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Mitsubishi Fuso unveils next generation of all-electric LDT ‘eCanter’
・Significantly expanded vehicle lineup to cater to diverse applications
・Newly adopted modular battery concept will allow customers to select from three different driving ranges
・Latest safety features to come standard in Japan models
・Customers shifting to electric transport to be supported by FUSO eMobility Solutions
Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC; headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Karl Deppen), unveiled the next generation model of the all-electric light-duty truck eCanter on September 7. Since its launch in 2017 as the first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck in Japan, the pioneering vehicle has also been running in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With 5 years of operational experience, MFTBC has developed the Next Generation eCanter, which addresses even more diverse logistics needs with a significantly expanded vehicle lineup. Sales of the Next Generation eCanter in the Japanese market are scheduled for Spring 2023*1. MFTBC will also launch the new vehicle in additional overseas markets in the coming years.
The next generation eCanter
Product features of the Next Generation eCanter
Significant expansion of chassis lineup
MFTBC has adopted the eAxle in the Next Generation eCanter, integrating the motor with the rear axle and allowing for a more compact drivetrain structure. With these structural changes, a significant expansion of the product lineup was made possible. The Next Generation eCanter lineup includes a total of around 100 variants for the Japanese and overseas markets to address a wider range of logistics needs. In addition to the current 7.5 ton (GVW) model, the new vehicle comes in weight classes ranging from 5 tons class to 8 tons class for Japanese customers, and starts from the 4 ton class for overseas models. The cab variation has also been expanded. MFTBC newly offers a wide cab that can accommodate more cargo, in addition to the standard cab width that brings more flexibility to routes covering narrow roads. The variety of wheelbases has also been expanded *2.
Extended range with modularized batteries
With the Next Generation eCanter, MFTBC is introducing a new modular concept for the batteries. The vehicle can house one to three batteries, based on the wheelbase. The vehicles equipped with three batteries can drive almost twice that of the current model. *3. In addition, Japanese customers 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*4.
PTO for various bodies and applications *5
The new model is also equipped with the “ePTO” 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 various options.
Enhanced EV-specific functions *6
The Next Generation eCanter also comes with enhanced EV-specific functions. Regenerative braking can be controlled at four levels, greatly contributing to power savings and enhanced drivability. Additionally, Battery Pre-Conditioning, which allows the battery to be preheated through a timer setting during AC charging, as well as the Heater Cut Switch feature to save energy consumption, are newly integrated. The Energy-saving Heating function*5, which warms only the most needed areas such as the seats and steering wheel, has also been added.
Further upgrades of advanced safety features *7
The Next Generation eCanter also comes with additional advanced safety functions to support safe driving.
- Active Sideguard Assist® 1.0, featured for the first time in a FUSO light-duty truck, reduces the risk of accidents on turns by monitoring the blind spot on the side of the truck. When necessary, the feature activates a collision mitigation brake system.
- Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA®5)*, an emergency braking system with improved spatial recognition and pedestrian detection.
- The driver attention monitoring system, Active Attention Assist®, supports the prevention of fatigue-induced incidents with white line recognition, various sensors and a facial recognition camera, warning the driver with a buzzer and dashboard display.
- Intelligent Headlight Control, which automatically switches between high or low beams, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which displays traffic signs recognized by the camera on the dashboard, are also featured.
- Other safety features include the Electric Parking Brake that maintains stable braking force on hills, and the Back Eye Camera System that assists drivers in avoiding collisions while reversing.
New interior and exterior design*8
- The Next Generation eCanter features a newly designed interior and exterior befitting the transportation industry’s shift to electric mobility. The all-electric truck has been reimagined with the FUSO Black Belt motif on the front face, with touches of orange and blue design elements. The LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as the latest LED rear combination lights, offer reliable visibility.
- The interior design has also been upgraded for driving comfort. A new and slightly lower dashboard to provide more space, more vertical space inside the cab, and a new 10-inch full LCD panel linked to the steering wheel switches have been installed. The “FUSO Easy Access Key” is available for Japanese customers for an even smoother workday.
