Japan Is The First Country To Introduce Dual-Mode Vehicles, Learn More

These vehicles, which were previously researched as a technique to make electric automobiles appropriate for interstate travel, were first deployed in Japan in December 2021, after which it now travels on both road and train linking various locations like Tokushima and Kochi on Shikoku island.

The world's first Dual Mode Vehicle (DMV) hit the streets in December in the Japanese town of Kaiyo. It used to operate along the shore of Shikoku island in southern Japan at the time, linking various tiny villages and providing passengers with beach vistas.

While other nations have yet to embrace the vehicle model, Japan, which continues to be technologically advanced, has chosen another convenient form of transportation.

The world's first Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV) hit the streets in December in the Japanese town of Kaiyo. It used to operate along the shore of Shikoku island in southern Japan at the time, linking various tiny villages and providing passengers with beach vistas.

While other nations have yet to embrace the vehicle model, Japan, which continues to be technologically advanced, has chosen another convenient form of transportation.

What exactly is a Dual Mode Vehicle (DMV)?

The dual-mode vehicle, or DMV, is a diesel-powered bus with an additional set of wheels on its undercarriage that allows it to run on both highways and railway tracks. Asa Seaside Railway Company in the Shikoku area launched the current dual-mode transport system, which went into service on December 25, 2021.

The vehicle resembles a minibus and travels on the road on standard rubber tyres. What distinguishes it from others is its steel wheels, which fall when they strike the train lines. In that situation, the front tyres are raised off the track while the rear wheels remain in place, assisting the DMV in moving along rails.

Furthermore, despite carrying up to 21 passengers, the vehicles can travel at high speeds on both highways and rail tracks.

According to the business, the dual-mode vehicle would be lighter than a typical train and require less fuel. It is also simple to keep up with.

Notably, the business had previously planned to launch the dual-mode vehicle service during the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, but had to postpone the launch after the Transport Ministry requested that they repair the welding on the arm that supports the retractable wheels.