Daimler has started production of FUSO eCanter in Europe ' the world's first series all-electric light-duty truck ' at the FUSO plant in Tramagal, Portugal.
The Portuguese government has been supporting the development of the vehicle since 2010. All eCanter for the European and U.S. markets will be produced in line with the conventional FUSO Canter truck.
Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of Mitsubishi FUSO Truck and Bus Corporation and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia said: 'We become the first global manufacturer to produce an all-electric truck in series.
'From now on we can address the growing demand for locally emission free delivery trucks in mega-cities. We already received the first customer orders and will mark the global launch of this truck in one of the most iconic mega-cities, in New York, this September.
'Our Portuguese plant does not only produce the trucks for Europe and the US, we also benefit from a close cooperation with the authorities in Portugal and Lisbon testing the trucks there since 2014'
The company unveiled the first charging station for trucks in May and started production at the Kawasaki plant in Japan in July.
The first vehicles from Tramagal will be handed over to customers in Europe and the US in September.
The eCanter has a range of 100km and a load capacity of two to three tons ' depending on body and usage. The vehicle's electric powertrain contains six high voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420V and 13.8 kWh each.
The battery packs are being delivered from the Daimler subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz, Germany.
The 160,000m2 plant in Portugal has more than 400 employees producing conventional FUSO Canter vehicles for export to 30 European countries plus Israel, Morocco and Turkey.
