A third call for applications is open under Japan's green slow-mobility subsidy, offering up to ¥2mn toward the body of each vehicle bought. Applications run from 27 October to 23 December 2026.
The general incorporated association running the programme issued the call after receiving a grant decision from the Environment Ministry under the current fiscal year's CO2 emissions control subsidy, in its stream for regional public transport and decarbonisation. Green slow mobility means small transport services using electric vehicles that can travel on public roads at under 20 km/h. The stated aims are decarbonising local transport and tackling local problems at the same time, and the call stresses that energy-related CO2 emissions must be reliably cut.
What is covered
The cap is ¥2mn per vehicle for the purchase of the vehicle body. Ancillary equipment is handled in the call guidelines, which are separate from the listing. The vehicle must be one the association has registered and published as meeting the programme's requirements, so buyers cannot choose freely from the market.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are private companies, including those that supply the equipment under a finance lease, and local governments. General incorporated associations and foundations qualify, as do nonprofits incorporated under Japan's Act on Promotion of Specified Non-profit Activities. The list also covers operators named in items two to eight of Article 48 of the enforcement regulations of the Road Transport Act, and others the association recognises with the environment minister's approval.
Timing
The project period is a single year. Work must be finished between the grant decision date and 28 February 2027. Application forms are downloadable from the association's website.
For background, see Earlier Tokyo Brief coverage.