Mitsubishi debuts eCanter

Mitsubishi has unveiled the eCanter, the Japanese car makers first electric medium-duty electric delivery truck. Unveiled by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corportation (MFTBC), a part of Daimler Trucks, the vehicle will aim to transform urban areas, FleetOwner reports. According to the company, reduced noise and zero emissions is a key to making cities more liveable. The truck was driven through New York city by Fuso president and CEO Jecka Glasman, where Fuso converted an old gas station into its temporary “Energy Station of the Future". Introducing the truck, Marc Llistosella, president and CEO of MFTBC and head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said some of the main trends he’s seen that will have major impacts on the trucking and bus industries are urbanisation, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency. “We have been seeing more and more renewable, clean energy,” Llistosella explained. “There were a lot of hesitations and resistance, but now I would say [electrification] is coming.” Llistosella noted that 54 per cent of the world’s population lives in cities, which has become a main driver for electrification and the need for clean trucks and buses. “Cities have a voice,” he says. “It’s clear they want less pollution, less emissions and much less noise. We see a lot of tendencies and strong statements – from cities like Paris – that from 2040 on, they will no longer allow combustion-engine vehicles and trucks allowed into the cities. We will see changes driven by the cities.” The eCanter has a range of about 100kms and a load capacity up to three and a half tons – depending on body and usage. The vehicle’s electric powertrain contains six high voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420 V and13.8 kWh each. According to the company, when comparing the eCanter to a conventional diesel truck, it offers savings up to US$2,000 per 16,000 kms on operating costs. The eCanter will be delivered to customers starting this year in the US, Europe and Japan. MFTBC says it is planning to deliver 500 units of this generation to customers within the next two years. Larger scale production is intended to start in 2019.