Logistics giant UPS has announced it is to be the first commercial customer in the USA to use the FUSO eCanter medium duty Daimler electric truck.

UPS released a statement earlier this week saying that it is to deploy three trucks in the United States “at locations to be determined”.

“At UPS, we constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet,” said Carlton Rose, president, global fleet maintenance & engineering, UPS. “Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter. We have a long-standing global relationship with Daimler, and we welcome the opportunity to trial the Fuso eCanter as UPS continues to realize the benefits of electric trucks.”

The all-electric FUSO eCanter has a range of around 62 miles and a load capacity of 2-3T, depending on body and usage. The vehicle’s electric powertrain contains six high voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420 V and 13.8 kWh each. By comparison to a conventional diesel truck, Daimler says it offers savings of more than $1,000 in operating costs for approximately every 6,200 miles.

The three FUSO eCanter vehicles join the more than 770 electric or hybrid electric vehicles UPS already operates in urban cities around the world. UPS recently set a goal that by 2020 one in four vehicles purchased annually will use alternative fuels or advanced technology.
 
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