Idemitsu Kosan, T2 and Isuzu Join Forces to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Promoting the Adoption of Next‑generation Biodiesel Fuel in Truck Transport ~

Idemitsu Kosan, T2 and Isuzu: Working Toward Carbon Neutrality

Partnership to Popularize Next‑Generation Biodiesel Fuel in the Truck Transport Sector ~Commencement of “Idemitsu Renewable Diesel” Use for Long‑haul Operations with T2’s Autonomous‑Driving Trucks~

Press Release July 2, 2026

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo; President: Noriaki Sakai; hereinafter “Idemitsu Kosan”), T2 Inc. (Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masatomo Kumabe; hereinafter “T2”), and Isuzu Motors Limited (Yokohama‑shi, Kanagawa Prefecture; President & CEO: Masahiro Yamaguchi; hereinafter “Isuzu”) have launched a joint initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in truck transport and promoting the adoption of next‑generation biodiesel fuel.

Starting this summer, Idemitsu Kosan will supply T2 with its next‑generation biodiesel fuel “Idemitsu Renewable Diesel” (IRD). T2 will conduct trial operations using IRD in its commercially deployed Level‑2 autonomous‑driving trucks for major logistics companies on the approximately 500‑kilometer expressway route between the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Furthermore, Isuzu will provide repair and maintenance services for T2’s autonomous‑driving trucks running on IRD under the same operational conditions applied to conventional light‑oil diesel fuel.

As initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 expand, next‑generation biodiesel fuel, which is expected to cut CO₂ emissions across the entire life cycle, is drawing high expectations in the truck‑transport sector. However, there are insufficient refueling stations for next‑generation biodiesel. Compared with conventional fuels, it currently tends to come at a higher price. Furthermore, uncertainties persist regarding impacts on truck performance and durability, as well as repair and service protocols in the event of breakdowns. Even though logistics companies wish to adopt it, these factors remain real‑world barriers to widespread adoption.

As the first step toward resolving these challenges, the three companies will collaborate. Through continuous real‑world operation of T2’s autonomous‑driving trucks using IRD, they will verify the effectiveness of refueling workflows. Building on this initiative, the parties will explore expanding refueling infrastructure and develop an enabling environment to promote the popularization of IRD and other next‑generation biodiesel fuels.

Idemitsu Kosan will leverage this initiative to promote refueling solutions using portable fuel tanks. By enabling operations independent of fixed infrastructure such as underground fuel tanks, the company aims to build an environment where logistics firms can use IRD with greater flexibility. Furthermore, it will examine possibilities including the roll‑out of dedicated IRD refueling service stations and the development of blended renewable diesel※5, to drive further popularization of next‑generation biodiesel fuels.

Under its vision of “Jointly supporting Japan’s logistics through autonomous‑driving technology”, T2 has established transfer hubs called “Transgate” in Kanagawa and Hyogo Prefectures※7. These hubs are where drivers board and alight trucks to switch between unmanned operation on expressways and manned driving on ordinary roads, in preparation for the launch of Level‑4※6 autonomous‑truck long‑haul services from fiscal 2027 onward. After Level‑4 deployment, for planned continuous unmanned long‑haul trips between Kanto and Kansai‑routes associated with substantial CO₂ emissions‑fuel tanks will be installed at these mandatory “Transgate” stops. Improved refueling convenience and efficiency will contribute to carbon‑neutrality goals.

Isuzu pursues powertrain development under a multi‑pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality. Alongside electrification, next‑generation biodiesel fuel is regarded as a viable, promising low‑carbon solution that addresses diverse operational requirements. Moving forward, together with Idemitsu Kosan and T2, Isuzu will advance trial usage of next‑generation biodiesel through this project and actively cooperate to resolve various challenges for its real‑world social implementation.