Japan’s government plans to test autonomous trucks along routes connecting expressways with regular city roads. Officials will select specific test routes and participating businesses sometime during fiscal 2026. Since regular roads demand greater driving skill, officials consider this testing phase essential.
Specifically, building long-distance distribution networks using autonomous trucks requires navigating streets with pedestrians and cyclists. Consequently, developing reliable technology for these final stretches presents significant technical challenges for engineers. Based on results gathered, officials hope to commercialize Level 4 autonomous trucks by fiscal 2028.
Level 4 technology allows fully automated driving under clearly defined operational conditions and circumstances. Testing will likely occur across Tokyo, Chubu and Kansai regions throughout Japan. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will outsource investigations, selecting routes based on visibility and proximity.
Meanwhile, separate government efforts continue advancing long-distance transport capabilities for autonomous trucks along expressways specifically. Since March 2025, a dedicated lane has operated between two rest areas along the Shin-Tomei Expressway. Private companies have partnered with officials, testing vehicles equipped with Level 2 automation currently.
Additionally, companies including Mitsubishi Estate have begun developing systems bypassing regular roads entirely. Their approach involves building distribution bases directly connected to expressway exits themselves. However, most of these specialized facilities won’t be completed until sometime during the 2030s.
Furthermore, only a limited number of locations suit this direct-connection distribution model currently. Therefore, testing autonomous trucks on regular roads remains necessary for broader nationwide commercialization efforts. This dual-track approach reflects Japan’s strategy for balancing near-term feasibility with long-term infrastructure goals.
Looking ahead, successful testing could position Japan as a leader in autonomous freight transport technology. Given persistent labor shortages within Japan’s trucking industry, this technology offers significant potential economic benefits. Ultimately, expanding autonomous trucks beyond expressways represents a critical step toward fully automated logistics networks nationwide.
