Fuso leads charge of the light truck brigade!

Fuso was the only truck company at the landmark event, which attracted more than 2,000 attendees and provides a focal point for business owners, fleet and procurement managers and key stakeholders within the industry.

Feedback from visitors to the Fuso stand was that their businesses were being heavily influenced by customers to be “clean and green” and they were looking forward to having a 100% electric truck option available in New Zealand.

Fuso NZ plans to begin testing eCanter on New Zealand roads in the third-quarter of 2018. With more than 100 EV public charging stations already in operation across the country, Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews says eCanter is well placed to revolutionise the urban transport landscape.

“I’m very proud that we are leading the way in bringing the world’s first 100% light electric truck to New Zealand,” said Andrews. “We already have the infrastructure, which helps make eCanter a very compelling proposition. Our stand generated a lot of interest at the conference – there is a definite buzz about this truck’s potential and we’re all excited to get it on the road.”

ECANTER KEY FEATURES

• 100% reduction in fuel costs
• 30% reduction in maintenance costs
• Zero emissions
• Fast-charging capability – 80% capacity in one hour
• 115kW of power and 390Nm of torque
• 100 - 150km range
• Qualifies for RUC exemption under new government policy being introduced
• Amortisation pay back expected in less than three years
• Possible use in bus lanes

INNOVATIVE DRIVETRAIN

The eCanter is driven by a permanent synchronous electric motor, powered by a 82.8kWh (420v) lithiumion, liquid-cooled battery pack, it delivers an impressive 115kW and 390Nm and allows a maximum range of up to 150km on a single charge – well suited to around-town delivery routes.

Within the electric motor is a reduction gear, connected directly to the transmission shaft. This means it is able to speed up without shifting, resulting in less wear.

The batteries are split into five units for even weight distribution, with the excellent balance allowing the 7.5T GVM vehicle to carry a nominal payload of around 4T.

FAST CHARGING

A standard Combo 2 or CHAdeMO plug is used for charging, with downtime minimised thanks to DC fast charge capability that will have the battery at 80% capacity within one hour – that is an efficient lunch break!

In the future, a rapid DC charger will reduce this to 30 minutes, while a full charge on AC can be completed overnight (seven hours).

COMFORT AND CUSTOMISATION

With its stylish LED headlamps and distinctive grille, eCanter is attractively designed on the outside and intuitively configured on the inside for maximum comfort.

The eCanter is also easily customised, with the electric drivetrain fitted to Fuso’s standard 3,850mm Canter cab chassis, so customers and bodybuilders will be working with the same familiar 850mm wide frame.

The eCanter also offers flexible battery configurations, so end users can choose between maximising the truck’s range to 150km, or work within a smaller range at a greater payload.

FLEXIBLE APPLICATION

The Fuso eCanter was built with the urban environment in mind. With zero emissions, engine and noise pollution are almost nil, making it perfectly suited for working in built-up areas in a variety of around-town applications, including:

• FMCG delivery
• Furniture removal
• Refuse and recycling
• Light commercial work
• Chilled goods delivery

eCanter includes a high-capacity electric power take-off (PTO), so it can also be used for refrigerated applications and those requiring a liftgate or other auxiliary device.