What’s Happening
FUSO, the Japanese subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has announced the start of production for the all-electric Next Generation eCanter light truck in Europe. The momentous event took place at FUSO’s Europe production plant in Tramagal, Portugal. During the ceremony, company representatives and VIPs from politics and business gathered to witness the first Next Generation eCanter from European production rolling off the assembly line.
Why It Matters
The launch of the Next Generation eCanter represents a significant step towards sustainable transport solutions. Since the release of the eCanter in 2017, FUSO has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the electric truck industry. With over 550 eCanters operating in Europe, Japan, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, FUSO has successfully clocked around eight million miles of emission-free driving. Now, the Next Generation eCanter aims to push this success further.
Key Points
The Next Generation eCanter boasts an optimized driveline and power ratings of 110 kW or 129 kW, depending on the model. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 89 km/h. It’s designed with three different battery packs using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology, known for its long life and high usable energy. Depending on the pack, it can deliver a range from 70 to 200 kilometers, significantly outperforming the previous generation’s 100-kilometer range.
The vehicle’s production began in Kawasaki, Japan, earlier this year. While Kawasaki handles the production for Japan and other non-European markets, the Tramagal plant will cater to 17 markets in Europe including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and more. The eCanter is set to be available in six wheelbases ranging from 2,500 to 4,750 millimeters, offering flexibility to meet varied customer needs.
Bottom Line
With its enhanced capabilities, the Next Generation eCanter underscores FUSO’s commitment to innovating sustainable transport solutions. The Tramagal plant’s notable achievement in reaching balance sheet CO2-neutrality in production further strengthens this commitment. More than 50% of the electric truck’s components are sourced from over 90 different European suppliers, emphasizing FUSO’s commitment to local businesses. The launch of the Next Generation eCanter not only represents a leap in e-mobility solutions but also bolsters FUSO’s goal of achieving sustainable and emission-free transport.
