Fuso is taking its all-electric eCanter truck from concept to production, bringing a limited run of the truck to the U.S. by year’s end, the company announced at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis Wednesday.
Powered by six liquid-cooled, 360V, 82.8 kWh lithium-ion batteries, the Class 4 truck features a GVWR of 15,995 lbs. and a payload capacity of just under 9,400 lbs.
Fuso CEO Jecka Glasman says the battery bank provides 173 hp, 494 lbs.-ft. of torque to the truck and a practical range of 100 miles with a one-hour quick charge capability and a standard 8 hour overnight charge.
Citing population data that suggests people are moving back into large cities, Glasman says the truck targets the urban delivery segment where tailpipe emissions and noise are concerns.
“Imagine the busy streets of New York City when this silent truck makes its delivery,” she says. “The neighborhood complaints about idling will be a thing of the past.”
The eCanter offers flexible battery configurations, allowing end users to choose between extending range or maximizing payload.
Fuso product manager Otto Schmid says while the truck looks like a dramatic departure from the company’s FE Series, the electric drivetrain is fitted to Fuso’s standard 151.6 inch wheelbase cab-chassis.
The truck, Glasman, says will initially be available on a two-year lease program.
Note: This story also appeared today in HWT’s sister publication, Commercial Carrier Journal.
