More tech for next-gen ecanter
A NEW GENERATION FUSO ECANTER LIGHT-DUTY electric truck is being developed at the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) Kitsuregawa Proving Ground in Japan.
The next generation ecanter will offer upgrades to both range and safety technology, and will also be offered with an expanded model line-up to meet a wider range transportation roles.
Since its debut in 2017, the ecanter has been supporting the logistics needs of various companies including those in the apparel industry, furniture sales, health care, newspaper distribution, as well as food and entertainment.
To date, over 350 vehicles have been introduced in Japan, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, covering a collective distance over 4.5million kilometres worldwide through daily operations.
The ecanter has been developed consistently since 2017 when it was launched as Japan’s first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck. An improved model with advanced safety features was announced for the Japanese market in 2020.
The next generation electric truck is being tested under severe conditions in both hot and cold climates in multiple locations. Driving tests surpassing a total distance of over one million kilometres will be completed by the official launch.
MFTBC intends to electrify all new models for the Japanese market by 2039 to accelerate its shift to Co2-neutrality. It has increased its investment in EV development infrastructure, installing high-voltage quick chargers, an EV workshop and facilities to evaluate high-voltage
EV components and verify the driving functions of electric trucks at the Kitsuregawa Proving Ground.
“We are proceeding with the development of electrified vehicles and further expanding our Ev-dedicated infrastructure,” said Hironobu Ando, Vice President and Head of Product Engineering.
“Our ultimate goal is to achieve Co2-neutrality in our commercial vehicles. Through this ambition, we hope to contribute to the sustainability of not only our customers’ businesses, but also that of society as a whole.”
The newly installed EV workshop at Kitsuregawa is also equipped with a test bench to verify the external power supply functions of the ecanter in the event of a natural disaster.
T&D