As part of a new initiative with the Christchurch City Council, nine Fuso eCanters, run by nine different operators, have just hit the road.
The unique purpose-built Fuso eCanters are part of two emission-reduction council projects, which are being co-funded by the Energy Efficient Conservation Authority (EECA).
These trucks have joined New Zealand companies involved in the civil maintenance, traffic management and urban delivery sectors.
Christchurch City Council resource efficiency manager Kevin Crutchley said the projects would provide invaluable learnings not only for the council and participating businesses, but for other local councils and the wider transport and civil contracting industries.
“We’re gathering practical learnings from the projects, so that truck operators can see how to best use battery electric truck technology for their operations,” said Crutchley.
“It’s important to note that all equipment and plant use from these battery electric vehicles will have zero exhaust emissions.”
“The projects aim to show what’s possible with the electrification of commercial trucks. With transport making up the majority of our district’s emissions, it’s critical that we find a path towards zero exhaust emission trucks, in addition to battery electric passenger cars.”
The Fuso eCanters are 100 per cent electric and have been fitted with a variety of application-specific body types, including chiller bodies for fresh food distribution, curtainsiders for express freight delivery, and a range of flat deck and utility configurations for civil infrastructure, maintenance work and traffic management.
Fuso New Zealand general manager, Kevin Smith, highlighted the broad scope of body types as a positive demonstration of the versatility and adaptability of the all-electric 6T and 7.5T FUSO eCanter range.
“It has been Fuso New Zealand’s pleasure to work closely from day one with Christchurch City Council to formulate these two projects, and to collaborate with participating businesses and bodybuilders, as well as EROAD and Mercury NZ,” Smith said.
“The broad range of applications to which these Fuso eCanter trucks have been put to work, and the outstanding body builds on display, demonstrate their adaptability and suitability for emission-free operation across a range of industries.”
Smith said it’s encouraging to see how the drive towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions was being embraced by diverse transport operators.
“We are also extremely proud that Fuso eCanter is the number one choice in its class for operators in New Zealand. It has far outsold its nearest competitor since launching in 2021,” Smith added.
“We invite all interested businesses to contact us to discuss how Fuso eCanter can play a role in reducing their Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions.”
Fuso eCanter’s versatility is supported by its practical payload capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes and a range of advanced safety features. Operators are also supported by a 6-year/180,000km warranty.