EMT Mini Electric Vehicle Japan Public Road Testing Begins October

EMT Prepares Mini EV for Japanese Public Roads

EMT Co., Ltd. (EMT), based in Yokohama, will begin public road demonstration testing in Japan in October for its mini electric vehicle scheduled for release in 2027. The company, a subsidiary of an entity jointly owned by Chery Automobile Co Ltd, Autobacs Seven Co Ltd and others, will use actual road conditions to accelerate application development and optimize the vehicle’s basic performance, interior and exterior, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The testing is intended to strengthen the product before its planned market introduction in Japan.

Yokohama R&D Site Begins Demonstration Testing

EMT will start charging and other demonstration tests at its newly opened research and development (R&D) site in Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, in September. The mini EV’s basic product development has already been completed, allowing the company to use the vehicle for further verification work. Initial activities will include checking compatibility with Japan charging equipment before the program moves to public roads. This approach is designed to accelerate development and optimization while identifying practical requirements under Japanese operating conditions.

EMT Plans Four EV Models by 2029

EMT has previously announced plans to release four EV models in Japan by 2029. With the new R&D site serving as a development hub, the company will proceed with designing its second and subsequent vehicle models, benchmarking competing vehicles, and defining key specifications. The public road program for the mini EV therefore represents not only validation of the first planned product, but also a foundation for subsequent vehicle development. EMT will use testing and benchmarking activities to support product competitiveness across its planned Japanese EV lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will EMT begin public road testing of its mini electric vehicle?
EMT plans to begin public road demonstration testing in Japan in October, following charging and other demonstration activities at its newly opened Yokohama R&D site in September. The company will use actual road conditions to optimize the mini EV’s basic performance, interior and exterior, and advanced driver assistance systems. Before public road testing begins, EMT will verify compatibility with Japanese charging equipment at the R&D facility. The mini electric vehicle is scheduled for release in Japan in 2027 as part of EMT’s broader plan to introduce four EV models by 2029.