May Mobility Autonomous Driving Services Expand in Japan in 2026

May Mobility and NTT Mobility Plan Japan Expansion

On September 3, Michigan-based May Mobility and NTT Mobility announced plans to accelerate May Mobility autonomous driving services in Japan, including public-road deployment of Toyota’s e-Palette in 2026. The deployment will mark Japan’s first public-road operation using Toyota’s autonomous e-Palette, a battery-electric vehicle designed to carry up to seven passengers and accommodate wheelchair users. Equipped with May Mobility’s autonomous driving system (ADS), the vehicle will join NTT Mobility’s autonomous fleet and support the companies’ planned expansion of autonomous mobility operations across Japan.

Public-Road Demonstrations and Deployment Plans

NTT Mobility plans to begin public-road demonstrations at its Co-Creation Hub, followed by deployments at multiple sites in 2026 and additional locations in 2027. The companies also plan to expand the e-Palette fleet and operational infrastructure in fiscal 2027, targeting Level 4 driverless autonomy and nationwide expansion. The planned rollout builds on the companies’ existing autonomous driving activities in Japan while establishing a path from demonstrations toward broader public-road operations. The e-Palette will provide the vehicle platform for these activities, with May Mobility’s ADS supporting autonomous operation.

Previous Autonomous Driving Demonstrations in Japan

To date, May Mobility has demonstrated and operated autonomous driving services in nine Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Nagoya and Hiroshima. In 2024, Toyota and May Mobility debuted an e-Palette prototype at Toyota Motor Kyushu’s Miyata factory in Fukuoka, transporting employees and guests across the private campus. From March 2025 to March 2026, NTT conducted additional demonstrations using e-Palettes equipped with May Mobility’s ADS at its Central Training Center in Tokyo. These activities provide the operational background for the planned public-road deployment and further expansion of autonomous services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is planned for Toyota’s autonomous e-Palette in Japan?
The planned deployment will bring Toyota’s autonomous e-Palette to public roads in Japan for the first time, beginning with demonstrations before broader site expansion. NTT Mobility plans to start public-road demonstrations at its Co-Creation Hub, followed by deployments at multiple sites during 2026 and additional locations in 2027. May Mobility’s autonomous driving system will equip the vehicles, while the companies plan further fleet and infrastructure expansion in fiscal 2027, with a target of Level 4 driverless autonomy and nationwide expansion.