Liquified petroleum gas and BioLPG provider Calor recently added a new 7.5-tonne FUSO eCanter to its fleet that will operate from the firm’s Wandsworth depot. Calor opted for the all-electric, battery-powered vehicle because it produces zero emissions and runs very quietly, making it ideal for operating within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. Mercedes-Benz is responsible for FUSO’s distribution throughout Great Britain and says that “the eCanter is the world’s first fully electric light-duty truck to enter series production,” adding that more than 140 units have been sold worldwide since its launch in 2018.
The eCanter in Calor’s fleet features an SB Components dropside body with safety rails that is used to transport 2,370-kilogram (5,225-pound) loads, delivering full tanks and picking up empty ones. The truck covers roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) during the day and then recharges overnight.
So Far, Calor Is ‘Delighted’ With The eCanter
“At Calor, we like to move quickly to adopt any new technology that can help our business,” says Calor National Vehicle Engineering Manager Alan Harrison. “The FUSO eCanter is a perfect example—it reduces the impact of our operations on the environment, while also making sound financial sense. We’re delighted with our first eCanter. It’s perfectly suited to inner-city deliveries. As legislation moves on, and with ultra-low emission zones becoming more widespread, as well as stricter, this important new truck can help us to future-proof our delivery operation, while also offering the reliability and competitive running costs we need.”
More FUSO eCanter Details
The FUSO eCanter, which is distributed in the UK by Mercedes-Benz, is a 7.5-t, battery-powered truck with a maximum payload capacity of 4.5 t. Powered by a permanent-magnet motor with six 420-volt, 13.8-kWh lithium-ion batteries, the all-electric vehicle’s rear-axle, single-gear transmission typically produces 115 kilowatts (154 horsepower) and 390 newton-metres of torque, but Calor’s model can produce up to 129 kW (173 hp).
The eCanter’s batteries can fully charge in as little as one hour via fast charging or in seven hours using a standard 230-volt socket. While the base model has a maximum range of just over 100 km (62 mi) with a full payload, the battery is designed to be modular, meaning it can be adjusted to favor higher payloads or longer ranges, depending on the application. FUSO estimates that customers can expect “cost savings worth as much as €1,000 for every 10,000 km (6,214 mi) covered.”
You will find a large selection of new and used FUSO trucks for sale on Truck Locator, including a number of Canters.