By Seiichi Tamura, Hitoshi Kaise and Waichi Yamamoto

Despite Japanese drivers’ early adoption of hybrid-electric cars, EV sales penetration in Japan is well below the global average. Growth in the country’s popular Kei car segment could improve things, but it must also address its charging infrastructure.

What are the main trends within EV adoption and charging in Japan?

Hybrid-electric vehicles have been popular for some time in Japan, but adoption of fully electric vehicles is slow. The sales penetration rate for EVs in Japan is currently just 3% – compared to a global average of 16%. The main reasons for this include the high presence of hybrid-electric cars, the price of EVs as well as consumer concerns around vehicle range and charging infrastructure.

Where we are starting to see some EV growth is in Japan’s Kei car segment. These are the smallest possible highway-legal passenger cars, which come with lower tax and insurance rates. Kei cars are very popular in Japan and account for around a third of vehicle sales. More electric Kei cars on the road will increase general EV awareness among Japanese drivers.

Tell us more about Japan’s charging infrastructure

General satisfaction with the current charging experience is relatively low among Japanese consumers – 66% versus a global average of 82%. The availability of fast charging is limited and at just 7%, the growth rate for public charge points is well behind the global average of 21%. This is a particular problem in Japan due to the amount of people that live in apartment blocks, which makes it difficult to implement home charging.