Fuso eCanter: Revolutionizing logistics

Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) has showcased a Japanese Domestic Market version of the upcoming electric-powered eCanter through a recently held exclusive test drive event. For now, the new all-electric truck is yet to be launched in the Philippine market, but the company has described it as a significant step towards the future of logistics. 

During a local test drive event, Zigwheels Philippines gained first-hand experience in riding and piloting the upcoming electric vehicle (EV). So, how did it handle and ride? Here’s what we found out. 

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the Fuso eCanter pretty much looks like your run-of-the-mill truck. The one we got to drive was the large or “L” variant, which came with a closed van body and a sizable three-seater cab. 

Upon closer inspection, the eCanter received some equipment that set it apart from many other trucks. The most notable of the aforementioned is a set of LED headlamps with automatic activation, which may prove useful in many driving situations. 

Additionally, the preview model was kitted out with LED rear combination lamps and daytime running lamps, making it more visible to other road users. 

When watching the truck drive around SFP’s closed track in Laguna, we also heard its acoustic vehicle alert system turn on. The said system emits a not-so-loud but still very audible sound whenever it is traveling below 20 kilometers per hour or when reversing. 

The said gadget is a nifty inclusion to the eCanter as it can notify vulnerable road users whenever the truck is in close proximity. EV models, after all, emit no noise. And come to think of it, other car manufacturers, even those who produce passenger cars, would do well to add this noise maker to their respective lineup of all-electric rides. 

Interior

Whenever we think of “commercial vehicles” or “cargo trucks,” spartan or bare interiors come to mind. In the case of the eCanter, the opposite is true. In fact, it breaks the boundaries of what comfort means in cargo trucks. 

For starters, the seats are clad in fabric, which is normal for this class of vehicle. The cushioning of the truck’s seats, however, is notably soft whilst providing ample support for a majority of body types - including the writer’s 5-foot, eleven-inch frame. 

Sure, the way one enters the truck still requires a degree of nimbleness, but once you get in, you will be treated to generously comfy seats that are a match even against passenger cars. 

Additionally, the cabin received a lot of features, which will make driving and riding the vehicle a whole lot easier. For instance, the side mirror on the passenger side comes with power adjustability. It also has a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, and easy-to-reach dial-type controls for its air-conditioning system. 

The Fuso model likewise features the “Easy Access Key.” Per its name, it allows for keyless entry to the truck’s cabin and locking or unlocking based on proximity. The said feature is potentially a huge time saver for folks who need to get in and out of the truck’s cab repeatedly during their work hours. We’re talking about delivery drivers or even emergency vehicle drivers who also work double as first-aid providers. 

Positioned underneath the steering wheel is a 10-inch LCD digital gauge, which offers a clear but also colorful user interface. Like other EV units, it displays the EV truck’s parameters listed here: 

• Travel speed
• Battery charge levels
• Regenerative braking status
• Powertrain temperature
• Advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) status

To further place it above the caliber of the usual ICE truck, Fuso’s all-electric unit gets a decently sized touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. It doesn’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but the screen already has a built-in navigation system. 

Furthermore, the display supports hands-free calling and audio entertainment. Of course, hands-free calling is useful for staving away distracted driving.

Other notable interior features of the eCanter include the following: 

Electric water heater	Stepladder grips
Center tray and magazine rack	Door storage pockets
Passenger-side storage pockets	USB type C ports
LED cab lamps	USB type A ports
Instrument panel storage tray	Overhead storage shelf
Center lower storage pocket	Floor storage console

Safety

To measure up as a high-tech logistics solution, Fuso gave the eCanter a comprehensive ADAS kit. Its suite of advanced safety features includes the following: 

• Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Object proximity alert
• Intelligent headlight control
• Active attention assist
• Traffic sign recognition

With the drive conducted inside a controlled course, we didn’t get to test the aforementioned ADAS bits. Regardless, having such features available on a large truck is a great help for business owners and truck drivers as it provides additional peace of mind and a strong safety net for preventing on-road mishaps. 

Powertrain and drive

The key characteristic of the Fuso eCanter is its all-electric powertrain. The L-size unit we tested used a total of three battery packs with a capacity of up to 124 kilowatt-hours. In total, the truck can produce up to 172 horsepower and has an estimated range of 324 kilometers. 

Before talking about how it drives, be aware that the unit shown off by SFP was a right-hand-drive Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model. So, as mentioned above, our drive was limited to the closed course within SFP’s Laguna facility. 

Regardless of the contrasts, we got to experience the eCanter’s handling capabilities. It turned in gently through corners as expected of a large truck, but it also handled reversing easily due to the presence of a reverse camera with clear picture quality and a very wide view angle. 

Acceleration, on the other hand, was done quickly and steadily by the truck. It had no need to climb up a “rev range,” and being an EV, power delivery was direct and smooth. 

The one quality of the eCanter that really stood out, however, was the total absence of vibrations. One can say the lack of shaking and rattling is expected of an EV, but we can surmise that this is a game change for commercial cargo haulers who need to ferry around sensitive or fragile cargo. 

Sure, its suspension system still behaves like a regular truck. Still, the absence of engine vibrations can do wonders for carrying glass, fragile electronics, liquids, or even biological cargo such as livestock. 

Smaller versions of the eCanter, such as the Small or “S” variant, may even be suitable for use as an emergency response vehicle. Its smooth, vibration-less characteristic may prove to be more comfortable for patients. 

Lastly, the eCanter’s regenerative braking system was strong enough to effectively stop the vehicle, at least when used on a flat plane. So, apart from having the ability to regain a bit of energy, the Fuso model can eschew the need for an exhaust brake (Jake Brake) or an engine brake when descending hills or inclined roads. 

Final thoughts

Despite the short time we had with the Fuso eCanter, we can clearly see what SFP is aiming for. In a nutshell, the company wants to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, and comfortable logistics solution for local businesses. 

The aforementioned, of course, is an admirable mission since trucking and cargo hauling are crucial components of our local enterprises and industries. So, it only makes logical sense to make it better in every way through the eCanter. 

The only questions about the eCanter we have now are: how will the market respond to this electric-powered truck, and how will it be priced in the local market? 

For now, answers to the said queries will have to wait until it officially reaches our shores by the first quarter of 2025. 

Fuso eCanter specifications

Model	Fuso eCanter L
Exterior
Cab dimensions (mm)	2,120-mm wide and 2,475-mm in height
Wheelbase length (mm)	3,400-4,750-mm
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Electronic parking brake Dial-type air-conditioning controls Multi-function steering wheel Driver’s armrest Electric hot-water heater External power supply system
Instrument cluster	10-inch Fully digital LCD gauge cluster
Infotainment	Touchscreen with Bluetooth
Seating capacity	Three
Powertrain
Motor	E-axle Permanent synchronous motor
Battery capacity	Up to 124 kilowatt-hours
Horsepower	172
Technologies
ADAS	Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection Lane departure warning Object proximity alert Intelligent headlight control Active attention assist Traffic sign recognition
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Hill-start assist Hight-voltage cutoff switch Electronic stability program
Security	Fuso access key Engine immobilizer

Also read: 

Fuso eCanter electric truck launched in Taiwan

Fuso PH displays Canter Modern PUV at LTO Motor Show 2024