On October 18, 2024, Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) organized a special driving event to highlight the electric mobility capabilities of the Next-Generation FUSO eCanter. This event, attended by SFP dealers, major accounts, and media partners, provided a unique test-drive experience with this cutting-edge electric light-duty truck, marking the eCanter’s debut in the Philippines.
Flexible Charging for Urban Transport
The eCanter comes equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 2 AC/DC inlet, supporting versatile charging solutions. With a battery configuration allowing an estimated range of up to 200 kilometers per charge, it’s designed for both urban delivery and longer routes, perfectly suited to the rising demand for zero-emission logistics.
Enhanced Safety for City Driving
The eCanter incorporates advanced active safety technologies, such as:
- Active Brake Assist for emergency braking to help prevent collisions.
- Active Sideguard Assist for heightened driver awareness during turns.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System and intelligent headlight control to improve safety and reliability.
These features make the eCanter an ideal choice for today’s urban logistics, ensuring both practicality and security. This Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, brought specifically for demonstration and testing, provided attendees with a rare opportunity to explore the latest in electric commercial vehicle technology.
eAXLE: The Future of Electric Powertrains
The eCanter is powered by the innovative eAxle technology, which integrates the motor directly with the axle, minimizing energy loss and enhancing efficiency. This next-gen powertrain technology optimizes performance and provides smooth driving dynamics, making the eCanter both efficient and reliable.
Striking Exterior with Safety at Its Core
The eCanter features FUSO’s distinctive black belt motif, projecting both power and elegance. Long-lasting LED headlights enhance visibility and safety, while the sleek design not only appeals aesthetically but also offers aerodynamic efficiency.
Driver-Focused Interior Comfort
Inside, the eCanter boasts a fully digital instrument cluster, providing easy access to key information. Its shift-by-wire gear system simplifies control, while ergonomically adjustable seats add comfort for long drives. The cabin’s spaciousness, combined with a lower dashboard, improves visibility and gives a more open feel for a better driving experience.
A Vision for Electric Mobility in the Philippines
At the event, SFP President and CEO Yosuke Nishi emphasized FUSO’s commitment to the local EV market, stating, “The EV market in the Philippines is gaining momentum, and FUSO is excited to be part of this growth. Today’s Ride & Drive event offers a look into the future of electric commercial vehicles. With sectors like logistics and e-commerce growing rapidly, we see the Next Generation eCanter as an answer to these emerging needs.”
While not an official launch, this event signals the start of FUSO’s journey toward electric mobility in the Philippines. Mr. Nishi added, “FUSO is here, and we’re ready for the future.”
Hands-On Experience with the Future of Logistics
Dealers, major clients, and media partners took the eCanter for a test drive, experiencing its advanced handling and innovative features firsthand. This experience gave attendees a deeper understanding of the eCanter’s potential as a next-generation electric vehicle.
Though no official timeline exists for its commercial release in the Philippines, SFP is committed to exploring the market for electric vehicles. This event offered a preview of the advantages the eCanter could bring, underscoring FUSO’s dedication to sustainable mobility.
The Next-Generation eCanter is a testament to FUSO’s commitment to addressing the evolving demands of logistics and e-commerce, providing a reliable, eco-friendly option for urban transportation. SFP will continue to assess market opportunities and evaluate the feasibility of introducing the eCanter to Filipino consumers.
This event represents an exciting milestone toward sustainable commercial transportation, offering attendees a firsthand look at the future potential of electric logistics in the Philippines.
