Isuzu makes a self-driving version of the Erga EV that’s seeing real-world tests

Remember when Isuzu Motors Limited launched the all-electric version of the Erga EV last year? Isuzu has been busy giving the all-electric bus some key upgrades that allow it to pick up and drop off passengers automatically, eliminating the need for a driver.

That’s right, IML has unveiled an autonomous version of the Erga EV, which was revealed at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS). This is the Isuzu Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus, and it’s part of the company’s efforts to introduce safer means of public transportation.

Isuzu Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus can pick-up, drop off passengers automatically image

From its namesake, the electric bus is based on the Erga EV that was revealed in 2024. But the Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus is a self-driving vehicle that can automatically ferry passengers on a specific route. In fact, Isuzu is already conducting demonstration tests in Hiratsuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, which will run from October 2025 to January 2026.

The bus will operate along the same route that existing bus lines run on in Hiratsuka City, more specifically, in the Hiratsuka Station South Exit area. Isuzu initially conducted Level 2 autonomous driving with a driver onboard using a diesel-powered Erga from December 2024 to January 2025 to put the system through its paces.

Isuzu Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus can pick-up, drop off passengers automatically image

As for the autonomous system itself, the self-driving Erga EV gets its unique technology from Tier IV Inc., which specializes in making such systems. According to Isuzu, the self-driving system delivers safe and stable autonomous operation by recognizing its surroundings via multiple sensors, cameras, LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and vehicle-integrated technologies. 

While the test runs will initially only involve Isuzu personnel, general public test rides of the Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus are also planned to fully test the Level 2 self-driving systems. With Isuzu investing in this kind of public transportation, it only makes sense that the brand is serious about it.

Do you think this kind of system would work in certain cities or areas of the Philippines?

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