Toshiba in Agreement with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro on Demonstration Project for Electric Bus with Super-Rapid 10-Minute Charging

Japan's first e-bus operation on public road using pantograph charging
provides a robust solution that can be applied in towns and cities of Asian countries

TOKYO, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Corporation has agreed with Kawasaki Tsurumi Rinko Bus Co., Ltd. (Rinko Bus) and Drive Electro Technology Co., Ltd. (Drive Electro Technology) to jointly study a demonstration project^*1 to confirm the effectiveness of a super-rapid charging battery powered by a pantograph. The project is expected to start operation in November 2025, once the bus has been modified and the pantograph charging facility installed in the bus depot, and the bus will operate on a regular route along public roads in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo.

The project, the first of its kind on public roads in Japan^*2, will demonstrate the feasibility of commercial operation of an e-bus charged by a pantograph. Rinko Bus will operate the service, and Drive Electro Technology will produce the pantograph charging system and convert the diesel bus to electric powered by Toshiba's super-rapid charging SCiBâ„¢ rechargeable battery. The project will also verify the ability to reuse SCiBâ„¢. Used batteries installed in the pantograph charging system will be charged to minimize power consumption during peak demand, and used to supply power to the on-board battery via the pantograph.

While governments in China and Europe are providing support for e-buses as an environmental investment, total sales worldwide in 2023 were a low 50,000 units, a mere 3% of all bus sales^*3. Long charging time and a limited number of chargers can impact vehicle operational efficiency, while the need to secure large charging spaces and install numerous charging facilities presents major barriers. These challenges are particularly significant for the adoption of e-buses in densely populated urban areas of Asia, where space is limited.

Toshiba will collaborate with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro Technology to make full use of each company's capabilities, to promote the demonstration project as a cutting-edge initiative and to take the lead in introducing the system into Asia, and to work toward advancing carbon neutrality and sustainable growth for society as a whole.

*1 This project utilizes the results of the demonstration project, "International Demonstration Project of Energy Consumption Efficiency Technology and System Demonstration / Project to Demonstrate 10-Minute Charging of Large EV Buses (Malaysia)" supported by NEDO

*2 Source: Rinko Bus, Toshiba and Drive Electro

*3 Global EV Outlook 2024 – Analysis - IEA

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Toshiba in Agreement with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro on Demonstration Project for Electric Bus with Super-Rapid 10-Minute Charging

Toshiba in Agreement with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro on Demonstration Project for Electric Bus with Super-Rapid 10-Minute Charging

Toshiba in Agreement with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro on Demonstration Project for Electric Bus with Super-Rapid 10-Minute Charging

HAVANA, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Habanos, S.A. unveiled its new Cohiba Vistosos vitola (53 ring gauge x 145 mm length) at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, France. Cohiba Vistosos, a parejo format with a "pigtail" and unique dimensions, comes in a travel humidor containing 10 Habanos, "Totally Handmade with Long Filler", crafted from leaves carefully selected from the best tobacco fields in the Vuelta Abajo* region in Pinar del Río*, Cuba*, considered the most prestigious tobacco-growing area in the world.

This exclusive product will be available only through Duty Free and Travel Retail channels, reaffirming Habanos, S.A.'s commitment to creating unique products for the most demanding Habanos aficionados to enjoy anywhere in the world.

During the presentation, Maritza Carrillo González, Co-president of Habanos, S.A., highlighted: "This 2024 has been a particularly significant year for us, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Habanos, S.A. This milestone has been an additional source of inspiration to continue working with the same commitment and dedication towards innovation that has guided us through these three decades of history. It is a great honor to be here tonight to unveil a new addition to our most prestigious brand, Cohiba, with its new Cohiba Vistosos vitola."

On the other hand, Luis Sanchéz-Harguindey, Co-president of Habanos, S.A., emphasized: "As everyone knows, since the challenges posed by the pandemic, one of our main objectives has been to recover business volumes in these channels to pre-2020 levels. We have launched exclusive formats, selecting iconic vitolas and developing presentations that are true works of art, such as travel humidors and collector's editions. That is why tonight we are pleased to present a product specifically designed for this important sales channel, which in 2023 achieved almost 8% growth in sales value compared to 2022, representing 19% of Habanos' total market value."

The Cohiba Vistosos travel humidor, with its elegant and practical design, is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy a unique smoking experience with the quality and distinction that Cohiba is known for. This new vitola promises to become a reference for the world's most demanding enthusiasts.

During the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, attendees were also able to view other exclusive releases for Duty Free and Travel Retail channels, such as Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos and Quai D'Orsay Imperiales, further solidifying Habanos, S.A.'s leadership in the global premium tobacco market.

*(P.A.O.) Protected Appellations of Origin

To download high resolution images of the product, click here.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

HABANOS, S.A. PRESENTED THE NEW VITOLA COHIBA VISTOSOS AT THE INTERNATIONAL TFWA EXHIBITION IN CANNES