Japan Tests Self-Driving Isuzu ERGA EV Electric Bus
Japan has started real-world tests of the Isuzu ERGA EV, a fully electric, self-driving bus developed with Mitsubishi Corporation and partners in Hiratsuka City. Equipped with LiDAR, radar, and cameras, it can drive with minimal human input while carrying 68 passengers. Running till January 2026, this project could inspire cleaner, autonomous transport for countries like Pakistan.
Table of Contents
- How It Works
- Everyday Wins
- Lessons for Pakistan
Isuzu is testing a bus that drives itself. It's the ERGA EV. Fully electric. No driver needed for most tasks. Partners include Hiratsuka City and Mitsubishi Corporation. Plus Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu, Aisan Technology, and A-Drive.
They started with a diesel version last year. Now it's all-electric. Tests run on real bus routes near Hiratsuka Station South Exit.
How It Works
This is Level 2 autonomy. A safety driver sits up front. But sensors do the heavy lifting.
- LiDAR: Sees far ahead.
- Cameras: Spot details.
- Radar: Handles bad weather.
The bus glides smoothly. Quiet too. No engine roar. Holds 68 people easily. Pay with your phone. No cash hassle.
Tests kicked off mid-October. They run till late January 2026. Anyone can ride during public demos.
Everyday Wins
Imagine no traffic jams from tired drivers. Cleaner air in crowded cities. Japan fights driver shortages this way. An aging population means fewer hands on wheels.
The ERGA EV has a flat floor. Wheelchair friendly. Steps? Gone. Batteries charge quickly. Range matches diesel buses.
Lessons for Pakistan
Pakistan's buses are packed with crowds. Karachi fumes choke the air. Lahore traffic crawls.
What if? Self-driving electrics on Mall Road. Or the Yellow Line BRT goes full auto. Isuzu knows Pakistan roads; they sell trucks here. Copy this model. Helpful in reducing pollution. Ease of commuting.
Japan tests now. Pakistan could follow.
The bus holds 68 passengers. It runs on 250 kW of electric power. Sensors include LiDAR, cameras, and radar. Tests continue until January 2026. Rides are open to the public. This bus isn't sci-fi. It's running now. Quiet streets ahead.For more updates, visit DrivePK.com
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Najeeb Khan
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