Toll introduces EVs to its Japan fleet

Transport and logistics company, Toll, has welcomed the first two electric vehicles (EV) to be operated by Toll Express Japan.

The light-duty all-electric trucks, manufactured by Daimler Trucks, are Fuso eCanters and will operate pickup and delivery services in Tokyo.



Engineered to meet demand for cleaner and quieter urban deliveries, the Fuso eCanters reportedly offer an economical and environmentally efficient supply chain solution along with added comfort and functionality for a seamless driver experience. Each of these Fuso eCanters are expected to deliver a saving of 16 tonnes of CO2 per year.



With a payload capacity of three tonnes, the Fuso eCanter’s electric drivetrain incorporates six high voltage lithium-ion batteries, each storing 13.8 kilowatt hours at 370 volts. The Fuso eCanter’s top speed is limited to 80 km/h with a driving range of over 100km on a single charge.



President of Toll Group Operational Services, Peter Stokes, acknowledged that it was the partnership with Daimler and the incentives on offer in Japan that made the move to electric vehicles possible for Toll Express Japan.



“We’re investing in renewable energy solutions as part of our Smarter Green sustainability initiatives to provide industry-leading outcomes for our customers,” he said.

“In such a highly competitive industry, the deployment of electric vehicles in Tokyo will prove a key differentiator for Toll Express Japan.



“We are always looking at ways to drive efficiency across our operations and deliver add-value to our stakeholders. We’ve long identified electrification as an opportunity for Toll, following successful trials in Australia five years ago. Whilst electric vehicles can easily be integrated into our operations and handle freight effectively with positive feedback from our drivers, the main hurdle to date has been the economic case for them.



“The Fuso eCanters mark a significant milestone for us with the alignment of price, performance and the energy density of batteries in supporting adoption of this technology in Japan. We hope other markets will follow suit and we remain actively engaged with our partners towards incorporating electric vehicles into our fleet.”

Daimler Trucks delivered its first all-electric Fuso eCanter trucks to European customers in 2017.

In other news, the Fuso Super Great was released in Japan in 2017 and is currently undergoing local trials prior to production models becoming available here later this year. ‘Project Black Panther’ is already going a long way to making sure the replacement for the current generation Fuso Heavy will be fit for local purposes.