Fuso eCanter gets EV recognition from DOE

Fuso PH prepping to launch eCanter?

It’s been a little over a year since Sojitz Fuso Philippines gave hints of adding electric trucks to its lineup with the preview of the eCanter. And while the adoption of full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has been slower than expected in the country, it looks like Fuso PH is moving forward with its initial plans.

The Department of Energy’s list of recognized EVs in the country has been recently updated, with the Fuso eCanter being one of the latest additions.

Essentially, the eCanter is the zero-emissions variant of the Canter light-duty truck. But instead of simply pulling out a diesel ICE motor mounted at the front midship, Fuso designed the eCanter’s electric motor to be mounted directly with the rear axle to deliver instant power and reduce driveline losses from the usual propeller shaft setup found in combustion-engined trucks.

The eCanter is also made in Fuso’s Kawasaki plant in Japan, much like the other Canter variants that SFP offers in the Philippines.

As per the DOE documents, Fuso PH could offer three variants of the eCanter – a standard, long, and extra-long wheelbase version. But either way, the eCanter has a 41 kWh battery that powers the rear-mounted electric motor, producing 150 PS and 430 Nm of torque.

With a single battery pack, this eCanter could tackle various business demands with short-range applications for fixed routes such as company shuttle services and last-mile delivery services.

While Japanese truck brands in PH are yet to offer electric equivalents of their commercial vehicles, Fuso could be stepping up to lead the way should they push through with offering the eCanter.