Australia Post adds another 20 Fuso electric trucks to deal with increased parcel volumes

Australia Post continues to expand its fleet of electric vehicles, already the largest in Australia, announcing that it will add 20 Fuso eCanter trucks, with the first arrivals due to hit the roads in October.

Already boasting Australia’s largest fleet of electric vehicles, with over 3,000 electric vehicles currently in use across the country, Australia Post will add its newly ordered Fuso eCanter trucks to operate across the Australia Post and StarTrack businesses in major capitals.

The Fuso eCanter will operate in two body configurations and mounts six liquid-cooled 370 V, 13.5kWh lithium-ion batteries in the truck’s frame, storing 82.8kWh of power, and 66kWh of usable power to feed a permanent magnet synchronous motor.

Using a quick-charging station, the new eCanter’s will be able to fully recharge in 1.5 hours. Rated power output sits at 135kW and 390Nm of torque and is categorised as a Gross Vehicle Mass of 7.5-tonne vehicle.

“With the significant growth in parcel volumes, more vehicles are required in our network,” said James Dixon, General Manager, Networks for Australia Post.

“It makes good sense to add electric vehicles as part of this requirement. Not only will these eCanters fit our needs in this delivery category, but they will also contribute to our science-based target to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025 from a FY19 baseline.”

The eCanters will help contribute towards Australia Post’s short-term target of reducing overall emissions by 15% by 2025 levels based on 2019 levels. They will be operated both by Australia Post, as well as its transport and logistics subsidiary StarTrack.

The trucks will also be supported the Fuso retail network and Daimler Truck and Bus Australia, the company which overseas the import and distribution of Fuso, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner branded commercial vehicles.

“Daimler is thrilled to partner with such an iconic brand as Australia Post on a journey towards carbon neutral freight transportation in Australia,” said Daniel Whitehead, Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO.

“The Fuso eCanter’s active safety features, zero local emissions and near-silent operation make it perfect for parcel and letter deliveries in the city and the suburbs.”

“Australia Post is setting a great example with deployment of the eCanter, demonstrating that you can get the job done in a sustainable way,” added Alex Müller, Fuso Truck and Bus Australia Director.

“The eCanter is a vital proposition for any company that is serious about reducing emissions.”