Connectivity with more EV-specific functions*9
MFTBC’s telematics solution Truckonnect® delivers newly added EV-specific features. The eRange feature, which displays the remaining mileage, and remaining EV battery capacity, will also be available to track on the Truckonnect portal. In addition, the new model will be compatible with the Charging Management System function, which allows operators to set a timer to charge vehicle batteries when electricity costs are lowest.
FUSO eMobility Solutions
MFTBC is not only limited to vehicle development, but is instead fully committed to accelerating the introduction of electric trucks through auxiliary services. FUSO eMobility Solutions provide comprehensive support by offering a full range of services covering the entire electric truck ecosystem. As a frontrunner in the electrification of vehicles and carbon neutral transportation, MFTBC will offer the following to customers considering an eCanter:
- Charger & Installation Services: Together with business partners, MFTBC will introduce customers to the most suitable chargers from our extensive lineup and support them to install chargers on their premises.
- Zero Emission Solutions: MFTBC will support customers in achieving carbon neutrality by visualizing CO2 emissions and proposing reduction plans, in collaboration with external partners.
- eConsulting Services: Customers will be advised on the shift to eMobility in the easiest possible way in their route planning and charging environment. Together with external partners, MFTBC will evaluate and optimize the power sourcing solutions.
- Battery Life Cycle Management: MFTBC is working to establish a system to support the entire life cycle of electric truck batteries.
- Financial Services: To ease the burden on customers shifting to EVs, 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.
- eDigital Services: MFTBC will offer a fleet management service unique to electric trucks through the Truckconnect telematics platform, which enables real-time monitoring of battery condition and charging status.
- eCustomer Service: MFTBC will provide a system that allows customers to use electric trucks with peace of mind through warranties and other maintenance support.
For more information on FUSO eMobility Solutions, please visit:
https://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/emobility
For downloadable images of the Next Generation eCanter, please visit:
The next generation eCanter website:
https://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/product/next-generation-ecanter/
*The information written in this press release is based on the data available as of September 7, before the approval of the vehicle homologation by Japanese authorities. Feature availability and capabilities may be subject to change.
The vehicle lineup, specifications, and features differ from market to market. Details of the specifications and features available in the overseas models will be announced at the time of their launch.
*1: Schedule subject to change.
*2: Vehicle lineup, specifications, and features differ from market to market. Details of the specifications and features available in the overseas models will be announced at the time of their launch.
*3: These are not values reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. The driving range of an EV truck may vary depending on driving conditions, climate, etc.
*4: V2X function is only available in the Japanese models.
*5: The ePTO is an optional feature
*6: The battery pre-conditioning function and Heater Cut Switch are a standard feature for Japanese models. Energy-saving heating is offered as an option for Japanese models. The details regarding the specifications of each overseas model will be announced at the time of their launch.
*7: Details regarding the availability of these safety features on overseas models will be announced at the time of their launch.
– Standard features for Japanese models: “Active Sideguard Assist® 1.0, “Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA®5)”, “Intelligent Headlight Control,”, “Traffic Sign Recognition”, “Electric Parking Brake”, “Back Eye Camera System”
– Optional features for Japanese models: “Active Attention Assist”
*8: LED headlight and LED rear combination lights are standard for Japanese models. Details regarding the specifications of each overseas model will be announced at the time of their launch.
*9: The new Truckonnect feature is only available for Japanese models at this time.
※ABA®, Active Sideguard Assist®, Active Attention Assist® ,Truckonnect® are a registered trademarks of MFTBC
Interior of the Next Generation eCanter
LED headlamps with daytime running lights
LED rear combination lamp
Advanced safety features of next generation eCanter
Active Sideguard Assist®1.0* *Newly installed/ Standard feature for Japanese model
Active Sideguard Assist®1.0 is a safety system that integrates a radar to monitor the blind-spot on the side of the vehicle. It also emits an alarm and issues warnings through a lamp when the turn signal is activated or the steering wheel is turned toward the blind-spot. When the system determines there is an unavoidable risk of a collision with objects or pedestrians moving in parallel to the vehicle, it activates the damage mitigation braking system to bring the vehicle to an emergency stop. (The vehicle must be driving at speeds under 20km/h for Active Sideguard Assist 1.0 to operate as described.)
