Daimler Truck’s FUSO eCanter: Revolutionizing Home Delivery for Beverage Retailers
The FUSO eCanter, a pioneering electric light-duty truck from Daimler Truck, has been a cornerstone of the company’s electric vehicle lineup for several years. Designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable urban deliveries, it has gained widespread popularity among businesses engaged in last-mile logistics. One such business is Getränke Friedrich, a beverage retailer based in Seligenstadt, Germany. For over a year, Peter Friedrich, the company’s owner, has relied on the compact eCanter equipped with an S-Cabin and a flatbed tarp body to enhance the sustainability of his home delivery service.
A Conscious Move Towards Sustainability
Peter Friedrich firmly believes in taking proactive steps toward sustainability. “Everyone should try to act more sustainably if they can do it well,” he says, explaining his decision to invest in an all-electric delivery vehicle. When planning the purchase of a new vehicle in 2023, Friedrich had specific criteria in mind:
- 100% electric drive
- A range of at least 40 kilometers
- Compliance with driving regulations that allow operation without a truck driving license
- Maximum payload capacity
- A flatbed body with a sliding tarpaulin for easy loading and unloading
- Compact and highly maneuverable for inner-city deliveries
His research quickly led him to what he deemed the ideal solution: the newly introduced FUSO eCanter. At the time, the model had just entered series production, making Friedrich one of its early adopters.
Finding the Right Partner
To acquire the vehicle, Friedrich connected with FUSO’s sales and service partner, Robert Kunzmann GmbH & Co KG in Aschaffenburg. Despite not having a demonstration model available, sales representative Steffen Horn presented a compelling case, ultimately convincing Friedrich to place an order on the spot. By February of the following year, he took delivery of his new eCanter.
The truck’s design aligns perfectly with the operational needs of Getränke Friedrich. The flatbed variant with a side wall and sliding curtain facilitates convenient curbside access to cargo, making home deliveries seamless. “When making home deliveries, we often park on the curb and need to be able to access the load quickly and easily from the passenger side,” Friedrich explains. The low loading edge, positioned at approximately 850 mm, further enhances ergonomics by simplifying manual unloading.
Beyond its practical benefits, the eCanter serves as a statement of sustainability. The company proudly displays decals on the vehicle, highlighting its 100% electric operation. “Our customers are taking notice of the eCanter, and we are getting really positive feedback,” Friedrich reports.
Performance and Operational Benefits
Over the past year, the FUSO eCanter has covered approximately 6,000 kilometers, demonstrating its reliability in everyday operations. “We’re getting there just fine with the range,” Friedrich confirms. The company utilizes a Wallbox charger at its warehouse to top up the battery, particularly during the winter months when heating increases power consumption. However, in summer, range anxiety is virtually nonexistent.
Sustainability remains a priority for Friedrich, who has equipped the roofs of his warehouses with photovoltaic solar panels. The combination of solar energy and an electric delivery vehicle underscores his commitment to reducing his business’s carbon footprint.
Beyond its eco-friendliness, the eCanter stands out for its driving dynamics. “It is so maneuverable, handy, and agile—it can get anywhere and park anywhere. It’s awesome!” Friedrich exclaims. With such a positive experience, he plans to renew his lease at the end of the three-year term and is even considering adding a second eCanter to his fleet, depending on business growth.
The FUSO eCanter: A Versatile and Sustainable Solution
The FUSO eCanter S415e is designed to meet a variety of commercial delivery needs while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. Some of its key specifications include:
- All-electric 150 hp (110 kW) motor producing zero local CO2 emissions
- Battery pack option S with a 41.3 kWh rechargeable battery, offering a range of up to 70 kilometers
- 4.25-ton gross vehicle weight rating, making it accessible with a standard Class B driver’s license
- 12-meter turning circle, ensuring high agility in urban environments
The truck’s configuration can be customized to meet specific operational demands. Friedrich’s model features:
- Narrow standard single cab for optimized space utilization
- 2,800 mm wheelbase to enhance maneuverability
- 3,600 mm body length, balancing compact dimensions with cargo capacity
- Payload of nearly 1.2 tonnes, maximizing efficiency
These attributes make the eCanter an ideal choice for businesses requiring nimble and sustainable transport solutions within densely populated urban areas.
The Future of Electric Urban Deliveries
Friedrich’s positive experience with the FUSO eCanter underscores the growing viability of electric commercial vehicles. As urban areas continue to tighten emissions regulations and businesses seek to minimize their environmental impact, the demand for electric trucks like the eCanter is expected to rise.
Daimler Truck remains committed to advancing sustainable mobility solutions, continuously refining the eCanter to better serve customer needs. With its blend of environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and superior drivability, the FUSO eCanter is well-positioned to lead the charge in the transformation of urban logistics.
For businesses like Getränke Friedrich, the transition to electric mobility is not just a trend but a strategic move toward a greener, more sustainable future. The eCanter’s ability to seamlessly integrate into daily operations while delivering tangible benefits makes it a game-changer in the industry. As more companies embrace electric mobility, the FUSO eCanter is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of urban delivery solutions.
