The new eCanter in series production now comes standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), part of Daimler Trucks Asia group, has announced the launch of its new all-electric light-duty truck – the eCanter – with enhanced safety features. The upgraded eCanter will be launched in Japan this month, with commercial launch in Europe and Asia Pacific region planned in the following months.
The latest technological and equipment upgrades for the eCanter includes the following three driver-assist and safety features.
- The Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) that detects the vehicles ahead, as well as moving pedestrians, through the millimeter-wave radar installed in the front bumper. The AEBS activates braking and warns the driver when risk of collision is detected.
- The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that constantly monitors the postural stability of the vehicle with a sensor and controls the wheels’ motor output and braking force when there is risk of rollover or skidding at a curve.
- The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that detects lane deviances through a white line recognition camera. When the truck deviates from a lane without a turn signal, the system emits an alert to the driver and displays a warning on the dashboard.
One of the early entrants in the battery-electric truck space in global markets, the eCanter falls under the 7.5-ton GVW class with a load capacity up to three and a half tons – depending on body and usage. It is designed for short-medium distance zero-emission cargo haulage in and around cities and suburbs for last-mile delivery. Driven by an electric motor with a maximum output of 135 kW power and 390 Nm torque, the eCanter is powered by six high-voltage (370 V, 13.5 kWh) lithium-ion battery packs to offer a driving range of about 100 kms per charge.
“As the need for environmentally-friendly logistics continues to grow on a global scale, Mitsubishi Fuso is contributing to this cause as a pioneer in electric trucks. Already, our many customers are operating our electric trucks worldwide. The new and improved eCanter is testament to our commitment to Japan and its society as we work towards achieving a CO2-neutral portfolio in the country by 2039.”
Hartmut Schick, President and CEO, MFTBC.
Mitsubishi Fuso claims that over 160 eCanter trucks are in operation globally, with their cumulative driving distance exceeding two million kilometers. With less noise and vibration compared to diesel-powered vehicles, the eCanter is the ideal solution for urban delivery services that are scheduled late at night or early in the morning. The vehicle can be charged during the night-time as well, which may boost operational efficiencies, adds the manufacturer.
