Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation unveiled the next generation model of the all-electric light-duty truck eCanter in September. Since its launch in 2017 as the first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck in Japan, the pioneering vehicle has also been running in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
With 5 years of operational experience, MFTBC has developed the Next Generation eCanter, which addresses even more diverse logistics needs with a significantly expanded vehicle lineup. Sales of the Next Generation eCanter in the Japanese market are scheduled for Spring 2023. MFTBC will also launch the new vehicle in additional overseas markets in the coming years.
The next generation eCanter
Product features of the Next Generation eCanter
Significant expansion of chassis lineup
MFTBC has adopted the eAxle in the Next Generation eCanter, integrating the motor with the rear axle and allowing for a more compact drivetrain structure. With these structural changes, a significant expansion of the product lineup was made possible.
The Next Generation eCanter lineup includes 28 variants for the Japanese market and approximately 80 variants for overseas markets to address a wider range of logistics needs. In addition to the current 7.5 ton (GVW) model, the new vehicle comes in weight classes ranging from 5 tons to 8 tons for Japanese customers, and starts from the 4 ton class for overseas models.
The cab variation has also been expanded; MFTBC newly offers a wide cab (2,130mm) that can accommodate more cargo, in addition to the standard cab width (1,700mm) that brings more flexibility to routes covering narrow roads. The variety of wheelbases has also been expanded, from 2,500 mm up to 4,750 mm.
Extended range with modularised batteries
With the Next Generation eCanter, MFTBC is introducing a new modular concept for the batteries. The vehicle can house one to three batteries, based on the wheelbase. The vehicles equipped with a single battery with a rated capacity of 41 kWh can drive approximately 80 km on one charge, while those with two batteries can be driven for approximately 140 km, and those with three batteries around 200 km. In addition, Japanese customers have access to a V2X function that enables the eCanter’s batteries to supply power to homes and other equipment in the event of an emergency.
PTO for various bodies and applications
The new model is also equipped with the “ePTO” power take-off unit which enables special purpose applications for customers wishing to operate their eCanter with a tipper, rear crane, or climate-controlled van body, among other various options.
Enhanced EV-specific functions
The Next Generation eCanter also comes with enhanced EV-specific functions. Regenerative braking can be controlled at four levels, greatly contributing to power savings and enhanced drivability. Additionally, Battery Pre-Conditioning, which allows the battery to be preheated through a timer setting during AC charging, as well as the Heater Cut Switch feature to save energy consumption, are newly integrated. The Energy-saving Heating function*5, which warms only the most needed areas such as the seats and steering wheel, has also been added.
Further upgrades of advanced safety features
The Next Generation eCanter also comes with additional advanced safety functions to support safe driving.
- Active Sideguard Assist® 1.0, featured for the first time in a FUSO light-duty truck, reduces the risk of accidents on turns by monitoring the blind spot on the side of the truck. When necessary, the feature activates a collision mitigation brake system.
- Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA®5)*, an emergency braking system with improved spatial recognition and pedestrian detection.
- The driver attention monitoring system, Active Attention Assist®, supports the prevention of fatigue-induced incidents with white line recognition, various sensors and a facial recognition camera, warning the driver with a buzzer and dashboard display.
- Intelligent Headlight Control, which automatically switches between high or low beams, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which displays traffic signs recognized by the camera on the dashboard, are also featured.
- Other safety features include the Electric Parking Brake that maintains stable braking force on hills, and the Back Eye Camera System that assists drivers in avoiding collisions while reversing.
New interior and exterior design
- The Next Generation eCanter features a newly designed interior and exterior befitting the transportation industry’s shift to electric mobility. The all-electric truck has been reimagined with the FUSO Black Belt motif on the front face, with touches of orange and blue design elements. The LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as the latest LED rear combination lights, offer reliable visibility.
- The interior design has also been upgraded for driving comfort. A new and slightly lower dashboard to provide more space, more vertical space inside the cab, and a new 10-inch full LCD panel linked to the steering wheel switches have been installed. The “FUSO Easy Access Key” is available for Japanese customers for an even smoother workday.
Connectivity with more EV-specific functions
MFTBC’s telematics solution Truckonnect® delivers newly added EV-specific features. The eRange feature, which displays the remaining mileage, and remaining EV battery capacity, will also be available to track on the Truckonnect portal. In addition, the new model will be compatible with the Charging Management System function, which allows operators to set a timer to charge vehicle batteries when electricity costs are lowest.
FUSO eMobility Solutions
MFTBC is not only limited to vehicle development, but is instead fully committed to accelerating the introduction of electric trucks through auxiliary services. FUSO eMobility Solutions provide comprehensive support by offering a full range of services covering the entire electric truck ecosystem. As a frontrunner in the electrification of vehicles and carbon neutral transportation, MFTBC will offer the following to customers considering an eCanter:
- Charger & Installation Services: Together with business partners, MFTBC will introduce customers to the most suitable chargers from our extensive lineup and support them to install chargers on their premises.
- Zero Emission Solutions: MFTBC will support customers in achieving carbon neutrality by visualizing CO2 emissions and proposing reduction plans, in collaboration with external partners.
- eConsulting Services: Customers will be advised on the shift to eMobility in the easiest possible way in their route planning and charging environment. Together with external partners, MFTBC will evaluate and optimize the power sourcing solutions.
- Battery Life Cycle Management: MFTBC is working to establish a system to support the entire life cycle of electric truck batteries.
- Financial Services: To ease the burden on customers shifting to EVs, together with Daimler Truck Financial Services Asia (DTFSA), MFTBC will propose a lease contract menu that covers everything from vehicles and chargers to after-sales services and related guidance.
- eDigital Services: MFTBC will offer a fleet management service unique to electric trucks through the Truckconnect telematics platform, which enables real-time monitoring of battery condition and charging status.
- eCustomer Service: MFTBC will provide a system that allows customers to use electric trucks with peace of mind through warranties and other maintenance support.
