Current Affairs

- Will Shiers

Daimler Trucks launched the Fuso eCanter – the world’s first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck – last September in New York. Now, the first eCanters are starting to appear in the UK and Europe, ahead of full production in 2019.

There is “huge interest” and “an enormous appetite for knowledge” among potential UK customers for the truck, according to Mike Belk, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK managing director, with many sharing his belief that zero-emissions trucks are the future for urban distribution.

Belk is confident that when companies have had the chance to trial the vehicles, many will adopt them “lock stock and barrel”, converting entire fleets from diesel. But he is urging the government to help with the widespread adoption of electric trucks by introducing new weight limits, allowing 7.5-tonners to carry an extra 750kg, counteracting the additional weight of the batteries.

The eCanter has a range of 100km but this is likely to increase in the near future as battery technology improves.

Quick charging

The truck uses the Combined Charging System Type 2 charger, the most popular charging system in the USA, Japan and Europe. At a DC fast-charging point it takes one hour to get the batteries up to 80% of their capacity, a full charge taking one hour and 45 minutes. An AC trickle charge takes nine hours. Fuso says drivers will be able to top up their vehicle’s charge during their legal breaks.