The trial, which began on September 16, 2025, involves Level 2 autonomous trucks transporting petrochemicals along a 440-kilometer route between eastern and western Japan.
In a significant step towards future-proofing Japan’s logistics industry, Toray Industries and T2 Inc. are testing the feasibility of autonomous trucks for commercial transport. The approximately 440-kilometer route runs from the Tomei Expressway's Ayase Smart Interchange to the Shin-Meishin Expressway's Ibaraki-Sendaiji Interchange. This stretch connects key regions, with the trial trucks shipping TOYOLAC acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a petrochemical product from Toray's Chiba Plant. The partnership is a direct response to the nation's critical driver shortage, which poses a substantial challenge to supply chain stability. By leveraging T2's Level 2 autonomous driving technology, which provides automated control over steering, acceleration, and deceleration with a driver still on board for supervision, the companies hope to demonstrate a viable solution.
The trial is not just a one-off event; four runs are planned between September 16, 2025, and April 2026. This extended period will allow the companies to gather crucial data and insights for potential future collaboration. T2 has an ambitious goal of launching Level 4 autonomous truck services by 2027. Level 4 automation is a major leap forward, as it enables the vehicle to handle all driving tasks under specific, pre-defined conditions without any need for human intervention. This trial provides a practical pathway to validate and refine the technology necessary for that future rollout.
Beyond addressing the logistics crisis, the trial also has a strong focus on environmental sustainability. A core component of the project is the experimental use of carbon-neutral fuels. T2 has partnered with seven petroleum companies to test different fuel types and streamline refueling operations. Usami Koyu Corp. and Sanwa Energy Co., Ltd., will supply B5 diesel, a blend of 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum-based diesel. Additionally, Itochu Enex Co., Ltd., is providing renewable diesel fuel, which is primarily made from waste cooking oil and animal and vegetable fats.
This renewable diesel is particularly significant as it's classified as essentially carbon dioxide–free, providing a path to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of heavy-duty transportation. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recognized the importance of this initiative, selecting the trial as one of its projects to foster the growth of green industries. By integrating these cleaner fuels, Toray and T2 are not only tackling the driver shortage but also contributing to Japan's broader climate goals. The data collected from the trial will be instrumental in expanding the use of these fuels and improving the overall efficiency of sustainable trucking operations.
