Considerations on Ultra-Compact Mobility

Today, I will discuss "Ultra-Compact Mobility".

When searching for ultra-compact mobility, the following definition can be found.

A vehicle that is more compact than a car, highly maneuverable, environmentally friendly, and suitable for easy local transportation for 1 to 2 passengers

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on Ultra-Compact Mobility

In a sense, it is a "small car," but why is its introduction being considered? The answer lies in the realization of a "decarbonized society".

When you go out to the streets and look at cars waiting at the signals, most passenger cars are for 4 to 8 people, yet they are typically occupied by just the driver and one front passenger, meaning there are usually only 2 or fewer people. (There are exceptions, such as at leisure spots on holidays)

According to survey data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it can be seen that, as shown below, both light vehicles and passenger cars account for close to 80% of solo travel.

Furthermore, data on highway users shows that 51% do not use them.

From all of the above, one can hypothesize that there is a certain demand for vehicles that can carry "1 to 2 passengers" but "cannot use highways and are small and cheap".

In fact, the Ministry has expanded the types of vehicles through various demonstration experiments across the country, establishing an ultra-compact mobility certification system.

Vehicles announced as of 2019 (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

It is expected that the number of vehicle types will continue to increase, with announcements from various manufacturers coming in succession.

However, it is difficult to envision a future where there is one ultra-compact mobility vehicle owned by each person. More than the number of types of vehicles and their quantity, what is most needed going forward is a system that can efficiently dispatch and allocate vehicles to those who need them.

Today's reference material: "Achievements and Future of Ultra-Compact Mobility" Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Automobile Bureau, Environmental Policy Division