New Fuso eCanter light truck debuts at Road Transport Expo

Daimler Truck subsidiary Fuso has revealed its new-generation Fuso eCanter at the Road Transport Expo event in Warwickshire.

Fuso displayed the 4S15e eCanter at the Road Transport Expo

The second-generation fully electric light truck, revealed at the IAA show in September 2022, went into production in May at the brand’s factory in Portugal and delivers more power, longer range and a much wider line-up.

The first-generation eCanter was solely available as a 7.49-tonner with a wheelbase of 3,400mm.

The new model is offered with a choice of six wheelbases between 2,500 and 4,750mm and gross vehicle weights of 4.25, 7.49 or 8.55 tonnes. Load capacity is up to five tonnes.

It’s powered by either a 150hp or 175hp motor, depending on GVW, and with an electronically limited top speed of 55mph (89km/h).

Depending on the wheelbase, three different battery packs are available: S, M and L. These use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology, which delivers longer service life and more useable energy.

The S variant has one battery, with a 41kWh capacity and giving an official range of up to 44 miles (70km) while the M features two batteries, delivering 83kWh and up to 87 miles (140km). The most powerful L package features three batteries, providing 124kWh and up to 124 miles (200km).

By way of comparison, the previous eCanter had only one battery option with 81kWh and up to 62 miles (100km) of range.

The charging unit supports both AC and DC. DC charging can be carried at up to 104kW, giving a 20-80% charge in around 24 (S), 26 (M) and 39 minutes (L), depending on the battery pack. AC charging (11 and 22 kW) takes between around four and six hours.

At the Road Transport Expo, Fuso displayed the 4S15e eCanter variant, featuring a standard 1.7 metre-wide, three-seater cab and 175hp motor with the M battery pack. The 2,500mm wheelbase chassis – one of six lengths available – was fitted with an alloy tipping body by Scattolini.

Head of future sustainability James Venables said: “The next-generation eCanter builds on the success of the previous model, which has proved itself to be a reliable and efficient performer in operation across Europe since its launch in 2017.

“Adding even more efficient drivelines, longer ranges and a much wider choice of body lengths and weights will make the next-generation eCanter an even more attractive proposition to a broader spectrum of operators than ever before.”

Visitors to the Road Transport Expo were also offered the chance to take part in a ‘ride & drive’ in a Fuso eCanter 7C15e from the previous model range, while the brand also displayed a diesel-powered Canter 3S13 tipper on its main stand outside.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.