Daimler Truck Group has announced the launch of a factory-built EcoHybrid Fuso Canter.
Designed at Daimler's global hybrid centre in Japan, the new EcoHybrid is a 7.5-tonne gvw LCV, aimed at short- radius city centre deliveries.
Daimler claims fuel savings of up to 23% on trials, as well as correspondingly lower CO2 emissions.
The EcoHybrid is powered by a Euro 5-compliant 150bhp diesel engine, in conjunction with a 40kW electric motor installed between the clutch and the Canter's Duonic two-pedal automated manual transmission.
Lithium-ion batteries backed by a 10-year manufacturer's warranty ensure what Mercedes-Benz is calling "an affordable green solution", while service costs are said to be comparable to a standard, diesel-engined Canter – demonstrated by identical R&M contract prices.
Efficiency is also boosted by a recuperation system, which acts as a re-charging generator, transforming braking and deceleration energy back into useable electricity.
In 2008, Fuso entered a three-year, London-based Hybrid trial, the largest in Europe, with partners Amey, DHL, Hill Hire, Royal Mail, Ringway, Scottish & Southern, Tesco and TNT.
These trial vehicles, based on the previous generation Canter (TD model), were fitted with a variety of body types and daily workloads varied, but the operators reported fuel savings of up to 16%.
"The London trial was a great success for Fuso," comments Sam Whittaker, director of truck sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz UK.
"As a result of intensive vehicle monitoring, we learnt a great deal not only about the technology, but also about our customers' needs and expectations. The trial demonstrated, in real-life, everyday conditions, the fuel savings and environmental improvements that can be achieved."
