SFP to launch Fuso eCanter next year

MANILA: Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP), the distributor of  is currently working to bring in the electric-powered eCanter truck to the local market as soon as the first quarter of 2025.

The said target date for the launch was shared with Zigwheels Philippines through an interview with SFP Marketing Manager and Head of the Philippine eCanter project Nolyn Mae De Guzman, during the exclusive preview and test drive event for the electric truck model.  

“We can expect the eCanter on Philippine roads very very soon. We are targeting as early as the first quarter of 2025,” De Guzman shared. 

When asked about the current status of the eCanter project, the SFP executive remarked that the company is merely dealing with several finishing touches related to the Fuso truck model.

“The product is already there, everything is finished, R&D is finished, and it was already launched in other markets like Singapore and Hong Kong. For the second leg of the model's global launches, the Philippines is one of the markets,” De Guzman added. 

“The product is ready. We’re just finalizing some details, such as the price and positioning of the model. We’re also preparing something ‘big’ when it launches next year,” De Guzman said.

As mentioned above, members of the local automotive media, including Zigwheels Philippines, also had the opportunity to drive the Fuso eCanter in a closed course. The specific unit SFP showcased, however, is a right-hand drive Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model and not the final Philippine-spec version. 

Regardless, SFP shared the specifications that we can expect from the emissions-free, all-electric truck. 

Fuso eCanter JDM specifications

Exterior

When viewed from afar, the Fuso eCanter bears the same design beats as the regular internal combustion version (ICE). It still bears the signature Fuso “black belt” on its front fascia, and the particular version that was showcased came with a closed van body style. 

Upon closer inspection, the electric-powered hauler was equipped with LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. From the side, one can likewise see its electric powertrain components, particularly its battery packs. The specific unit SFP showed off was the “Large” version, which was kitted out with three battery packs. 

Interior

Notable interior characteristics of the JDM eCanter include ergonomic seats, a fully digital instrument gauge cluster, a shift-by-wire gear shifter, a multi-function steering wheel, and an electronic parking brake. 

To note, the shifter also doubles as the toggle to manipulate the strength of the truck’s regenerative braking system. 

Safety

Contrary to most ICE trucks, the eCanter was equipped with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). Here are the individual components of the all-electric truck’s ADAS suite: 

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

The eCanter also comes standard with a rearview parking camera, an electronic stability program, dual front airbags, hill-start assist, anti-lock braking, and a theft prevention system - among others. 

Additionally, the model was fitted with what Fuso calls the “Acoustic vehicle alert system” (AVAS). The aforementioned feature is crucial for the eCanter since it does not come with a noisy diesel powertrain. So, to warn vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians), it can emit a sound when reversing or when traveling at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour or less.

Powertrain

Propelling the eCanter is a special powertrain called the “e-axle.” As implied by its name, the truck company created a compact motor unit, which was directly integrated into the truck’s rear axle. The result is a compact structure with fewer moving parts since it eschews the need for a propeller shaft. 

Moreover, the e-axle can deliver instant power with reduced driveline losses. The aforementioned, according to SFP, can help in improving efficiency and performance. 

The Fuso truck has various sizes equipped with a small, medium, or large battery pack capable of storing up to 124 kilowatt-hours. Thanks to the aforementioned, the one with the large battery pack (three batteries) boasts an estimated range of 324 kilometers and an engine output of 172 horsepower. 

Regarding the said battery packs, they are touted to be sealed and thus protected from the elements. The batteries even boast compliance with particularly strict electric vehicle standards, specifically for the Korean and Singaporean markets. 

Meanwhile, the electric truck comes with 6 kilowatt (kW), 50 kW, and 70 kW charging capabilities. When using its 70 kW quick charging capability, it can fill up its battery in about 90 minutes. The smallest (S) and the medium (M) versions can get a full charge in 40 minutes and 65 minutes, respectively. 

For reference, here is a short rundown of the JDM Fuso eCanter’s specs: 

Model	Fuso eCanter 'Large' (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 Electronic parking brake 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
Range	324 kilometers
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