*Active Sideguard Assist 1.0 is a feature that is intended to support braking behavior that will mitigate the risk and damage of collisions with pedestrians or cyclists moving parallel to the vehicle. The feature should not be considered a preventative safeguard against every collision.
*Active Sideguard Assist® is a registered trademark of MFTBC.
Active Brake Assist5: ABA®5 *Newly installed/ Standard feature for Japanese model
ABA®5 is an emergency braking system that detects risks of head-on collisions and mitigates damage with warnings and brakes. ABA®5 features a forward-recognition camera and radar to detect traffic conditions with high accuracy, making it possible to reduce the possibility and damage of collisions with pedestrians and vehicles driving in front on highway roads.
*ABA® is a registered trademark of MFTBC.
Active Attention Assist *Newly installed/ Optional feature for Japanese model
Combining the information obtained from the white line recognition camera, various sensors mounted on the windshield, and the face recognition camera, this system warns of reduced driving attention with a beeping sound and dashboard display.
Intelligent Headlight Control: IHC *Newly installed/ Standard feature for Japanese model
The Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC) system automatically switches the headlight to high beam in the dark and to low beam in bright environments, based on detection through a windshield-mounted camera.
Traffic Sign Recognition: TSR *Newly installed/ Standard feature for Japanese model
The Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system is specifically designed for traffic signs in Japan. The camera recognizes oncoming traffic signs using image recognition technology and displays the relevant traffic sign on the instrument display.
*The respective safety systems need to meet certain operating conditions to function as described. Depending on road or weather conditions, there are instances where they may not operate as intended.
About the eCanter
The eCanter is the series-produced all-electric truck developed by MFTBC as a solution to urban environmental issues such as noise, exhaust gas and CO2 emissions. As the eCanter is locally emission-free with its electric motor and produces less noise and vibration compared to conventional diesel-powered vehicles, it is particularly suited to inner-city routes as well as operations during late night and early morning hours. Since its launch in 2017, eCanter trucks have covered a total driving distance of over 6 million kilometers worldwide, and about 450 vehicles have been introduced in Japan, Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
MFTBC at a Glance
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, with 89.29% of its shares owned by Daimler Truck AG and 10.71% by various Mitsubishi group companies. An icon in the Japanese commercial vehicle industry with a longstanding history of 90 years with its FUSO brand, MFTBC manufactures a range of commercial vehicles including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, and industrial engines for over 170 markets worldwide. In 2017, MFTBC introduced the eCanter, the first all-electric light-duty truck in series-production and in 2019, the Super Great – Japan’s first heavy-duty truck fitted with Level 2 Automated Driving Support Technology, a benchmark in the Japanese commercial vehicle market. MFTBC operates under the umbrella of Daimler Truck Asia, together with its partner organization Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) in India. This strategic unit allows the entities to collaborate on areas such as product development, parts sourcing and production to provide the best value to customers.
FUSO at a Glance
FUSO is a Daimler Truck brand, offering a range of commercial vehicles from light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, to industrial engines and connectivity solutions for over 170 markets worldwide. A longstanding landmark in Japan’s commercial vehicle landscape, the brand has leveraged Japanese quality and craftsmanship over the decades. FUSO is particularly renowned for its offerings in the light-duty segment. The Canter light-duty truck claims the top market share in various markets around the world. In 2017 the eCanter became the first series produced all-electric light-duty truck in Japan, establishing FUSO as a pioneer in eMobility. FUSO promises customers a “Future Together,” a bold claim that continues to drive the brand’s contributions to safe and sustainable transport. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the FUSO brand, another milestone in its continuing legacy of setting benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and comfort.
