Denso-go, an electric vehicle manufactured in 1950, was selected by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame as a 2026 historical heritage vehicle. It has since been restored and is on display at the Denso Museum.
The Japan Automotive Hall of Fame selected and honored Denso-go, a 1950 electric vehicle, as a 2026 historical heritage vehicle. Denso-go was an early EV developed and brought to market by 日本電装 during its founding years.
The vehicle was conceived as a new-generation car using electricity as an alternative energy source against the backdrop of gasoline shortages after World War II. The development project was planned in October 1949, and 50 units were commercially released in July 1950 after approximately 9 months of driving tests. All units sold out. The vehicle measured 4250 mm in length, 1598 mm in width and 1630 mm in height, with a practical 6-seat design.
The power unit used an in-house-developed DC motor, while a total of 40 batteries were divided between the front and rear. Positioning the motor near the center of the vehicle optimized weight distribution, enabling a range of 195 km on a single charge and recording a top speed of 43 km/h. Its rational configuration is regarded as having features in common with modern EV design.
The vehicle was restored as part of a 60th anniversary project and is currently on display at the Denso Museum inside DENSO's headquarters in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture. It will be recorded as a historical heritage vehicle that pioneered the future of an electrified society.