Thinking about adding a smaller electric truck to the fleet but not sure about the expense? Sydney-based Southern Cross Electric Vehicles (SCEV) could have the answer.
SCEV is now offering customers the chance to sample zero emission goods transport with the long-term rental of a fully-electric Fuso eCanter for as little as $3200 per month.
The package also includes full maintenance, charging capability and ongoing support.
“We’ve seen an increase in our customer base seeking EV vehicles to address EV fleet gaps, EV replacement vehicles and EV rental trial options,” said Southern Cross Truck Rentals executive group general manager, Owen Sommerville.
“As a business we are proud to build the solutions our customers are asking for, enabling them to be first to market with EV without having to change their business model.”
The Fuso eCanter is a proven electric truck with advanced safety features that is backed by the Australian Daimler Truck dealership network. SCEV will offer it with various bodies including pantechs, trays and tautliners, giving customers a range of options to suit their needs.
These eCanters are well set up for dry freight and have a range of options such as rear barn doors or roller doors.
The eCanter has been well received in Australia and has joined a number of high-profile customer fleets including Linfox, Centurion, Australia Post, Toohey’s, Coles, Bunnings and Goldstar. Drivers have been especially impressed by their performance, the smoothness of the power delivery and the refinement, said SCEV.
The eCanter comes standard with the advanced emergency braking system. This radar-based technology can automatically brake the truck for moving pedestrians, something that is especially important for electric vehicles that operate near-silently.
Other key safety features include lane departure warning system and electronic stability control.
SCEV said its rental program will enable businesses to explore the potential of electric assets before they make a substantial investment.
“When we entered the truck market 20 years ago, it was only through a large upfront investment to purchase that you could grow a fleet,” Sommerville said.
“EV rental gives fleets and individuals the ability to expand and shrink their fleet with market fluctuations and embrace new products without fear of overcommitment.”