The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has established a policy to create a new system to support 30% of the cost when local governments that operate route buses introduce electric vehicles, etc., in an effort to lead to the realization of a decarbonized society.

The new system is intended to encourage more than 20 public bus operators nationwide to introduce electric vehicles that do not emit exhaust gas while driving.



Specifically, if a public bus company introduces three buses: an electric vehicle, a "plug-in hybrid vehicle" that can be charged from the outside, and a fuel cell vehicle, 30% of the cost will be taken as a local allocation tax. to



According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, although it varies depending on the size, a typical gasoline-powered bus costs about 20 million yen, while an electric bus costs about 40 million yen, and a fuel cell vehicle costs about 40 million yen. It means 100 million yen.



The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has decided to include 100 billion yen in the budget proposal for the next fiscal year as expenses necessary for projects to promote local decarbonization, including this system. I want to connect.

By Yokohama Municipal Bus

The Yokohama City Transportation Bureau, which operates about 800 buses, is currently leasing three fuel cell vehicles.



In line with the city's policy of aiming for a "decarbonized society," the Yokohama City Transportation Bureau will introduce one fuel cell bus that emits no exhaust gas during operation in fiscal 2019, and will lease two of them this fiscal year. Did.



It is said that users have said that it is quiet, vibration-free and easy to ride.



However, since one unit costs about 100 million yen, it is difficult to decide to purchase it, and it is difficult to increase the number of units leased.



Hiroyuki Kato, Manager of the Rolling Stock Section, said, "Of course, we would like to introduce buses that contribute to the environment, but the price was a big burden. We would like to increase the number of buses if we can get subsidies."

Introduction of electric vehicles Supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment

Regardless of whether it is public or private, there is a support system for bus operators to introduce electric vehicles.



The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established a system to subsidize one-third of the vehicle price when introducing an electric vehicle or a "plug-in hybrid vehicle."



In addition, the Ministry of the Environment has established a system to subsidize 50% when introducing fuel cell vehicles.



On the other hand, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has established a policy to create a system to take measures with local allocation tax, saying that a support system that is easier for public bus operators to use is necessary.

Vehicle prices and stations are issues

The biggest reason why the introduction of electric vehicles and fuel-powered vehicles on public buses has not progressed is their cost.



According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, a typical gasoline-powered bus costs about 20 million yen, although it varies depending on the size and other factors.



On the other hand, electric vehicles cost about 40 million yen, "plug-in hybrid vehicles" about 65 million yen, and fuel cell vehicles about 100 million yen.



Another issue is the lack of bases called stations for recharging and refilling with hydrogen.



According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, there were only about 160 hydrogen stations required for fuel cell vehicles as of the end of last month, and the government aims to increase the number to about 1,000 by 2030.