ORIX Corporation ("ORIX") announced today (Sept 27) that it has invested in Ubiden, Inc. It also announced that ORIX Auto Corporation ("ORIX Auto") and Ubiden have entered a business partnership to expand use of the electric vehicle (EV) charging service for corporations.
Since 2019, Ubiden has expanded management and operation of its EV charging service at car parks of various facilities including condominiums, hotels, onsen hotels and commercial facilities. It provides "WeCharge," a charging service compatible with all EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, that allows users to complete all operations from arranging for use through to bill settlement using a smartphone application.
ORIX Group is steadily introducing the WeCharge service, including at group-operated hotels, onsen hotels, newly developed condominiums and logistics facilities. Now, it has invested in Ubiden to strengthen collaboration and cooperation with various Group businesses.
In this investment, ORIX Auto will collaborate with Ubiden with the aim to expand the EV charging service to corporate customers. It will provide one-stop integrated management, such as offering lease and rental vehicle procurement options and installation of charging facilities to customers considering the introduction of EVs*1, as well as services including charger use analysis and maintenance of vehicles after their introduction.
Also, by making it possible to settle WeCharge charging payments using an AMS Card*2 (ORIX Auto's unique refueling card), it aims to enhance administrative efficiency for customers who manage multiple vehicles, including gasoline and electric vehicles.
ORIX Group will continue to aim for the realization of a carbon-free society, through the popularization and promotion of EVs and other environmentally friendly vehicles.
*1 In a survey conducted by ORIX Auto in November 2021 among 792 corporate customers, approximately 40% named charging facility installation as a prerequisite for the introduction of EVs.
*2 Allows one card to be used for refueling corporate vehicles at five brands of service station: ENEOS, cosmo, apollostation, Idemitsu SS and Shell SS, which are operated by Japan's three major distributors. Because it is possible to refuel throughout Japan for the same cost, the service supports integrated vehicle management, including standardization of fuel costs and unified billing. 804,000 cards issued (as of end March 2022).
