Toyofuji stops shipping used EVs except for Nissan Leaf  

Shipping company Toyofuji has called a halt to shipping used electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf is excluded from the ban, though only under specific conditions.

Customers must now meet stricter guidelines before their vehicles are shipped. Under the new rules, used BEVs must have no damage to the main lithium battery or the vehicle’s underbody, and the state of charge must be at least 20 per cent. 

The shipping company also undertakes an onboard diagnostics check before loading to ensure minimal voltage differences between cells.

In certain instances, a “Letter of Guarantee” and “Battery Condition Report” must also be submitted. 

According to these new conditions, only the Nissan Leaf is currently accepted. They will take effect on or after February 1, 2025, according to Autotalk.

Toyofuji was the last major shipping line to carry all used EV models. Others withdrew in 2022 following a significant onboard ship fire. 

Non-Leaf EV imports only amounted to a few cars landing each month anyway. A container service will now be an option for such vehicles. 

A Genuine Vehicle Imports (GVI) spokesperson commented “It’s a shame as EV sales have been strong, and I feel we have seen a dilution of the anti-EV sentiment created during the CCD subsidies, and people have adjusted to RUCs. 

“It’s just another challenge for importers to get their heads around.”