Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), launched the latest generation model of its all-electric light duty (Light Duty) truck, the eCanter which addresses more diverse logistics needs with a significantly expanded vehicle lineup.
This new generation of Fuso eCanter features interiors and exteriors designed in line with the transportation industry’s shift to electric mobility. The electric truck has been reimagined with a Fuso Black Belt motif on the front fascia, with touches of orange and blue design elements.
Exuding a modern aura, this latest generation of Fuso eCanter also uses LED headlights complete with daytime running lights (DRL), as well as the latest LED rear combination lights that offer reliable visibility.
In this new generation of eCanter, MFTBC is also innovating by adopting structural changes to the eAxle which integrates the electric motor with the rear axle and allows for a more compact drivetrain structure.
This new generation of eCanter includes 28 variants that are ready to be marketed for the Japanese market and around 80 variants to be marketed in overseas markets to meet wider logistics needs.
In addition to the current 7.5 tonne (GVW) model, the new generation of eCanter now comes in a variety of weight classes from 5 tons to 8 tons for Japanese customers, and from 4 tons class for overseas models.
The cabin variety has also been expanded to offer a 2,130mm wide cabin that can accommodate more cargo and a standard 1,700mm cabin that provides more flexibility for routes that include narrow roads.
The new model is also equipped with an ‘ePTO’ power take-off unit for customers requiring tipper applications, or a complete van body with a wheelbase variation that has also been expanded, from 2,500 mm to 4,750 mm.
The interior design has also been improved for driving comfort. A new and slightly lower dashboard to provide more space, more vertical space in the cab, and a new 10-inch LCD panel connected to the steering wheel switch has been installed. “Fuso Easy Access Key” is also available for Japanese customers for a smoother working day.
This new generation of eCanter is now embedded with MFTBC’s telematics solution, Truckonnect which brings EV-only features such as the eRange feature, which displays the remaining mileage, and remaining EV battery capacity, will also be available for tracking on the Truckonnect portal.
In addition, the new model will be compatible with the Charging Management System function, which allows operators to set a timer to charge the vehicle’s battery when electricity costs are lowest.
As the heart of the race, MFTBC updated the battery of this new generation of eCanter with the latest modular concept where this vehicle can accommodate one to three batteries based on the variant of the wheelbase.
In detail, a vehicle equipped with a single battery with a capacity of 41 kWh can cover a distance of about 80 km on a single charge, while with two batteries it can cover a distance of about 140 km, and three batteries can cover a distance of about 200 km.
In addition, Japanese customers will also have access to the latest feature function in the form of V2X which allows the eCanter battery to be used as a power supply to homes and other equipment in case of an emergency.
This new generation eCanter is also equipped with enhanced EV-specific features such as regenerative braking that can be controlled at four levels which is claimed to greatly contribute to power savings and increased drivability.
In addition, there is also Battery Pre-Conditioning which allows the battery to be preheated through a timer setting during AC charging, the Heater Cut Switch feature to save energy consumption and The Energy-saving Heating which can warm the required areas such as the seat and steering wheel.
This new generation of eCanter is also equipped with advanced safety functions to support safe driving, starting from Active Sideguard Assist, Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5), Active Attention Assist, Intelligent Headlight Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Electric Parking Brake and Back Eye Camera System. .
Not only developing its vehicles, MFTBC is also fully committed to accelerating the introduction of electric trucks through additional services such as Fuso eMobility Solutions which provides comprehensive support by offering a variety of services that cover the entire electric truck ecosystem.
Since its first launch in 2017, the first generation Fuso eCanter electric truck produced in Japan has been successfully marketed globally, especially in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
For this reason, with 5 years of operational experience, MFTBC has developed a new generation of eCanter which will begin to be marketed in Japan in the spring of 2023. Not only that, this vehicle will also be launched in the global market gradually.
Next Generation Fuso eCanter to be presented at IAA Transportation 2022 next month
