Foton launches an “Australian-first” electric tipper truck

Foton, an electric truckmaker, has launched what it says is Australia’s first all-electric tipper truck. It’s calling the new electric truck, the Foton T5 EV Tipper.

According to Foton, the new T5 emphasises having a zero-emission drivetrain that offers sustainability and real-world performance.

With a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity, it is suited for construction sectors, councils, landscapers, infrastructure maintenance and various other use cases.

The T5 can be configured with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4,500 kg which can be operated on a car licence, all the way up to 6,000 kg GVM. Both options are offered with towing capabilities.

The tipper body is manufactured in Australia and available for quick turnaround allowing fleet managers quick access to the T5 tipper truck stock from Foton’s national dealership network.

“It combines the positive attributes of going all-electric, while also providing the performance and towing capabilities that are required in the real world,” says Foton’s Bill Gillespie.

“From a financial standpoint, it makes a lot of sense, as the model allows for a genuinely affordable entry into the EV tipper market, with 20 per cent lower upfront and operational expenditure costs.”

The T5 has a fully loaded range of 180 km and can be charged at a DC fast charger in 90 minutes. With AC charging of 11 kW also on offer, the battery can be charged in around 7.2 hours which indicates a battery capacity of just under 80 kWh.

The new T5 has multiple safety systems on offer, including:

• Low-Speed Pedestrian Warning System
• Electronic braking and stability support package
• Dual SRS airbags
• Reversing camera

With the safety suite on offer, the Foton electric tipper can be configured into various other non-tipper light-duty applications as well.

A 5-year/200,000 km warranty is offered on the truck, while the battery comes with an 8-year/300,000 km warranty. There is also 24/7 roadside assistance on offer.

Last year, Foton produced over 22,000 new energy vehicles and with the new applications being explored with light electric trucks, the number of global sales for the brand are expected to reach new highs in 2023.

Tippers are often used in road construction and building materials industry which are traditionally powered by diesel engines. 

Having an electric option will help with meeting sustainability and emission targets for these fleets while ensuring cleaner trucking in our cities.