Chinese-built EVs can cut Japan delivery company's costs by 30%

SBS plans fleet of over 10,000 electric vans after encouraging trial run

SBS's test van had no parking brake and a European-standard charging plug to cut costs. The company will adjust those features to suit conditions in Japan. (Source photos by Ryosuke Matsui)

RYOSUKE MATSUI, Nikkei staff writer

August 12, 2022 14:35 JST

TOKYO -- Buying electric vans assembled in China will help SBS Holdings, a Japanese logistics company, lower its operating costs by 30%, the company has found in a trial run.

The total cost of buying and operating an inexpensive electric van for its logistics business over five years is 30% lower than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, SBS calculates.