“This day marks a new chapter in the history of Mitsubishi FUSO Truck Europe. As series production of the Next Generation eCanter is starting today,” announced Arne Barden, CEO of Mitsubishi FUSO Truck Europe (MFTE), proudly in front of over 100 guests from politics, business and the press. The celebratory event on 22 May was the official start of the second generation of the all-electric eCanter, which is now being produced for the European market at the FUSO plant in Portugal.

Representing all future Next Generation eCanters that will roll off the production line in Tramagal, a glossy pigeon-blue 4.25-tonne eCanter 4C15e rolled over the asphalt grey carpet between the two guest stands – emission-free, but unusually not quiet. The sound came from the flash of cameras from the attending media representatives and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Arne Barden, CEO of Mitsubishi FUSO Truck Europe

NEXT-GENERATION eCANTER PAVES THE WAY FOR CO2-NEUTRAL TRANSPORT

In his speech, Karl Deppen, CEO of Daimler Truck Asia, emphasised the special significance that the start of production of the FUSO eCanter has for the company: “Daimler Truck is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to lead sustainable transportation to success and, by 2039, only offer vehicles in our global key markets that are carbon-neutral during operations. With this new generation of eCanter, we are making the transition to e-mobility especially easy for our customers. We are taking a vital step further towards CO2-neutral transportation.”

The importance of decarbonising the mobility sector was also emphasised by Portugal’s Prime Minister, António Costa, who took the stage as the guest of honour at the event. Society cannot avoid responding to the challenges of climate change and the energy transition. In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, we cannot afford to procrastinate; in fact, we must make the right decisions today for tomorrow. Production of the 100% electric eCanter in Tramagal is one of them.

Companies using the Next Generation eCanter would make an active contribution to a lower CO2 footprint in the future. Hence, an extensive modernisation of existing fleets is inevitable over the coming years, as goods still need to be transported. In the Prime Minister’s view, this holds significant economic potential, from which both the plant and the region can benefit in the long term. In conclusion, António Costa congratulated FUSO and plant employees on the start of series production, and also acknowledged the second major milestone that MFTE was able to celebrate at the same time: 250,000 Canters produced since the start in 1980.

This impressive quantity and over 60 years of experience in building the Canter provide the FUSO plant with a more than solid foundation for all future challenges. In his speech, plant manager Arne Barden emphasised the tireless dedication of the people in Tramagal, some of whom have been working there for decades and who have unique expertise. The collective efforts of everyone have made it possible to adapt production processes, ensuring that we are well-prepared to scale up the volume of the new eCanter. “We are ready to deliver our customers the electric trucks they will need in the coming decades as the world accelerates towards carbon neutrality,” said CEO Arne Barden.

THE NEXT GENERATION eCANTER IS “MADE IN EUROPE” FOR EUROPE

The specific needs of customers were also instrumental in shaping the Next Generation eCanter. Since the introduction of the first-generation eCanter in 2017, a total of 550 battery-electric light trucks have been operating in practical use worldwide, covering a combined distance of over eight million kilometres. During this period, FUSO was able to gather valuable experiences and insights that have been incorporated into the technical advancements of the Next Generation eCanter.

During his welcome address, Prime Minister António Costa had the opportunity to witness firsthand the processes along the production line and some of the newly-developed components, such as the drivetrain consisting of an electric axle and motor, as well as the battery packs. While accompanied by Karl Deppen and Arne Barden, Prime Minister António Costa was taken on a brief tour of the factory to the event venue situated in one of the large parts warehouses. During the tour, the Portuguese government leader took the opportunity to shake hands with employees and exchange a few words with them at various workstations. The staff wore “READY TO INNOVATE” T-shirts for this occasion. The motto of the day and a clear message that FUSO sends to the world with the new eCanter from Tramagal.

In Europe, sale of the FUSO Next Generation eCanter will initially start in 17 countries: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Greece and Poland.

OFFICIAL START OF PRODUCTION OF THE NEXT GENERATION eCANTER WAS SUCCESSFUL

After the symbolic roll-out of the first new eCanter in front of the cameras of almost all major television broadcasters in the country, the guests of the event were invited to enjoy refreshments and drinks and to have a close look at the vehicle. It parked right in the middle of the catering area. Interestingly, the vehicle itself was designed using the transport crates of the components that would be installed in new eCanter vehicles the following day. The assembly of these components typically takes place in the area that served as the event location.

Whether electric or not, the practicality of the Canter, proved beneficial once again, as the double bench seat for the passenger allowed Prime Minister António Costa and his two hosts, Karl Deppen and Arne Barden, to comfortably sit together in the cabin. This provided an excellent photo opportunity for the attending press photographers. Judging by how long the trio sat in the vehicle and engaged in animated conversation, it appears that FUSO, the official production launch of the Next Generation eCanter, has been a resounding success.