units in operation increased mainly as
a result of mini-sized EVs (electric vehicles) because people became
more and more aware of environmental problems. In addition, the EV
scooter went on the market in 1993 and the number of vehicles sold
increased rapidly. Sales peaked in 1996, when the number of vehicles
sold stagnated. Unit price and performance were the main reasons for
this. The unit price was three times that of a gasoline vehicle unit
and performance such as the mileage was far behind that of gasoline
vehicles. Users who purchased in the first stage set a low valuation
on EVs, so sales of EVs decreased.
Car companies were encouraged to continue the development of EVs because
of the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) regulations in California in the
U.S.A. The growth in ownership of these vehicles fell back because
consumers decided to see if there was any noticeable improvement in
their performance first. The second-generation EVs went on sale in
1996, but compared with the first generation in the early 90s sales
were slow. First-generation EVs then started being scrapped and EV
scooter sales slowed considerably.
However, the battery of mini-sized EVs has switched from direct
current to alternating current. Sales of these new mini-sized EVs
started in 1997. As a result, consumers started replacing their
first-generation EVs with second-generation EVs. In 1999, new companies
came to the market selling EV scooters. In addition, sales of ultrasmall
mini-sized EVs began and the number of vehicles sold started to
increase again. The main EV users are as follows: 1/3 are government
bodies, 1/3 are power companies, and 1/3 are private enterprises.
The number of hybrid electric vehicles owned in Japan
The Toyota Prius went on sale in 1997, and sales of HEVs increased
considerably. This was mainly because HEVs reduce diesel emissions.
Hino Motors, Ltd. started research and development of HIMR (Hybrid
Inverter controlled Motor & Retarder system) buses and trucks.
After engine tests were finished, sales to test the market began
in 1992.
The reduction in diesel emissions was effective. The HIMR system
was then used on public buses, but sales of these have become stagnant.
Reference
Book title: EV Handbook
Written by: EV Handbook Publisher's Group
Published by: Maruzen Co., Ltd. (URL http://www.maruzen.co.jp)
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