Daimler launches its first all-electric truck
Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia says, "In times when everybody is talking about electric trucks, we are the first to actually commercialize a series produced all-electric truck. Having a long history in alternative drivetrains, we are proud to step into this new era. Our FUSO eCanter comes with years of customer testing, and the assurance of parts, services, and warranty through our global FUSO dealership network.
"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", Llistosella added.
At the global launch, FUSO also announced the company's first U.S. commercial partner for the eCanter: UPS will use the zero-emission trucks with an eye to moving their fleet toward being more sustainable.
Carlton Rose, President, Global Fleet Maintenance & Engineering, UPS: "At UPS, we constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet. Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter, adding to our already more than 8,500 alternative drivetrain vehicles in service today. We have a long-standing global relationship with Daimler, and we welcome the opportunity to trial the Fuso eCanter as UPS continues to realize the benefits of electric trucks."
In coordination with the office of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, FUSO also will supply 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.
To celebrate the launch, FUSO set up a temporary installation in New York City's East Village called "Energy Station of the Future". The event was the perfect backdrop for FUSO's vision of how using the zero-emission, zero-noise eCanter will help transform New York City, and other urban areas, into cleaner and quieter places for everyday deliveries.
The all-electric light-duty truck is MFTBC's answer to the public's need for a zero-emission, zero-noise truck for continuously increasing inner-city distribution. In addition to being an eco-friendly vehicle, it is cost-efficient and economical for users, as already proved within customer tests in Europe. The FUSO eCanter has a range of more than 60 miles and a load capacity of 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 with 420 V and 13.8 kWh each. In comparison with a conventional diesel truck, it offers savings of up to 2,000 Dollar per 10,000 miles on operating costs.