Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS) has started an electric truck trial with Mercedes-Benz and Fuso.
The Dandenong-based operation has started trialing the Mercedes-Benz eActros and will soon try out the Fuso eCanter; two trucks that produce zero exhaust emissions.
VFS, the largest regional freight provider in Victoria, has a long history of purchasing lower emission trucks and was one of the first customers of the Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Actros back in 2016.
It is now looking at taking the next step and adding fully-electric truck to its growing fleet.
“Sustainability is central for Victorian Freight Specialists and we have always purchased lower emission options where possible, well ahead of government mandates,” said VFS Director of Operations, Chris Collins.
“Of course, now we have an opportunity to take that next step and integrate fully-electric trucks into our fleet and we are really excited about this amazing technology.”
Collins said it makes sense for VFS to trial Daimler Truck electric models.
“We know from experience running Daimler Truck products that they don’t mess about with their research and development and their product quality, so it is only fitting that their electric trucks are the most advanced of those available,” he said.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo, has welcomed the VFS electric truck trial.
“Chris and his team were early adopters of Euro 6 with our Mercedes-Benz Actros product all those years ago because they valued sustainability and nothing has changed,” Assimo said.
“Progressive companies such as VFS are leading the way with electric trucks and we are excited to see what they think of our remarkable Mercedes-Benz eActros and Fuso eCanter.”
The Mercedes-Benz eActros and the Fuso eCanter are advanced electric trucks with a raft of features that Daimler says sets them apart from their competition.
One of the chief differences is the innovative eAxle technology that means the electric motors are located in the drive axle, said Daimler.
This means there is no need for a driveshaft linking the rear wheels to the power source towards the front of the truck. Daimler Truck said the benefits of this solution include reduced energy loss as well as weight savings.
The eActros is available as a 4×2 or 6×2 rigid or a 4×2 prime mover, while Fuso’s eCanter range includes 14 variants.