Creates opportunity to cut emissions
Fuso New Zealand is offering a ‘while stocks last’ rebate on its Fuso eCanter, which significantly reduces the entry cost for operators.Businesses that employ light-duty trucks and that are looking to reduce their emissions and operating costs can now add a Fuso eCanter (cab/chassis) to their fleet on a six-year lease of $149,900+GST ($3,328/month), after the special Fuso rebate offer is applied.
Commenting on the rebate, Fuso New Zealand managing director Kurtis Andrews says: “We have been in long-running discussions with a number of parties, including lease companies and the Government, which has created the opportunity to significantly reduce the acquisition cost of these units.“In correspondence with transport minister Michael Wood, we have urged him to give serious consideration to the implementation of a Clean Commercial Vehicle rebate, as there has been for passenger vehicles.
“While the Government considers this request, we have decided to move forward with our own rebate, which effectively reduces the price of a new eCanter by $80,100.
“The new pricing means the cost of ownership is pretty much the same as its diesel equivalent with the additional benefit of reducing the operators’ emissions and those of their customers.
”Over a six-year period, a Fuso eCanter can deliver a total cost of operation saving over the purchase of an equivalent diesel model, says the company.
“We have limited stock available on a first-come, first-served basis. There has been significant interest in eCanter since its launch, so we’re expecting demand to be strong,” says Andrews.
Launched in 2017 (and in New Zealand in 2019), Fuso eCanter is described as the world’s first series produced electric truck and over 400 are in operation worldwide. It offers a 7.5T GVM, a full suite of safety features and range of 100-150km on a single charge. Users in New Zealand are currently exempt from Road User Charges.
Large operators such as Mainfreight, Bidfood, Fulton Hogan and Genesis Energy have had eCanter in their operations for the past 12-months, says Fuso, and “all are reporting significant progress in their goals to reduce emissions and running costs through electrification of their transport operations”.
“These businesses are making huge inroads in their knowledge about integrating electric trucks into their fleets, which will massively benefit their future planning. They are also able to satisfy tendering requirements for customers that specify emission reductions.”