UPS named first commercial partner for Fuso eCanter electric truck

UPS will be the first commercial partner of Daimler-owned Fuso’s electric eCanter truck, which was officially launched in New York today.

Production of the truck, which has a 100km range and 3-tonne payload, began in Portugal earlier this year.

Daimler hopes to deliver 500 eCanter units to businesses in the US, Europe and Japan in the next two years, before ramping up production in 2019.

UPS president of global fleet maintenance and engineering Carlton Rose spoke at the global launch of the truck.

He said: "At UPS, we constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet.

"Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter, adding to our already more than 8,500 alternative drivetrain vehicles in service today. We have a long-standing global relationship with Daimler, and we welcome the opportunity to trial the Fuso eCanter as UPS continues to realize the benefits of electric trucks.”

Damiler said the Fuso eCanter saves operators €1,000 (£747) per 10,oookms.

The truck is powered by six high voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420v and 13.8 kWh each.

Mitsubishi truck and bus corporation president Marc Llistosella said: “In times, when everybody is talking about electric trucks, we are the first to actually commercialize 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.”

He added: “Our new Fuso eCanter now addresses the increasing global demand for products to meet and exceed high CO2 emission standards. It offers an attractive and cost-effective alternative to combustion engines and makes electric trucks key to the future of inner city distribution."

The Fuso eCanter made its UK debut at MT sister title Freight in the City’s Expo last year.