AusPost confirms Fuso eCanter trial first of its kind

In breaking news, Australia Post, the parcel and freight carrier, has announced it will be the first Australian company to trial the Fuso eCanter.

The world's first factory manufactured electric truck will be evaluated in the coming weeks across the Sydney CBD before it is returned to the manufacturer for internal analysis.

As part of the trial the vehicle will be assessed for its suitability for Australia Post during customer pickups and deliveries.

According to James Dixon, General Manager - Australia Post, Transport and Aviation, the company is constantly looking for ways to make its operations more efficient and sustainable, including through the use of electric vehicles.

“We currently have over 2200 electric vehicles on the road around Australia – with an additional 1000 on order making us the nation’s largest electric vehicle fleet operator," he said.

"While these are primarily smaller last-mile delivery vehicles such as bikes and trikes used by posties, we’ve trialled electric vans in our operations before, too," said Dixon

"We’re excited to see how the eCanter performs in Australian conditions.”

Australia Post currently operates one of the biggest Fuso Canter fleets in the country.

The eCanter, which is also currently being trialled in Tokyo, New York and London, has a range of 100km and can reportedly carry more than three tonnes of cargo.

It is powered by a 115kW/390Nm electric motor and uses six battery packs that can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in less one hour with a Type 2 charger.

This model is the third generation of the eCanter and represents Fuso’s ongoing commitment to produce a light truck with zero exhaust pipe emissions that comes with the full backing of an established truck manufacturer.

Fuso is part of Daimler Trucks, the world’s biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach.