Zippar
Zippar is another startup underdog that’s racing the major big ropeway and cable companies in the pursuit of a supergondola. Out of Fukushima, Japan - Zippar is lead by Takamasa Suchi. Takamasa Suchi and Kyohei Yashima started the project in 2018 and are hoping to launch a full system in early 2025.
Zippar’s system is being designed to navigate complex urban routes using self-propelled, battery-powered gondolas that use cables to transport people and freight. Each gondola, built from a used Japanese electric vehicle, can hold up to 12 people and run on steel rails and cables, allowing for more intricate routes at a lower infrastructure cost.
The video below showcases the concept:
Zippar is pushing hard on their funding and development efforts. The completed a successful Series A investment round and have been working to coordinate with local government agencies - having recently been featured as one of the new mobility technologies in a survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Road Bureau in 2025.
On the technical development front, Zippar seems capable of producing proof of concept systems. While their test rigs (like the “2nd Prototype” seen at the end of the video above) can appear a little rough, they do seem to function as promised - and they’ve come a long way from their primitive “2nd Prototype” days. Another look behind the scenes can be found in the video below:
Is it a supergondola?
Zippar is absolutely building an urban supergondola system. Let’s check their development plan boxes:
Elevated network
Autonomous EVs
Cable (ropeway) infrastructure
Track / rail network segments to allow for navigation from cable sections
Multiple station stop options across their network
What’s unclear is if the system is being designed for individual or small group custom trips - aka the “Uber” component that let’s a passenger travel on a direct route like a rideshare. How clever can their network get to move a 12 rider capacity gondola through tight city streets?
When will it happen?
Zippar is trying for a working system in March of 2025, but there aren’t any details as of yet to demonstrate the effort is on track. But, they are making things happen and gaining a lot of traction in Japan. So, we’re optimistic Zippar could be a real urban supergondola transportation system provider in the years ahead. We’re just not sure how many years…