An unlimited flat-rate electric vehicle charging subscription awaits EV drivers in Japan as key player ENECHANGE rolled out this innovative service.

Local companies in Japan hope to accelerate efforts to support the all-electric transition as the country aims to complete this change by 2035.

This could be the turning point for a country with ambitious goals when it comes to electrification. The initiative is designed to boost EV adoption in a country where electrification progress has been slower than in other parts of the world.

Challenges in EV Adoption in Japan

Despite the Japanese government's ambitious electrification targets, the current EV and PHEV sales in Japan remain below 4%. 

One significant barrier to adoption is the residential setup of many Japanese drivers, who live in large multi-dwelling units without access to home charging facilities. Local automakers like Toyota continue to focus on hybrid models, further complicating the shift to all-electric vehicles.

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ENECHANGE's Role in Expanding Charging Infrastructure

To address the lack of residential charging options, companies like ENECHANGE have been working to expand public charging infrastructure throughout Japan. 

Over the past three years, ENECHANGE has made significant strides in this area, culminating in the introduction of the "ENECHANGE Passport," a flat-rate subscription service for unlimited EV charging.

Details of the ENECHANGE Passport

The ENECHANGE Passport aims to recruit 100,000 subscribers quickly, offering an affordable solution to the charging dilemma faced by many EV owners. 

Priced at 2,980 JPY (approximately $19.08) per month, the service allows EV and PHEV drivers to access over 1,800 Level 2 chargers without limits during designated hours. This plan addresses a critical gap, as 85% of EV/PHEV drivers living in multi-dwelling units reported lacking home charging facilities, according to a March 2024 survey by ENECHANGE.

Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness

As Electrek reports, the unlimited charging subscription is available from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, aligning with peak solar power generation times to make use of surplus electricity. 

Charging outside these hours incurs a higher rate of 55 JPY ($0.35) per 10 minutes. ENECHANGE has strategically placed its Level 2 charging ports at commercial and leisure destinations, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles while they go about their daily activities. Although these ports offer a 6kW charge rate, charging for 10 hours over a month remains more cost-effective than a single session costing 3,300 JPY ($21) via the ENECHANGE EV Charge app.

When is the ENECHANGE Passport Launching

The ENECHANGE Passport will be available starting June 3, 2024. This service is a huge part of Japan's 2035 electrification goals. By providing a practical and economical charging solution, the company is not only supporting the government's targets but also making electric vehicles a more viable option for Japanese consumers.

This unlimited EV charging subscription could be a game-changer, encouraging more drivers to switch to electric vehicles and supporting Japan's sustainable future.

In the UK, 6,000 new EV chargers were installed in the first three months of 2024. This accounts for roughly a 49% increase in the 2023 record.

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