In September 2017, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), part of Daimler Trucks and the parent company of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (MFTA) conducted the global launch of the new FUSO eCanter—the world’s first series-produced, all-electric medium-duty truck—in New York City. At the launch, the company also announced plans to deliver 500 units of this generation eCanter to customers within the next two years, starting in the US, Europe, and Japan. Larger scale production is intended to start in 2019.
The company sees the eCanter all-electric, medium-duty truck as the answer to the public’s continuously increasing demand for a zero-emission, zero-noise truck for inner-city distribution. In addition to being an eco-friendly vehicle, the eCanter is cost-efficient and economical for users, which the company has proved with real-world fleet tests conducted in partnership with customers in Europe. The FUSO eCanter has a range of more than 60 miles and a load capacity up to three-and-a-half tons—depending on body and usage. The vehicle’s electric powertrain contains six high-voltage, lithium-ion battery packs rated at 420V and 13.8 kWh each. Compared to a conventional diesel truck, the eCanter offers operating cost savings up to $2,000 per 10,000 miles.
ZER0-EMISSION TRUCKS
At the global launch, FUSO announced the company’s first US commercial partner, UPS, will use the zero-emission trucks with an eye toward building a more sustainable fleet. FUSO is also supplying a fleet of local-zero-emission FUSO eCanter trucks to well-known New York based not-for-profits, including Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Botanical Garden, Habitat for Humanity New York City, and Big Reuse Brooklyn.
In October, FUSO introduced its product brand, E-FUSO, strengthening its commitment to alternative drivetrains. Over the next few years, the company expects all of its truck and bus models will offer one additional electric variant.
In mid-December, FUSO began handing over the first units of its all-electric eCanter to European customers. Four global logistics companies—DHL, DB Schenker, Rhenus, and Dachser—will use the series-produced, all-electric, light medium-duty eCanter truck in their fleets. In the future, these FUSO eCanter trucks will play an important part in the companies’ sustainable fleet management, especially in urban delivery transport and various other logistics tasks.
INTENSIVE RESEARCH
Bringing the FUSO eCanter to market has been an achievement several years in the making. At the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany, FUSO presented its first prototype of an electrically powered Canter E-Cell, which led to pre-series production in 2014 of a number of units for testing. The FUSO eCanter benefits from extensive experience gained through these customer trials, conducted in Portugal and Germany between 2014 and 2017.
In May 2017, MFTBC announced its first commercial customer for the new in-line series production vehicle in the Japanese market. Seven-Eleven Co., Ltd. will be operating 25 units of the eCanter in its fleet. After unveiling the first charging station in Japan and kicking off production at the OEM’s factory in Portugal, this underlines the commitment of both FUSO and New York State to developing and embracing sustainable and reliable transportation solutions to benefit society and the planet.
In marketing the eCanter and establishing electric trucks as a viable alternative to internal-combustion-powered trucks, FUSO will benefit from the Daimler knowledge pool of partner companies, like Mercedes-Benz Energy—a provider of local power storage, ChargePoint—a provider of charging station networks, and its recently announced investment in StoreDot—a company that develops ultra-quick charging battery technology.
FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC TRUCK
After years of research and intensive customer testing, the FUSO eCanter will be fully integrated in the production line for the conventional combustion Fuso Canter truck. This past July, MFTBC celebrated the start of production of eCanter in Tramagal, Portugal. The production plant will assemble all eCanter vehicles for the European and US markets.
Marc Llistosella, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, notes, “Our new FUSO eCanter now addresses the increasing global demand for products to meet and exceed high CO2 emission standards. It offers an attractive and cost-effective alternative to combustion engines and makes electric trucks key to the future of inner city distribution.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the FUSO eCanter, visit www.mitfuso.com
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: DECEMBER 2017 ISSUE
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