Fuso New Zealand has received a vote of confidence from the Energy and Resources Minister, Megan Woods, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, gaining the approval for subsidies for six Fuso eCanters to support the development of New Zealand‘s zero-emissions transport fleet.
One of the units will be used to build transport industry awareness and wider acceptance of electric trucks. The other five will be used by transport operators in Auckland Transport‘s Queen Street Valley Zero Emissions Area. The ZEA trial will be used to develop a clearer understanding of how the integration of electric trucks will affect transport and delivery systems.
“Demonstrating and proving the potential for electric heavy vehicles is important, as heavy freight has an outsized impact on transport emissions,” noted Minister Woods.
Fuso New Zealand managing director Kurtis Andrews said: “Fuso eCanter is the first series-manufactured electric truck from an OEM globally and has over a million kilometres of real-world testing and evaluation behind it.
“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 focused on for a number of years and we are looking forward to getting these units out to work for our customers.”
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 up to 150km on a single charge – well-suited to around-town delivery routes.
Two-stage regeneration captures kinetic energy created by the vehicles momentum and stores it in the batteries for future use. Efficient use of the regeneration settings will extend the practical range of the Fuso eCanter.
The electric drivetrain is fitted to a standard 3400mm wheelbase Fuso Canter cab chassis, meaning customers and bodybuilders will be working with the same, familiar 750mm wide frame.
A standard CCS2 plug is used for charging, with downtime minimised thanks to DC fast charge capability that will have the battery at 80% capacity in less than one hour. Fuso eCanter comes with an AC charge cable (max 32A), which will allow a full charge overnight using off-peak power.
A range of crash avoidance technologies ensure greater protection for drivers and other road-users, including Active Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Electronic Stability Control. An ergonomic design and car-like functionality place premium importance on driver comfort.
Click here to read our driving impression of the Fuso eCanter.
