Daimler Trucks reveals first production electric lorry

Daimler Trucks has revealed its first electric production lorry — the Fuso eCanter.

Developed by Daimler’s Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), the Fuso eCanter is also the world’s first mass-produced light-duty electric HGV.

European, US and Japanese deliveries are due to begin later this year.

MFTBC is planning to deliver 500 units over the next two years, with intentions of larger-scale production in 2019.

Thanks to a powertrain consisting of six 13.8 kWh lithium ion battery packs, the Fuso eCanter has a range of 62 miles. It also has a maximum load capacity of three and a half tons.

Daimler has claimed that up to £880 per 6,200 miles could be saved in running costs using the electric lorry compared with a diesel equivalent.

At the launch of the lorry in New York, a partnership between Daimler Trucks and courier giant UPS was also revealed, with UPS receiving first examples of the eCanter.

Marc Llistosella, president and CEO of MFTBC, said: “When everybody is talking about electric trucks, we are the first to actually commercialise a series produced all-electric truck.

“Having a long history in alternative drivetrains, we are proud to step into this new era.

“Our Fuso eCanter comes with years of customer testing, and the assurance of parts, services, and warranty through our global Fuso dealership network.”