Fuso New Zealand recently hosted the first local adopters of the Fuso eCanter, as well as representatives from government and infrastructure, for a special launch event and information session ahead of the first eCanter units in May.

Five of the units will be dedicated to Auckland Transport’s Queen Street Valley Zero Emissions Area (ZEA) Trial, which is headed by participants Mainfreight, Bidfood, Toll, Owens Transport and Vector OnGas.

The event saw a full demonstration of the Fuso eCanter, including test drives, as well as providing a great insight into developments and trends concerning EV technology and power infrastructure, particularly from a transport operator perspective.

“We’re all excited to finally see Fuso eCanter arrive and go to work in the Auckland CBD. It is ideal for inner-city delivery. It’s easy to drive, produces zero emissions and is virtually silent, which is a huge benefit to local residents and workers. The ZEA trial sets the scene for the future, particularly for these early- adopters who have joined us on this journey leading the charge,” said Kathy Schluter, Fuso NZ head of sales and customer experience.

Fuso eCanter is the first series-manufactured electrictruck from an OEM globally and is backed by three million kilometres of real-world testing and evaluation.

“We are delighted to be the first to bring New Zealand a zero-emissions delivery truck, which includes fully integrated advanced safety systems. This is a project we have focussed on for a number of years, and we are looking forward to getting these units out to work for our customers,” said Schluter.

The eCanter is driven by a permanent synchronous electric motor powered by an 81kWh (420V) lithium-ion, liquid-cooled battery pack. It delivers an impressive 135kW and 390Nm, which provides a range of 100 to 150km on a single charge – well-suited to around-town delivery routes. New Zealand Trucking magazine drove the eCanter in the April 2020 issue when it was in the country for evaluation.