Mitsubishi Fuso opens orders for the new all-electric light-duty eCanter truck in Japan

• Customers in Japan can now order the fully remodeled all-electric eCanter
• Significantly expanded chassis lineup with 28 domestic variants, addressing a wide variety of business applications
• New battery modularization provides suitable driving ranges for various business applications, from last-mile deliveries to long-distance transportation with a range up to 324km

Kawasaki, Japan –  Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC; headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Karl Deppen) has now opened orders for the fully remodeled all-new electric light-duty ‘eCanter’ truck in Japan. MFTBC sales companies and regional sales units across Japan have started accepting orders from domestic buyers as of March 9, 2023.

After launching the eCanter in 2017 as Japan’s first series-produced, all-electric light-duty truck* and introducing subsequent upgrades with advanced safety equipment, MFTBC unveiled in 2022 its latest model with a significant expansion to the vehicle lineup and options for driving range. This new model adopts the eAxle, which integrates the motor with the rear axle, enabling a reconfiguration of the drivetrain. The more compact drivetrain has made it possible to expand the chassis lineup from the current single option to a total of 28 variants for the Japanese market. A power take-off unit (ePTO) has also been adopted to support body applications such as tippers, car carriers, detachable body trucks, rear cranes, and garbage trucks **. The new eCanter has been engineered with a modularized battery design that can accommodate a range of one to three battery modules based on the wheelbase. The new model has secured a range varying from 99km to a maximum of 324km*** based on the vehicle type. It addresses a diverse range of transportation needs from last-mile delivery to long-distance transportation. Also equipped with new functions that reduce battery consumption during heating usage in cold climates, the eCanter has evolved significantly into an EV truck suitable for a variety of business needs.

Since its launch, the eCanter has been used in various applications across Japan, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as a pioneer of electric trucking. Having now been operated over 7.6 million km by customers around the world, the low-noise, low-vibration, and locally emission-free eCanter has been tried and tested as an environmentally conscious and driver-friendly business choice. Reflecting MFTBC’s global operational experience over the past five years, customers in Japan will be supported by FUSO eMobility Solutions, a comprehensive set of services to aid their smooth transition into e-mobility.

“MFTBC is taking a leading role in the decarbonization of commercial vehicles for the global market. Our all-electric light-duty eCanter has come a long way since it was first introduced in 2017. Over the years we have received positive feedback from customers in Japan and all over the world, and can now offer a wide range of practical, reliable electric LDTs. Combined with a comprehensive set of support services and solutions, we make it easy for customers to experience the future of decarbonized transportation, today,” commented Karl Deppen, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.

As an integral part of Daimler Truck, MFTBC is committed to the ambition of tank-to-wheel CO2 neutrality for commercial vehicles in Japan by 2039. As the international community accelerates its shift toward sustainability, the FUSO eCanter will continue to play a vital role in Daimler Truck’s roadmap to carbon-neutral transportation.

*As of Oct. 2017, as a Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer
**The type of available variants will differ in each market.  Dump body: compatible with a sub-frame mounting. Garbage truck mounting: compatible with push-out mounting.
***99km for S size battery vehicle with wide cab; 324km for L size battery vehicle with wide/EX wide cab. All values certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The figures shown are data from a Japanese model, half-loaded flat body with 60km/h fixed speed. The range described in the press release applies only to Japanese model. The method of calculation of the driving range of the vehicle varies according to each market’s regulations.

The new eCanter

Key features of the new eCanter (*available for Japanese models)

(1) Extended lineup of 28 chassis variants

With the eAxle, the eCanter now comes with the motor integrated into the rear axle, and the propeller shaft removed. The compact drivetrain allows for 28 chassis variations in the Japanese product lineup, providing customers with even more choices. In addition, the installment of a motorized power take-off device (ePTO) has expanded the number of body applications. eCanter trucks can now be fitted into tippers, carrier cars, detachable cars, rear cranes, and garbage trucks.
* The type of available variants will differ in each market. Dump body: compatible with a sub-frame mounting. Garbage truck mounting: compatible with push-out mounting.

In addition to the 7.5-ton (GVW) class available in previous generations, the eCanter is now available from the 5-ton class up to the 8-ton class. More options have been added for cab width as well. As well as the wide cab, two more cab variations have been included in the lineup: a standard-width cab that allows for easy maneuverability, and an extra-wide selection with a width equivalent to the medium-duty ‘Fighter’ truck’s cab. The wheelbase lineup also includes more variations, ranging from 2,500 mm for last-mile transportation needs, up to 4,750 mm, which is equivalent to that of a medium-duty truck.

(2) Modularized batteries to serve different use cases

Customers can select the vehicle type and battery configuration based on the wheelbase that matches their business needs:

• S-size (standard cab) with one battery (41 kWh) has a range of 116 km.
• The M-size (standard cab) with two batteries has a range of 236 km.
• The L-size (wide cab/EX width cab) with three batteries has a range of 324 km*.

*Values certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The figures shown are data from a Japanese model, half-loaded flat body with a fixed speed of 60km/h. The actual range will vary depending on climate, actual driving environment, and driving behavior. The range described in the press release applies only to Japanese model. The method of calculation of the driving range of the vehicle varies according to each market’s regulations.

(3) New features supporting cold-climate drives

A steering wheel heater and seat heater are featured as optional settings, adding a power-saving function that heats only the necessary areas. The windshield heater, which defogs the windshield while reducing power consumption, is also featured as an optional setting. Furthermore, to ensure battery performance in cold weather conditions, a new ‘Battery Pre-Conditioning’ function now comes standard. The truck can be prepared in advance with a timer setting, so drivers can be ready to start their day with less hassle, regardless of the temperature.

