The Fujikyu Group operates its main businesses in the area surrounding Mount Fuji, guided by its founding principle of "opening up Mount Fuji to the world." Therefore, we engage in various activities to protect the natural environment of the Mount Fuji area and to ensure the satisfaction of our many customers.
In order to more actively reduce its impact on nature, the Fujikyu Group introduced the first low-pollution CNG (compressed natural gas) buses that emit no black smoke in any national park in 1995.
Natural gas is the cleanest energy source among fossil fuels, with the lowest CO2 emissions and virtually no soot. Along with the introduction of CNG buses, the Fujikyu Group installed an eco-station supplying compressed natural gas within Fuji-Q Highland. (The eco-station at Fuji-Q Highland was closed in 2020.)
In 2005, we also introduced a low-emission hybrid bus that employs a hybrid system combining a diesel engine and an electric motor. The system converts the energy generated during deceleration into electrical energy and stores it in a battery. The motor operates in conjunction with the engine during starting and acceleration, achieving both high output and low fuel consumption, while also contributing to reduced pollution.
Named "Evergreen Shuttle" with the sentiment of "May the nature of Mt. Fuji last forever," these low-emission buses are primarily used as clean buses for Mt. Fuji climbers and local bus in the surrounding areas.
Then, in March 2020, we introduced three electric buses, the first of their kind in Yamanashi Prefecture. These electric buses are large, low-floor buses manufactured by BYD, and are environmentally friendly vehicles with zero CO2 emissions, as they run on electricity from charged batteries to power their motors. In the event of a disaster, the electric buses can be used as mobile power sources to light LED lights, charge smartphones, and even provide rest areas, thus fulfilling a mission to assist residents and tourists in the surrounding areas.
The design makes it immediately clear that it is an environmentally friendly "electric bus," using the "EV-BUS" logo, which is shaped like an electrical outlet, as an eye-catching element. The branches extending from the logo connect to the greenery of Mount Fuji, representing consideration for the natural environment and a commitment to protecting the natural environment of Mount Fuji, a World Heritage Site.
Going forward, Fujikyu Bus will continue to strive to contribute to sustainable urban development through its environmental conservation efforts.
You can watch the electric bus video here.