Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has unveiled its next-generation all-electric light-duty eCanter truck.

Since its launch in 2017 as the first series-produced truck of its kind in Japan, the vehicle has also been running in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

With five years of operational experience, MFTBC has now developed the next-generation eCanter, with an expanded vehicle line-up.

Sales of the new eCanter are scheduled to start in the Japanese market next year, with overseas markets to follow.

Daimler Truck Southern Africa sales and marketing VP Maretha Gerber says the exact date for the South African introduction is not yet confirmed.

“However, for now, we can confirm that we will receive the first demonstration units mid-2023 for testing purposes.”

MFTBC says it has adopted something called ‘the eAxle’ in the new eCanter, where the motor is integrated with the rear axle, which allows for a more compact drivetrain structure.

“With these structural changes, a significant expansion of the product line-up was made possible.”

The new eCanter line-up includes 28 variants for the Japanese market and about 80 variants for overseas markets to address a wider range of logistics needs.

In addition to the current 7.5 t (GVW) model, the new vehicle comes in weight classes ranging from 5 t to 8 t for Japanese customers, with overseas models starting from the 4 t class.

MFTBC now also offers a wide cab (2 130 mm) that can accommodate more cargo, in addition to the standard cab width (1 700 mm) 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.

MFTBC has also introduced a new modular concept for the batteries.

The vehicle can house one to three batteries, with the number determined by the wheelbase.

The vehicles that are equipped with a single battery, with a rated capacity of 41 kWh, can cover a distance of about 80 km on one charge, while those with two batteries can drive for 140 km, and those with three batteries for about 200 km.

In addition, Japanese customers will 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 – which can be a very welcome feature in South Africa with its frequent loadshedding.

The new model is also equipped with the 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 options.

MFTBC adds that it is committed to accelerating the introduction of electric trucks through auxiliary services.

Fuso eMobility Solutions, therefore, provides support by offering a range of services covering the entire electric truck ecosystem, including charger and installation services; e-consulting services; and assistance regarding battery life-cycle management.