The world's first all-electric light-duty truck in series production ' the FUSO eCanter ' has been delivered to its first UK customers by Daimler Trucks.
The three customers are delivery firm DPD, flour milling giant Hovis and logistics business Wincanton PLC.
Marc Llistosella, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said: 'After our launches in New York, Tokyo and Berlin, we are proud to hand over the all-electric eCanter to visionary customers in London.
'As an emission-free and quiet alternative to conventional trucks, the eCanter is the ideal solution for sustainable urban delivery. But we do not stop here.
'Having access to Daimler's vast global network, we are committed to cooperate with and support local governments in building an E-ecosystem and necessary infrastructure to facilitate the growth of environmentally-friendly distribution systems.
'At the same time, we are excited to be able to work with cities such as London as they work to create a greener and more sustainable urban environment in the UK'
Mike Belk, managing director of Mercedes-Benz & FUSO Trucks UK, said: 'Today is a historic day for London's transport operators. Fully electric trucks are no longer science fiction ' we at Daimler are already manufacturing them and now we're putting them into operation with well-known customers.
'We're pleased to build on our relationships with DPD, Hovis and Wincanton in this way, as they clearly believe the FUSO eCanter is a viable proposition for their urban distribution business'
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: 'Emissions from heavy goods vehicles represent one of the biggest environmental challenges we face in the transport sector. Daimler's development of vehicles that can operate with zero emissions in urban areas, reducing pollution and noise, represents an exciting prospect'
DPD, Hovis and Wincanton will operate several eCanter trucks in their fleets for deliveries in and around London.
