Daimler Trucks has launched its first series-produced electric truck in Australia.The launch event was held recently in Melbourne to showcase the Fuso eCanter light-duty electric truck.
With a first delivery in Australia, the eCanter will soon be running in customer hands in a fourth major region, following Japan, Europe and USA.
The eCanter for Australia is shipped from European production in Tramagal, Portugal, and comes with the same standard specifications as the models currently available in Japan and Europe. In order to support safe driving in city environments, the vehicle is installed with safety features such as the Advanced Emergency Braking System, the Lane Departure Warning System, as well as the Electronic Stability Program. Before the launch, the e-Truck was tested rigorously in a six-month local trial, during which it was operated with a maximum load.
The first batch of deliveries to Australian customers is expected to take place within the next several months, heralding a new age of electric mobility in Australian cities. Customers scheduled to receive the eCanter will be supported by selected FUSO dealers, where they can also be advised on optimal charging infrastructure and charging patterns. FUSO is seeing high interest among leading businesses and local government bodies who are committed to reducing emissions and noise pollution.
Improved availability of quick-charging facilities, which will further aid the take-up of battery-electric commercial vehicles, is expected in the coming years.
In February 2021, the national government opened the first round of its Future Fuels Fund, budgeting 16.5 million AUD to support BEV fast-charging infrastructure projects.
