Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Buck Corporation (MFTBC) has developed the world’s first personal protective equipment (PPE) designed specifically for operations involving electric vehicles (EVs) — known as ARCTECT GEAR for EV.
Jointly developed with Japanese manufacturer, Midori Anzen, and global material science company, WL Gore & Associates GK (GORE), the PPE has been designed to accommodate an increasing number of EV maintenance requirements as the technology becomes more commonplace.
Scheduled for rollout at select overseas service centres in 2026, ARCTECT GEAR for EV has been designed for use in high-voltage environments like EV workshops, balancing safety and comfort in equal measure.
Specifically, all PPE used for EV maintenance needs to meet several critical needs in a workshop setting. The equipment must offer flexibility for working in tight spaces, provide effective temperature and moisture control in enclosed areas, and deliver consistent protection for frequent transitions between high-voltage and low-voltage systems.
Additionally, the equipment must also not significantly deteriorate its safety performance throughout its intended service life.
The garment satisfies these needs by incorporating GORE Japan’s PYRAD Fabrics by GORE-TEX LABS, a high-performance fabric engineered to be lightweight and moisture permeable while offering protection against arc discharge.
Drawing on more than 70 years of safety equipment development, Midori Anzen collaborated with GORE Japan to develop high-voltage protection without compromising comfort and mobility. The PPE has already been certified under multiple international standards including arc flash protection.
MFTBC’s development of ARCTECT GEAR for EV is the latest of the company’s efforts to establish an EV ecosystem where EV trucks are as easily operated as conventional diesel vehicles.
This is part of a larger plan to contribute to the Japanese Government’s target to realise a decarbonised society by 2050.
“As we expand our eCanter operations globally and work toward Japan’s 2050 decarbonisation goals, innovations like this remind me that the future of transportation includes everyone who builds, maintains, and services these vehicles safely,” said Karl Deppen, President & CEO Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation.
“We’re planning to introduce this gear to our overseas service centres in 2026, with Midori Anzen bringing it to market broadly.
“Innovations like this are what we need as we transition to a more electric future.”
