The FUSO eCanter light electric truck has come out with top marks after a six-month trial with NZ Post, making significant savings on fuel costs and dramatically cutting carbon emissions.
NZ Post has been operating the eCanter between its North Shore Operation Centre and Silverdale Depot, north of Auckland, for the trial.
The trial resulted in fuel cost savings of 77.3% lower than the diesel equivalent, as the electricity costs from charging the truck are much lower than diesel fuel, as well as carbon emissions savings, down by 86.5% on a diesel equivalent.
An estimated output of 15 tonnes of carbon has been avoided during the six-month trial period.
NZ Post received co-funding from the government’s Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) for the eCanter and charger infrastructure.
NZ Post has one of the largest EV delivery fleets in the country, including more than 400 Paxsters – the award-winning electric delivery vehicles used by its posties.
The company also launched the first hydrogen truck for commercial use in New Zealand last July. The Hyundai XCIENT FCEV will save 170 tonnes of CO2 per year from being emitted into our environment, displacing approximately 100 passenger cars.
Sustainability and Property team members Maddie Ashby – Senior Environmental Manager, and Cees Ebskamp – energy manager, have analysed performance data and declared the vehicle “a great success.”
Its transport team are keen to explore options to expand the current run, and to investigate whether another FUSO eCanter truck can be trialled elsewhere in NZ Post’s delivery network.
