Daimler Trucks delivered first fully electric FUSO eCanter to the customers in Europe. Large multinational companies will test the vehicles in road conditions.
This month Daimler gave its first all-electric Fuso eCanter trucks to four selected customers. First they will be tested by DHL, DB Schenker, Rhenus and Dachser, as a part of long-term lease. The companies are planning to focus on e-trucks from series production. As provided by the manufacturer, the offered vehicles will allow both for decreasing the cost of fuel in fleets and reducing locally generated CO2 emission.
– Over 90 000 km of tests proved that we offer our customers a reliable and economic vehicle. With FUSO eCanter, our customers will be able to operate in city centres not only quietly and without CO2 emission, but also at lower cost. This is the future of urban distribution – said Marc Llistosella, the head of Daimler Trucks Asia.
The world’s first series of light electric vehicles
In July this year the brand Fuso, owned by Daimler, started serial production of light transport vehicles with electric drive. ECanter model is manufactured for the European and American markets in the Portuguese city of Tragamal. Production on a larger scale is expected to start in 2019.
Fuso is meeting the demand of large cities by creating fully electric, emission-free and quiet vehicle transport designed for urban distribution. A small eCanter truck accelerates up to 80 km/h and has a range of 100 km. It has an electric motor with a power of 180 HP and load capacity up to 4.5 tonnes. The loading system consists of 6 lithium-ion batteries, 420V and 13.8 kWh each.
The results of annual tests showed that using eCantera allows for saving 1000 euros at every 10 000 km (approx. PLN 4 300) compared to its diesel counterpart. Combined with the reduction of maintenance costs by approx. 30 percent, Fuso may be a reasonable option.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) owned by Daimler announced recently their plans for the electrification of the whole range of trucks and buses in their offer. Over the next few years, all the trucks and buses of this brand will be available for sale in a version with electric drive under the logo of the new brand – E-FUSO.
Innovative solutions for urban distribution
European transport and trade companies are looking for sustainable solutions for urban distribution. The reason behind it is the desire to reduce transport costs, but above all more frequent traffic restrictions for combustion vehicles in city centres.
Coop, the Dutch supermarket chain, developed an interesting concept – informed 40ton.net. Coop tested its solution in Rotterdam, where it has two stores of Coop Vandaag type. The idea is to apply the BDF swap bodies and combustion vehicles outside the city and electric vehicles in the city. The goods are transported from a warehouse in Gieten to Rotterdam by a truck driven by a traditional engine, then the body goes on a frame of the electric truck, which delivers the load to the shops in the city. So far, the Dutch have tested two pairs of such trucks and appreciate this solution.
What do you think about the idea of the Dutch? Can such a solution really work?
Photo source: Twitter.com/InstaFreight_en