Japan to trial EV service for elderly people

The government of Japan is to introduce a low-speed electric vehicle (EV) service for elderly people travelling to shopping destinations and hospitals.

A report by The Japan News says trial will comprise 10 small EVs called ‘Green Slow Mobility’. Each vehicle will be able to carry up to 10 passengers at a speed of less than 20kph.

The Environment Ministry and Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry is hoping the trial will provide an understanding on how to set prices for rides.

Municipalities can trial the vehicles for free. Some communities are thinking about using artificial intelligence to help determine the optimal route for multiple bookings.

The trial sites will be in cities such as Kawachinagano (Osaka Prefecture), Oda (Shimane Prefecture) and Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture).