- Customers in Japan can now order the fully remodeled all-electric eCanter
- Significantly expanded chassis lineup with 28 domestic variants, addressing a wide variety of business applications
- New battery modularization provides suitable driving ranges for various business applications, from last-mile deliveries to long-distance transportation with a range up to 324km
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC; headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Karl Deppen) has now opened orders for the fully remodeled all-new electric light-duty ‘eCanter’ truck in Japan. MFTBC sales companies and regional sales units across Japan have started accepting orders from domestic buyers as of March 9, 2023.
After launching the eCanter in 2017 as Japan’s first series-produced, all-electric light-duty truck* and introducing subsequent upgrades with advanced safety equipment, MFTBC unveiled in 2022 its latest model with a significant expansion to the vehicle lineup and options for driving range. This new model adopts the eAxle, which integrates the motor with the rear axle, enabling a reconfiguration of the drivetrain. The more compact drivetrain has made it possible to expand the chassis lineup from the current single option to a total of 28 variants for the Japanese market. A power take-off unit (ePTO) has also been adopted to support body applications such as tippers, car carriers, detachable body trucks, rear cranes, and garbage trucks **. The new eCanter has been engineered with a modularized battery design that can accommodate a range of one to three battery modules based on the wheelbase. The new model has secured a range varying from 99km to a maximum of 324km*** based on the vehicle type. It addresses a diverse range of transportation needs from last-mile delivery to long-distance transportation. Also equipped with new functions that reduce battery consumption during heating usage in cold climates, the eCanter has evolved significantly into an EV truck suitable for a variety of business needs.
Since its launch, the eCanter has been used in various applications across Japan, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as a pioneer of electric trucking. Having now been operated over 7.6 million km by customers around the world, the low-noise, low-vibration, and locally emission-free eCanter has been tried and tested as an environmentally conscious and driver-friendly business choice. Reflecting MFTBC’s global operational experience over the past five years, customers in Japan will be supported by FUSO eMobility Solutions, a comprehensive set of services to aid their smooth transition into e-mobility.
“MFTBC is taking a leading role in the decarbonization of commercial vehicles for the global market. Our all-electric light-duty eCanter has come a long way since it was first introduced in 2017. Over the years we have received positive feedback from customers in Japan and all over the world, and can now offer a wide range of practical, reliable electric LDTs. Combined with a comprehensive set of support services and solutions, we make it easy for customers to experience the future of decarbonized transportation, today,” commented Karl Deppen, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
As an integral part of Daimler Truck, MFTBC is committed to the ambition of tank-to-wheel CO2 neutrality for commercial vehicles in Japan by 2039. As the international community accelerates its shift toward sustainability, the FUSO eCanter will continue to play a vital role in Daimler Truck’s roadmap to carbon-neutral transportation.
*As of Oct. 2017, as a Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer
**The type of available variants will differ in each market. Dump body: compatible with a sub-frame mounting. Garbage truck mounting: compatible with push-out mounting.
***99km for S size battery vehicle with wide cab; 324km for L size battery vehicle with wide/EX wide cab. All values certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The range described in the press release applies only to Japanese model. The method of calculation of the driving range of the vehicle varies according to each market’s regulations.
Key features of the new eCanter (*available for Japanese models)
(1) Extended lineup of 28 chassis variants
With the eAxle, the eCanter now comes with the motor integrated into the rear axle, and the propeller shaft removed. The compact drivetrain allows for 28 chassis variations in the Japanese product lineup, providing customers with even more choices. In addition, the installment of a motorized power take-off device (ePTO) has expanded the number of body applications. eCanter trucks can now be fitted into tippers, carrier cars, detachable cars, rear cranes, and garbage trucks.
* The type of available variants will differ in each market. Dump body: compatible with a sub-frame mounting. Garbage truck mounting: compatible with push-out mounting.
In addition to the 7.5-ton (GVW) class available in previous generations, the eCanter is now available from the 5-ton class up to the 8-ton class. More options have been added for cab width as well. As well as the wide cab, two more cab variations have been included in the lineup: a standard-width cab that allows for easy maneuverability, and an extra-wide selection with a width equivalent to the medium-duty ‘Fighter’ truck’s cab. The wheelbase lineup also includes more variations, ranging from 2,500 mm for last-mile transportation needs, up to 4,750 mm, which is equivalent to that of a medium-duty truck.
(2) Modularized batteries to serve different use cases
Customers can select the vehicle type and battery configuration based on the wheelbase that matches their business needs:
- S-size (standard cab) with one battery (41 kWh) has a range of 116 km.
- The M-size (standard cab) with two batteries has a range of 236 km.
- The L-size (wide cab/EX width cab) with three batteries has a range of 324 km*.
*Values certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The actual range will vary depending on climate, actual driving environment, and driving behavior. The range described in the press release applies only to Japanese model. The method of calculation of the driving range of the vehicle varies according to each market’s regulations.
(3) New features supporting cold-climate drives
A steering wheel heater and seat heater are featured as optional settings, adding a power-saving function that heats only the necessary areas. The windshield heater, which defogs the windshield while reducing power consumption, is also featured as an optional setting. Furthermore, to ensure battery performance in cold weather conditions, a new ‘Battery Pre-Conditioning’ function now comes standard. The truck can be prepared in advance with a timer setting, so drivers can be ready to start their day with less hassle, regardless of the temperature.
4) Enhanced functions unique to EV trucks
The regenerative brake, which provides drivers with additional braking support through power generation, has been reconfigured with four levels of intensity, ranging from no regeneration to strong regeneration. A power supply system that can direct power from the onboard battery via a power station* is also included, allowing the vehicle to serve as a source of electricity in emergency scenarios.
*Separate purchase required.
5) Significantly expanded advanced safety features
The Active Sideguard Assist 1.0 collision prevention features with a damage-mitigation brake function and Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5) are now standard. The Intelligent Headlight Control feature, which automatically switches to high or low beam, the Traffic Sign Recognition feature, which recognizes traffic signs, and the Electric Parking Brake feature, which maintains stable braking force on hills, are also newly included in the standard offering. In addition, drivers are provided even more assurance with the newly installed Back Eye Camera System, which reduces the risk of accidents when reversing. The Active Attention Assist driver attention monitoring system, which warns the driver of impaired driving attention, is featured as an optional setting.
Active Sideguard Assist, ABA, Active Attention Assist are registered trademarks of MFTBC.
6) Connectivity service Truckonnect provided free of charge for 10 years
In addition, FUSO’s telematics feature ‘Truckonnect’ will be available as a free standard feature for 10 years with the new eCanter in Japan. The remaining vehicle range, battery charge level, and battery health can now also be monitored through the Truckonnect portal.The ‘Charging Management System’ function* has also been added as an optional setting. This feature will allow operators to charge their eCanter trucks with a timer function, during the time of day when electricity rates are lowest.
*A separate application for Truckonnect service is required.
*Subscription to a full-coverage service contract is required.
Truckonnect is a registered trademark of MFTBC.
7) Functionality and comfort improved through design upgrades
With the new model, orange is used in key areas of the vehicle to create a driving experience befitting a new era of EV trucks. The molding that flows from the dashboard to the doors on either side supports a sense of unity in appearance and is designed for smoother entrances and exits. In addition to high visibility, a new 10-inch full LCD panel with excellent usability that can be operated with the button on the steering wheel is newly installed. The center display also supports intuitive on-screen touch operations.
In addition to LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard features, the latest LED rear combination lamps are also installed as standard features, their eye-catching design supporting optimal visibility for safety on the road. Equipped with the ‘FUSO Easy Access System’ that is also available in the latest models of the FUSO light-duty Canter truck, the new eCanter offers drivers more convenient ingress and egress to the cabin.
FUSO eMobility Solutions
FUSO eMobility Solutions provide comprehensive support by offering a full range of services covering the entire electric truck ecosystem. These solutions address customer concerns, making the transition to eMobility as easy as possible. As a frontrunner in the electrification of vehicles and carbon neutral transportation, MFTBC will cooperate with partners to offer the following to customers considering an eCanter:
- Zero Emission Solutions: Supports customers in achieving carbon neutrality by visualizing CO2 emissions and proposing reduction plans.
- eDigital Services: A fleet management service unique to electric trucks offered through the Truckconnect telematics platform, which enables real-time monitoring of the vehicle operation, battery condition, and charging status. In addition, the AI and machine learning driven routing and dispatching solution “Wise Systems”* automatically creates the optimal delivery route and supports the efficiency of delivery operations.*A separate application for Wise System service is required.
- Charger & Installation Services: Introduction to the most suitable chargers from an extensive lineup and support with installation.
- eConsulting Services: Advice and consultation on route planning, charging environment, as well as decarbonization measures such as the utilization of solar power generation.
- Financial Services: 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.
- Battery Life Cycle Management: MFTBC is working to establish a system to support the second life and recycling of electric truck batteries.
eCustomer Service: Offers customers peace of mind by helping to ensure high-voltage safety and best-in-class vehicle uptime with warranty options and other maintenance support.
