Another year, another strong showing at EVWorld 2018

The event attracted 4,400 visitors over two days, doubling last year’s attendance. Fuso NZ was one of a small number of truck companies in attendance and the Canter Eco Hybrid it had on display drew plenty of interest.

The 816 Eco Hybrid, available with a 6T or 7.5T GVM with two wheelbase options, has been working in a range of New Zealand fleets since its introduction in 2013. 

Combining a battery-powered motor with a diesel engine, the hybrid light truck is designed to lower fuel use and on-road emissions.

EVWorld attendees were also keen to learn about the next step for FUSO – the global launch of eCanter, which is currently in the late stage of the development pipeline.

Final fleet testing is underway across Europe, Japan and the US. During this evaluation period, FUSO continues to work closely with global freight companies such as DHL and UPS to develop customer implementation processes for fleet integration, vehicle operation, servicing, integrated recharge / delivery management schedules, and optimisation of carrying capacity and range. 

Mass production of eCanter is scheduled for 2020.

"With more than 100 EV public charging stations in operation in New Zealand, and more planned, we believe eCanter will integrate well into the country's transport network," said Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews. "Watch this space for future developments." 

The bigger picture for FUSO in terms of zero-emission commercial transport is the launch of E-FUSO – the all-new, all-electric division of FUSO truck and buses announced in Tokyo earlier this year.

“FUSO has been a pioneer in the electrification of trucks for many years," said Marc Llistosella at the unveiling (then President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia). "In the future, all our electrified vehicles will run under the name of E-FUSO, our new product brand dedicated exclusively to electric trucks and buses.”

Fuso NZ will continue to keep NZ transport operators updated with any key developments.