ビークルファン’s electric tuk-tuk ETT-NEO has been introduced in Tsubame, Niigata, as a shared EV for tourism and can also be used as a self-propelled power source in emergencies. The vehicles are deployed at the Tsubame City Industrial History Museum, with operations handled through the OURCAR car-sharing platform.
The three-wheeled EV trike “ETT-NEO” has debuted in Tsubame, Niigata, as a shared EV service for tourism. The vehicles were introduced on 1 November 2026, with 3 units deployed at the Tsubame City Industrial History Museum for everyday use as tourism mobility.
ETT-NEO is a three-wheeled EV classified as a light motorcycle with a sidecar. It measures 2,140 mm in length, 995 mm in width and 1,620 mm in height, has seating for 3 people, weighs 195 kg, and has a rated output of 2 kW, a 2.7 kWh battery, a range of 70 km and a top speed of 50 km/h. The vehicle is priced at ¥990,000. Its doorless design provides an open ride, and it can be driven with a standard motor vehicle licence, although safety precautions are advised.
In the event of a disaster, the vehicle’s onboard battery can supply up to 3 kW of power when connected to a dedicated Upvolt inverter, providing phase-free functionality. It can be driven under its own power in emergencies and used to supply electricity for nighttime lighting and household appliances.
Following the introduction of ETT-NEO, unmanned car sharing using OURCAR will be operated mainly from the Tsubame City Industrial History Museum. Inspection and maintenance support will be provided through a network of nationally certified mechanics, with an operating structure designed to minimise service interruptions requiring on-site response.
Tsubame City has positioned the project as an initiative that pursues both tourism promotion and disaster preparedness and BCP measures, and its future development is attracting attention.