Mitsubishi Fuso used the recent IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany, to show off an all-electric concept van based on its popular Canter van. The Canter E-Cell van uses the same lithium-ion batteries that are used in the Vito E-Cell of Mitsubishi Fuso’s parent firm Daimler. The Canter, which is sold as a Class 3 diesel or hybrid vehicle in the U.S. and around the world, is larger van than the Vito, which is a light-duty vehicle.
The batteries, which Daimler said will provide 40 kW-hr for a range of 120 km or about 75 mi., fit along the frame rails of the vehicle. Fully depleted, the batteries will require six hours of charging time from a 380-volt source, Daimler said.
With a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons, the Canter E-Cell produces 300 Nm and is limited to 80 km/h, or almost 50 mph.
The Canter E-Cell follows up on the successful testing of the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid. Nearly 1,000 Eco Hybrid trucks have been delivered around the world with more than 350,000 km (217,000 mi.) of testing completed over the past two years. The vehicle has tested well, Daimler said.
It uses a lithium-ion battery for electric power, producing 107 kW (145 hp.) of power. The batteries are designed to last ten years or 300,000 km (186,000 mi.), according to Mitsubishi Fuso. It uses 10-15% less fuel than a conventional diesel-powered light-duty truck and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, the manufacturer added.
