Masanori Takahashi: A Dual-Role Challenge with Electric Vehicles

2025/03/13

In April 2023, I founded Hakobune Co., Ltd., focusing on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Energy Management (Ene-mane). Currently, of the approximately 80 million vehicles owned in Japan, about 25 million are used for commuting, and most are gasoline-powered. Since the ratio of BEVs (100% electric vehicles) in new car sales is only 2% (2024 results), this is a natural outcome, and many voices say that "EVs will not become popular." On the other hand, it is also a fact that the global average during the same period was 14%, which is clearly a different situation from Japan.

Under these circumstances, I believed it would be more beneficial to utilize the characteristics of EVs in a way that fits lifestyles rather than treating EVs as standalone units. Consequently, I launched a service offering "EV Subscription × Workplace Charging × V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything charging/discharging)."

The average commuting distance for vehicles is 25 km round-trip per day. If you charge it at work like a smartphone during working hours, it will be full in about two hours. There is no need to stop at a gas station, and no need for charging equipment at apartments or homes. By combining this with solar power generation, it becomes possible to utilize surplus electricity and receive relatively inexpensive power.

For companies, this contributes to a decarbonized society, improves employee benefits and satisfaction, and assists in recruitment activities. For employees, the reduction in vehicle maintenance costs can be allocated to necessary living expenses.

In the future, EV charging will be available cheaply everywhere in town, and EVs will transport electricity. At night, electricity stored through workplace charging during the day can be used at home, reducing utility costs. Furthermore, in times of disaster, EVs will play an active role as the foundation of initial lifelines (electricity) for disaster recovery.

"Cars carry people and electricity (People mover × Electric mover)." I was inspired to start my business at the age of 40. When thinking about my future life, I wanted to create something to leave behind for society. I decided that I didn't want to do it alone, but rather move forward while sharing both joy and sorrow with my colleagues. The company name "Hakobune" (Ark) embodies the hope of being an existence like Noah's Ark, where people can look back someday and think, "I'm glad it was there."

Hakobune, which aims to realize a richer life and society through value creation with a "dual-role" approach unique to electric vehicles (EVs), is still a small boat. Whether direct or indirect, your guidance, encouragement, and support are our greatest strength. We look forward to having you on board the Hakobune.

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.