Daimler Truck subsidiary Fuso has revealed its next-generation eCanter at the IAA Transportation 2022.

The new eCanter builds on the current generation with increased power, efficiency, electric range and variants

Tailor-made for inner-city distribution transport and last-mile requirements, the new model builds on the current generation with increased power, efficiency, electric range and variants.

While the current electric truck was previously only available as a 7.49-tonner with a wheelbase of 3,400mm, customers now have a choice of six wheelbases and gross weights from 4.25 to 8.55 tonnes. Load capacity of the chassis is up to 5.0 tonnes and the eCanter is available in two cab variants: Standard with a 1.7m width and Comfort at 2.0m wide.

Various powertrains are offered too, including a 150hp electric motor for variants with gross weights of 4.25 and 6.0 tonnes, or a 180hp version for models with gross weights of 7.49 and 8.55 tonnes. Maximum torque is 430Nm and top speed is 89km/h (55mph).

Three different battery packs bring capacities of 41 to 124kWh and enable ranges of between 70 and 200km (44 to 124 miles). Until now, the eCanter only had a battery option with a nominal capacity of 81kWh and a range of up to 100km (62 miles).

The charging unit supports both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) charging standard. Charging is possible at up to 104kW DC, giving a 90% capacity charge in around 36, 44 or 75 minutes, depending on the battery pack. AC charging (11kW and 22kW) takes between four and six hours, again depending on the battery.

Fuso has also expanded its customer offering for the latest model to provide tailor-made e-mobility, supported by a new business ecosystem that also includes tools and consulting services for high vehicle utilisation and optimisation of total cost of ownership.

Its strategic partnership with Equans also provides customers with comprehensive charging infrastructure advice and a complete service package.

Onboard features include a multifunction steering wheel with buttons for controlling the fully digital LCD instrument cluster, LED headlights that are 30% brighter than halogen models for increased visibility, an Autolight function for controlling the headlights depending on lighting conditions, and Intelligent Highbeam Assist.

The new eCanter is also equipped with an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) as standard, along with Active Side Guard Assist and fifth-generation Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection, which can reduce the risk of a collision in longitudinal traffic.

Fuso, the Japanese subsidiary of Daimler Truck, first launched the eCanter in 2017 and there are more than 450 vehicles in daily customer operation in Europe, Japan and the United States, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. The existing fleet has covered a distance over six million kilometres, some 3.7 million miles.

Karl Deppen, CEO Daimler Truck Asia, commented: “At Fuso, we are frontrunners in the electrification of commercial vehicles. Since the introduction of the small-series FUSO eCanter five years ago, we have gained extensive experience and valuable feedback from customers running the trucks in daily operations. With the next-generation eCanter, we are now offering our customers tailor-made e-mobility solutions for a broad range of applications. By taking the next step, extending our product portfolio and entering large scale production we continue to lead the sustainable transportation of the future.”