First electric eCanters deliver this year

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ATLANTA, GA – Fuso will deliver the first of its eCanter cabovers this year, passing a key milestone for the world’s first series-produced Class 4 electric work truck. Models will arrive in the U.S., Germany and Japan.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation plans to deliver 500 units within the next two years, while larger-scale production is scheduled to begin in 2019.

The eCanter has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 15,995 pounds, a range of more than 95 kilometers, and a body/payload capacity of about 9,380 pounds – depending on the chosen body and how the truck is used.

Power comes through six 420-volt Mercedes-Benz lithium-ion battery packs that have a total capacity of 82.8 kWh. Compared to an equivalent diesel truck, it is expected to save operators US $2,000 in operating costs per 16,000 kilometers on the road.

“Electric trucks are the future of inner-city distribution,” says Jecka Glasman, president and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubish Fuso Truck of America. “We see this as the perfect pickup and delivery truck for urban areas.

“Medium duty trucks make up 80% of inner-city delivery market,” she added.

UPS has been identified as the first company in the U.S. to use the model.

“We constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet. Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter, adding to our already more than 8,500 alternative drivetrain vehicles in service today,” said Carlton Rose, UPS president – global fleet maintenance and engineering.

eCanter trucks will also be supplied to New York-based non-profit organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Botanical Garden, Habitat for Humanity New York City, and Big Reuse Brooklyn.

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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