Isuzu Begins Testing Autonomous Erga EV, Set for 2027 Introduction

KatadataOTO – Isuzu introduced an innovation supporting public transportation at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

The technology is embedded in one of their bus lines, namely the Erga EV. It should be noted that this model is already used in Japan as a route bus.

The route bus has a system or working method similar to Transjakarta in Indonesia. 

Meanwhile, the Erga EV, which serves as the base, is an electric-powered bus with a flat deck or floor. The battery is placed on top of the vehicle, making the cabin more spacious.

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However, Autonomous Driving on the Isuzu Erga EV in the future is expected to facilitate bus operations in transporting passengers according to the designated route.

“We will start using (Erga EV Autonomous Driving) from 2027. So there will be no driver,” said Yoshiki Yashiro, Public Relations Group Isuzu in Japan recently.

It was further explained that the trial will use an existing route in the Hiratsuka Station area, south exit.

The Autonomous Driving technology will also undergo a series of trials, including nighttime operations and cashless payment methods.

Testing will be conducted until January 2026 and will also be implemented with the bus carrying passengers.

Autonomous Driving on the Erga EV is at level two, developed in stages up to level four before being operated on the road.

To support the Erga EV's Autonomous Driving technology, several additional components are embedded in the bus.

This includes LiDAR, radar, and control technology integrated with the vehicle.

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The Erga EV is claimed to offer more comfort for passengers. Because it operates without the noise of a conventional bus, and its acceleration and deceleration are smooth even without a driver.

For your information, the Erga EV bus is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 242 kWh. On a single charge, the bus can travel up to 360 kilometers.

The Erga EV can accommodate up to 68 passengers in its cabin. In total, there are 20 seats, including the driver's seat.