Geoff Middleton•26 Oct 2017
NEWS
Fuso’s Vision of the electric future
Fuso announces heavy-duty electric truck at Tokyo Motor ShowIn a move that is certainly a peek into the future of trucking globally, Fuso pulled the rug off the Vision One electric truck at the Tokyo Motor Show yesterday.
But what got us really excited about the Vision One is that it isn't a concept truck, it isn't even a prototype – it's close to the real deal. A near-production truck that can be driven now, and that is the precursor to the electric trucks of the future.
Described by Fuso President and CEO Marc Llistosella (pictured) as a B-sample (levels of production readiness are rated from prototype then A, B, C, D to production), the Vision One could be on the roads in "around three years".
The Vision One has a GVM of 23 tonnes and a payload of 11 tonnes, which is only 1.8 tonnes less than its diesel counterpart. It has a range of 350km (loaded) on a single charge and a top speed of 80km/h, while the engine produces 408hp.
Metro focus – for now
Mr Llistosella said that while the electrification of long-haul trucks is still a little way off, the potential application for the Vision One is regional intra-city distribution.
"We want to focus initially on the metro area," he said.
"We are going to see more and more areas where traffic – especially traffic with internal combustion engines – is not allowed. In the last two years we have seen more awareness on emissions, and in trucks we have no option [than to go electric].
"Fuso has already been the frontrunner in electrification of trucks and buses. We have had thousands of requests for electric trucks from all over the world.
"We now have the eCanter in production and working in fleets like UPS and just recently with 7-Eleven here in Japan. This is the future of trucking."
Electric thrust
Mr Llistosella added that Fuso had created a new brand in E-Fuso, which will be the electrified arm of the Daimler-owned corporation.
"This shows how committed we are to the bringing electric trucks to the global market," he told the assembled Australian truck media in yesterday's press conference.
"Just a month after launching our eCanter, the first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck, this [the Vision One] is proof of our commitment to electrify our complete range of trucks and buses, from light to heavy duty.
"With the eCanter we have proven electric trucks are feasible for commercialisation. Today our eCanter saves up to 1000 Euros ($A1530) per 10,000km in running costs.
"And with the rapidly evolving battery technology we will continue to develop electric trucks and buses that will have a positive environmental and economic impact on society.
"Just imagine having the ability to recharge a truck in just five minutes. That is the future."
Asked just how long it would be before the five-minute charge would be a reality, Mr Llistosella indicated that it would be just three to four years.
"By developing the eCanter from design, development, testing and now production we have gained valuable insights which will help bring an electric heavy-duty truck on to the streets within the next four to five years," he said.
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Written byGeoff Middleton
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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