Masanori Takahashi: A Dual-Role Challenge with Electric Vehicles

In April 2023, I founded "Hakobune Co., Ltd." with a focus on Electric Vehicles (EV) and Energy Management (Ene-mane). Currently, of the approximately 80 million vehicles owned in Japan, about 25 million are used for commuting, and most of them 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%, showing a situation clearly different from Japan.

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

The average commuting distance for a vehicle is 25 kilometers round-trip per day. If you charge it at work during business hours like a smartphone, it reaches full capacity in about two hours. There is no need to stop at a gas station, and no need for charging equipment at apartment complexes or homes. When combined 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 aids in recruitment activities. For employees, the reduction in vehicle maintenance costs can be redirected toward necessary living expenses.

In the future, it will be possible to charge EVs cheaply everywhere in town, and EVs will carry electricity. At night, you can use the electricity stored through workplace charging during the day at home to reduce utility bills. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, EVs will serve as a foundation for initial disaster recovery lifelines (power).

"Cars carry people and electricity (People mover x Electric mover)." The inspiration for starting the business came when I was 40. When thinking about my future life, I decided I wanted to create something to leave behind for society. I decided I wanted to move forward not alone, but while sharing both joys and sorrows with 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 the dual-role 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 you joining us on board the Hakobune.

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