Fuso has introduced the second generation Canter Eco-Hybrid to the Australian market earlier today at a function in Sydney.
Fuso has been manufacturing hybrid trucks since 2006 and selling them in Australia since 2009.
“Our customers’ experiences over a long period of time have clearly demonstrated that our 1st generation hybrid technology was capable of constantly saving significant amounts of fuel in both city and suburban applications, not only in Australia, but internationally as well. Tests conducted with Star Track Express resulted in the Eco-Hybrid saving an average in excess of 30% compared to their diesel only Canters” said Richard Eyre, General Manager for Fuso Trucks & Buses in Australia.
With more than one thousand Fuso Canter Eco-Hybrid trucks driving the world daily, Fuso has been able to accumulate vast quantities of invaluable data from more than five years of field experience. This data has been instrumental in the development and design of this new model.
While the first generation hybrid proved that the technology worked and demonstrated significant fuel savings, the second generation Canter Eco-Hybrid has been designed not only to offer customers a truck with superior environmentally friendly credentials, but also a more affordable and financially sound transport solution – which is achieved through its fuel saving performance and more attractive purchase price.
In short… the new Fuso Canter Eco-Hybrid is not just a truck that appeals to a niche group of environmentally conscious customers. Rather, it is a practical solution that has been developed for the mass market, appealing to a much wider range of trucks customers because it’s not only cleaner than a diesel only truck, but its return on investment makes economic business sense!
The new 2nd generation Canter Eco-Hybrid is based on the same parallel hybrid system used in the 1st generation Canter Eco-Hybrid which incorporates a diesel engine and an electric motor.
Depending on the driving needs, the system can actively switch between either power source, or use them both together, to ensure optimal performance.
Fuso said many of the core components have been greatly improved over those used in the 1st Generation Eco-Hybrid and many of them can already be found in Fuso’s Euro5 diesel only Canter range.
The 4P10 3L engine was developed for its ability to reduce fuel consumption in order to reduce operating costs and minimise its impact on the environment.
Fuso say fuel economy is so good that it already met the 2015 Japanese fuel economy standard when it was first introduced into the Canter range in 2010.
“This engine not only meets Euro 5 emission requirements… it exceeds it and surpasses the rating requirements for Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicles (EEV) classification,” say Fuso.
The introduction of the more powerful and cleaner 4P10 EEV compliant diesel engine and a more powerful electric motor results in a more pleasurable driving experience and there is no longer a power disadvantage between the Eco-Hybrid and its equivalent diesel only model Canter (110kW vs. 96kW and 40kW vs. 35kW used in 1st generation Eco-Hybrid).
The smooth DUONIC dual clutch AMT also features in the new Canter.
The location of the clutch pack between the diesel engine and electric motor is critical in the Eco-Hybrids design.
It allows the clutch to regulate and control the hybrid system by engaging and disengaging the diesel engine and/or electric motor depending on whether they are required or not.
Together with the high performance, long lasting lithium-ion battery, this allows the Canter Eco-Hybrid to take off using the electric motor only.
An Idle Stop/Start system (ISS) allows the driver to turn the diesel engine off and on at traffic lights. When switched on, ISS is automatic and triggered by the brake pedal. The engine switches itself off when the driver places their foot on the brake pedal and the truck comes to a complete stop and it restarts as soon as they lift their foot off the brake pedal in preparation to take off. The ISS system allows for even further fuel consumption savings and reduced emissions.
The hybrid system has improved in several significant ways. The Electric motor now develops / generates more power. Peak power has increased to 40 kW from 35 kW and peak torque is available from 0 rpm to 2000rpm, an increase of over 400 rpm in range. These upgrades allow the motor to capture and re-use more braking energy. The motor is now oil cooled rather than water cooled.
The battery retains its lithium ion type but has significantly improved internals. The new battery also includes a “G” sensor to detect a crash and cut battery power.
The new Hybrid also comes with Canters 30,000km service intervals. The Lithium Ion battery and whole hybrid system is guaranteed for 10 years, meaning there is no additional costs or maintenance to the business to consider.
The Fuso Eco-Hybrid is designed to deliver its best results in stop/start traffic conditions and low to medium speed applications.