4) Enhanced functions unique to EV trucks

The regenerative brake, which provides drivers with additional braking support through power generation, has been reconfigured with four levels of intensity, ranging from no regeneration to strong regeneration. A power supply system that can direct power from the onboard battery via a power station* is also included, allowing the vehicle to serve as a source of electricity in emergency scenarios.
*Separate purchase required.

5) Significantly expanded advanced safety features

The Active Sideguard Assist® 1.0 collision prevention features with a damage-mitigation brake function and Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA®5) are now standard. The Intelligent Headlight Control feature, which automatically switches to high or low beam, the Traffic Sign Recognition feature, which recognizes traffic signs, and the Electric Parking Brake feature, which maintains stable braking force on hills, are also newly included in the standard offering. In addition, drivers are provided even more assurance with the newly installed Back Eye Camera System, which reduces the risk of accidents when reversing. The Active Attention Assist® driver attention monitoring system, which warns the driver of impaired driving attention, is featured as an optional setting.

Active Sideguard Assist®, ABA®, Active Attention Assist® are registered trademarks of MFTBC.

6) Connectivity service Truckonnect® provided free of charge for 10 years

In addition, FUSO’s telematics feature ‘Truckonnect’ will be available as a free standard feature for 10 years with the new eCanter in Japan. The remaining vehicle range, battery charge level, and battery health can now also be monitored through the Truckonnect portal.The ‘Charging Management System’ function* has also been added as an optional setting. This feature will allow operators to charge their eCanter trucks with a timer function, during the time of day when electricity rates are lowest.

*A separate application for Truckonnect service is required.
*Subscription to a full-coverage service contract is required.
Truckonnect^® is a registered trademark of MFTBC.

7) Functionality and comfort improved through design upgrades

With the new model, orange is used in key areas of the vehicle to create a driving experience befitting a new era of EV trucks. The molding that flows from the dashboard to the doors on either side supports a sense of unity in appearance and is designed for smoother entrances and exits. In addition to high visibility, a new 10-inch full LCD panel with excellent usability that can be operated with the button on the steering wheel is newly installed. The center display also supports intuitive on-screen touch operations.

In addition to LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard features, the latest LED rear combination lamps are also installed as standard features, their eye-catching design supporting optimal visibility for safety on the road. Equipped with the ‘FUSO Easy Access System’ that is also available in the latest models of the FUSO light-duty Canter truck, the new eCanter offers drivers more convenient ingress and egress to the cabin.

FUSO eMobility Solutions 

FUSO eMobility Solutions provide comprehensive support by offering a full range of services covering the entire electric truck ecosystem. These solutions address customer concerns, making the transition to eMobility as easy as possible. As a frontrunner in the electrification of vehicles and carbon neutral transportation, MFTBC will cooperate with partners to offer the following to customers considering an eCanter:

• Zero Emission Solutions: Supports customers in achieving carbon neutrality by visualizing CO2 emissions and proposing reduction plans.
• eDigital Services: A fleet management service unique to electric trucks offered through the Truckconnect telematics platform, which enables real-time monitoring of the vehicle operation, battery condition, and charging status. In addition, the AI and machine learning driven routing and dispatching solution “Wise Systems”* automatically creates the optimal delivery route and supports the efficiency of delivery operations.*A separate application for Wise System service is required.
• Charger & Installation Services: Introduction to the most suitable chargers from an extensive lineup and support with installation.
• eConsulting Services: Advice and consultation on route planning, charging environment, as well as decarbonization measures such as the utilization of solar power generation.
• Financial Services: 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.
• Battery Life Cycle Management: MFTBC is working to establish a system to support the second life and recycling of electric truck batteries.
• eCustomer Service: Offers customers peace of mind by helping to ensure high-voltage safety and best-in-class vehicle uptime with warranty options and other maintenance support.

For more information on FUSO eMobility Solutions, please visit:
https://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/emobility

Newly installed advanced safety features

Active Sideguard Assist^®1.0
A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

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 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
A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

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®
A newly available optional feature for Japanese models

In addition to information from the camera mounted on the windshield, a face recognition camera that detects the driver’s left and right side glances and eyelid movements has been installed. When the system detects indications of reduced attention, it alerts the driver.

Active Attention Assist® is a registered trademark of MFTBC.

Intelligent Headlight Control: IHC
A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

The Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC) system automatically switches the headlight settings 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
A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

The Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system is specifically designed for traffic signs in Japan. The camera recognizes incoming traffic signs using image recognition technology and displays the relevant traffic sign on the instrument display panel.

Electric Parking Brake  

A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

Light operation force is achieved with the assistance of the electric motor. It also provides stable braking force when parking on a slope.

Back Eye Camera System

A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

The new eCanter comes standard with a wide-angle rearview camera. A monitor located in the position of the overhead mirror allows the driver to check behind the vehicle.

*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.

Key interior and exterior features

LED headlamps with daytime running lights
A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

LED headlights and daytime running lights are equipped to improve nighttime visibility.

*Fog lamp is optional setting.

LED rear combination lamp

A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

Lamps with an integrated and upgraded design are featured as standard, providing better visibility for other drivers on the road.

FUSO Easy Access System　

*A newly installed standard feature for Japanese models

Keyless entry allows the driver to lock and unlock doors by simply pushing a switch on the door handle while the FUSO Easy Access Key is in a pocket or other nearby location.

Interior

Full LCD panel

About the eCanter

The eCanter is the Japanese market’s first 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. After the launch of the first model in 2017, MFTBC released an improved model with enhanced safety equipment in August 2020. In September 2022, MFTBC unveiled a fully remodeled new model. Since its launch, the eCanter has been used by customers in Japan, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The new model is scheduled to be rolled out in more overseas markets.

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 over 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 to set benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and comfort for 90 years. 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.